It is all adding up…either to become a complete mismash, or a complete convergence, depending on who you speak to. Anyway, TV programmers view the entry of telephone companies into the cable-TV business with one eyebrow arched: It sounds like a great idea, but they’re awfully late to the game. Others in the TV industry note that phone companies have more incentive to offer video services now that cable companies are offering phone services.
Story 2: Meanwhile, in another WSJ story, cable giants are now thinking of entering into wireless: the nation’s biggest cable providers are discussing the formation of a JV…members of the informal consortium include Comcast, Time Warner’s cable division, Cox, Charter and Advance/Newhouse Communications. Cable companies envision offering a wide range of new cellphone applications by integrating the service with other broadband offerings…
Story 3: On a more micro level, Verizon and SBC are getting ready to offer video programming in several markets… In an early content coup, Verizon already has ESPN and HBO in its lineup, as well as basic channels such as CNN, Fox and MSNBC.
Meanwhile, SBC is expected to announce it has hired Dan York, a former Home Box Office executive, to run its VOD strategy and make content acquisitions (I heard Dan speak at Digital Hollywood last month, and have to say, was impressed..he had just left InDemand then). SBC will begin offering video service to pilot customers as soon as six months from now.
Read all three stories in full….
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