Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) Could Launch TV Streaming Service in Q4

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Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) Could Launch TV Streaming Service in Q4

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is preparing a TV streaming service called Xfinity Instant TV. According to Comcast’s top video executive Matt Strauss, this streaming service will be launched later this year. The package will include local broadcast channels, a cloud DVR and a premium channel for $15 per month, Strauss said in an interview with Chicago Tribune.

Comcast is looking to become more than just a pay-TV service.

“We don’t see ourselves as a cable company,” Strauss said during the interview. “We see ourselves as a technology and communication-entertainment company, much more in the consideration set of Apple and Google than more of the traditional cable and satellite providers.”

Strauss said that the company sees a great value in “bundling everything from video and high-speed internet to” a wireless phone network.

“We think the real value is in the bundle, in our ability to deliver high-speed data, video, voice, home security, home automation. So it’s the bundling of those products and services that we think is a real differentiator, and it’s also where we think we can provide the most value to our customers,” Strauss told the newspaper.

Xfinity Instant TV is expected to be a strong competitor to streaming services like Sling TV, PlayStation Vue, and DirecTV Now. However, the service will only be available to households already subscribed to Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) internet service.

Typically, over-the-top “means you’re delivering video on a national basis. We are not focused on delivering a national over-the-top service. We’re very focused on delivering products and services within the markets that we serve today, like Chicago,” Strauss said.

Xfinity Instant TV is expected to be launched sometime in the fourth quarter. We think that the cable giant will announce the streaming service in late October or early November.

Meanwhile, shares of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) closed down 0.03% on Monday. The stock is up nearly 13% so far this year. During the last 12 months, CMCSA has gained more than 26%.