Comcast Is Just Not That Into You, Netflix
The country’s largest cable company Comcast has announced that it has no interest in offering Netflix to its Xfinity subscribers, regardless of whether it’s in the form of an on-demand service or a billing partnership. Netflix has been contacting major cable companies in an attempt to reach partnership agreements, but has been unsuccessful in negotiations. Without a partnership with Comcast, the country’s largest cable provider, deals with other major cable companies would be limited. Netflix has transformed itself from a potential threat to cable companies to a premium cable channel that no one seems to want.
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Netflix is looking to make its service available as part of the monthly cable bill and increase its subscriber base by striking a deal with cable companies. But Comcast simply isn’t interested. The cable company giant already offers its 22.3 million Xfinity subscribers a Netflix-like streaming service in Streampix, which allows customers to stream 75,000 television shows and movies on multiple devices in and outside of the home. More importantly, Streampix service starts at $4.99 and is available as a part of some high-end cable packages. Meanwhile, Netflix is still available for $7.99 a month.
According to media analysts, the appeal of a partnership with Netflix is diminishing as many satellite and phone companies are launching their own Netflix-like services. Comcast’s competitor Dish Network is working with Blockbuster to develop a streaming service, while Verizon has teamed up with Redbox on their own streaming joint venture as well.
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To contact the reporter on this story: Diallah Haidar at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com
