Comcast 2012 Annual Report Download - page 17

Table of Contents
provide data transmission speeds that exceed those that can be provided with DSL technology and are now offering these higher-
speed services in many of our service areas. The FCC has reduced the obligations of phone companies to offer their broadband
facilities on a wholesale or retail basis to competitors, and it has freed their DSL services of common carrier regulation.
Various wireless companies are offering Internet services using a variety of types of networks, including 3G and 4G wireless high
-
speed Internet networks (which employ LTE, WiMAX and other technology standards) and Wi-
Fi networks. Some of these services
are similar to ours. These networks work with devices such as wireless data cards and wireless embedded devices, such as
smartphones, laptops, tablets and mobile wireless routers that connect to such embedded devices. In addition, a growing number of
commercial venues, such as retail malls, restaurants and airports, offer Wi-
Fi service. Numerous local governments are also
considering or actively pursuing publicly subsidized Wi-Fi and other Internet access networks.
Voice Services
Our voice services compete against wireline phone companies, including competitive local exchange carriers (“CLECs”),
wireless
phone service providers and other VoIP service providers, such as Vonage. Certain phone companies, such as AT&T and Verizon,
have substantial capital and other resources, longstanding customer relationships, and extensive existing facilities and network
rights-of-way. A few CLECs also have existing local networks and significant financial resources.
Business Services
Our business services primarily compete with a variety of phone companies, including CLECs. These companies either operate their
own network infrastructure or rely on reselling another carrier’
s network. We also compete with satellite operators who provide video
offerings for businesses.
NBCUniversal Segments
Cable Networks and Broadcast Television
Our cable networks, broadcast television networks and owned local broadcast television stations compete for viewers’
attention and
audience share with all forms of programming provided to viewers, including cable, broadcast and premium networks, local
broadcast television stations, home entertainment, pay-per-view and video-on-
demand services, online activities, including digital
distribution services and websites that provide social networking and user-
generated content, and other forms of entertainment,
news and information.
Our cable networks, broadcast television networks and owned local broadcast television stations compete for the acquisition of
programming and for on-
air and creative talent with other cable and broadcast networks and local television stations. The market for
programming is very competitive, particularly for sports programming, where the cost for such programming is significant.
Our cable networks compete with other cable networks for distribution by multichannel video providers. Our broadcast television
networks compete with the other broadcast networks in markets across the United States to secure affiliations with independently
owned television stations, which are necessary to ensure the effective distribution of network programming to a nationwide audience.
In addition, our cable networks and broadcast television production operations compete with other production companies and
creators of content for the acquisition of story properties, creative, performing and technical personnel, and with distributors for their
content and consumer interest in their content.
Comcast 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K
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