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Comcast Stream: Where’s the value prop?

July 18, 2015

The service is being compared to DISH Network's $20-a-month Sling TV, which is a skinny TV package with about 20 cable networks in its core package.

"This service is part of a larger trend of pay-TV providers trying to come to terms with the new world of video service competition," says Brett Sappington, director of research at Parks Associates. "In offering access to a small set of linear channels, Comcast's new service is similar to Dish Network's Sling TV. Unlike Sling TV, however, Stream will only be available to Xfinity internet customers and not to the general public. Bell Canada's CraveTV is an example of another OTT video service from an operator that is only available to current pay-TV or broadband subscribers."

However, Stream is mostly focused on offering broadcast network access — a differentiator in the OTT world when paired with an array of cable nets. As it is, the service is basically replicating what people can get over-the-air for free with an antennae, only accessible via Web and mobile. And, it’s not true OTT, because to access it requires that the customer also be an Xfinity broadband subscriber.

From the article "Comcast Stream: Where’s the value prop?" by Michelle Clancy.

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