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July 1, 2010
2010 Top OPS Awards: Leadership Award: Comcast
Dictionaries may not include Comcast among the definitions of leadership, but within cable the MSO is undoubtedly leading the charge on several fronts, be it technology, advanced services or multi-platform programming.
Numerous initiatives have Comcast’s innovative tech basket bursting at the seams. It was the 1st cable op to offer mobile broadband, its footprint-wide conversion to all-digital is moving rapidly and its rollout of DOCSIS 3.0 is more than 80% complete.
Then there’s the MSO’s forthcoming iPad app that will allow the device to interface with set-tops. It’s "a true game changer for the industry," says BTIG’s Richard Greenfield, adding that it could represent "the beginning of the most important technical enhancement to multichannel video provider offerings in a long, long time."
Comcast’s also leading in the delivery of EBIF-based apps such as Caller ID on the TV and HSN’s Shop by Remote. It’s expected soon to help pilot the use of interactive ads through Canoe. "From our perspective, Comcast was a leader in going to market with products based on the EBIF spec, helping drive CableLabs to finish an industry-consensus version of the spec," says Don Dulchinos, CableLabs’ SVP, Advertising and Interactive Services.
Of course Comcast’s leadership in programming begins with it being the 1st operator to launch a comprehensive TV Everywhere offering. Its Fancast Xfinity TV initially featured some 27 partner-networks. That hasn’t stopped the MSO from ramping up its VOD slate, which features more than 10K content pieces, or innovating in the space.
Particularly cool programs include Comcast’s partnership with HBO earlier this year to offer special on demand content surrounding the miniseries The Pacific and Red Sox On Demand, which allows New Englanders to delve deeper into their beloved ball club. On the emerging 3D front, Comcast featured ground-breaking telecasts of portions of The Masters this spring and was first to ink a carriage deal for ESPN 3D. To top it all off, the MSO bid for control of NBCU in a shrewd deal that would add cable nets and a broadcaster to its portfolio. The deal could also increase its leverage in programming negotiations.
Fast Facts
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If/when Comcast and NBCU combine, quarterly revenue is expected to total some $13.5bln (based on 1Q data) with contributions from more than 25 cable nets.
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As of Mar 31, Comcast counted nearly 19mln subs who received at least 1 digital service, tallying more than 80% penetration.
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Comcast SportsNet Washington (+19.7%) and New England (+15.1%) led all RSNs in ’09 revenue growth, according to Kagan.
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