Comcast 2013 Annual Report Download - page 19

Table of Contents
systems offer cable services in some areas where we hold franchises. We anticipate that facilities-
based competitors may emerge
in other franchise areas that we serve.
Satellite Master Antenna Television Systems
Our cable services also compete for customers with SMATV systems. SMATV system operators typically are not subject to
regulation in the same manner as local, franchised cable system operators. SMATV systems offer their subscribers both improved
reception of local broadcast television stations and much of the programming offered by our cable systems. In addition, some
SMATV system operators offer packages of video, Internet and phone services to residential and business subscribers.
Other
We may also compete with newer online services from digital distributors that enable Internet video streaming and downloading of
movies, television shows and other video programming and in some cases charge a nominal or no fee. Additionally, we may
compete with consumer electronic companies that sell Internet-
connected TVs or gaming consoles that provide their own user
interface for searching TV programs and offer links to various third-
party apps. The success of these newer services could
negatively impact demand for our video services, including for our DVR, premium network, On Demand and streaming services.
Our cable services also may compete for customers with other companies, such as local broadcast television stations that provide
multiple channels of free over-the-
air programming, as well as newer services that provide programming from such broadcasts
online for a fee, as well as video rental services and home entertainment products.
High-Speed Internet Services
We compete with a number of companies offering Internet services, many of which have substantial resources, including:
Digital subscriber line (“DSL”)
technology allows Internet access to be provided to customers over phone lines at data transmission
speeds substantially greater than those of dial-
up modems. Phone companies and certain other companies offer DSL service, and
several of these companies have increased data transmission speeds, lowered prices or created bundled service packages. In
addition, some phone companies, such as AT&T, Verizon and CenturyLink, have built and are continuing to build fiber-optic-
based
networks that allow them to 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. Additionally, Google recently launched high-
speed Internet
services in a limited number of areas.
Various wireless companies are offering Internet services using a variety of network types, including 3G and 4G wireless high
-
speed Internet networks 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
•
wireline phone companies
•
Internet service providers
•
wireless phone companies and other providers of wireless Internet service
•
power companies
•
municipal broadband networks
Comcast 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K
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