Comcast is [again] the lowest ranked internet service
provider in the country. As the only viable
broadband provider in some markets, customers pay up but do not necessarily
shut up.
Jealousy could be a factor in their anger. In Google Fiber markets like Kansas City,
Austin, and Provo, subscribers pay $70/month for 1-gig internet access (or $130
for internet and TV). In AT&T
GigaPower markets, 1 gig internet speed is available for $70/month or $110/month. (The price is lower in markets where Google
Fiber is a competitor.)
Where is Comcast with its mega-speed internet service? Well, in 2015, it rolled out GigaPro in just six
markets [to counter Google Fiber and/or AT&T’s GigaPower and/or a municipality
like EPB in Chattanooga]. The 2-gigabit
per second service, however, costs customers $1,000 upfront and $300/month for
24-months, and its only available to customers who live in close proximity to
the company’s fiber network. But, this
strategy appears to be a stop-gap measure to stem erosion of share in
vulnerable markets. The grander plan is
the widespread deployment of the DOCSIS 3.1 modem that, in early testing, has
shown the ability to substantially increase the amount of data transfer Comcast
can manage over its existing cable
TV network. If the modem change-out works
successfully, Comcast will be able to launch the service nationwide much more
quickly and much more cost effectively than building/upgrading its network. Will Comcast price and deliver the service in
a way that will finally make customers happy? Let’s see.
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