Comcast 2014 Annual Report Download - page 19

Table of Contents
where they provide only high
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speed Internet and phone services. In May 2014, AT&T, our largest phone company competitor,
announced its intention to acquire DirecTV, the nation’
s largest DBS provider. If completed, this transaction will create an even
larger competitor for our cable services that will have the ability to expand its cable service offerings to include bundled wireless
offerings.
Other Wireline Providers
Federal law prohibits franchising authorities from unreasonably denying requests for additional franchises, and it permits franchising
authorities to operate cable systems. In addition to phone companies, various other companies, including those that traditionally
have not provided video services and have significant financial resources, have obtained cable franchises and provide competing
cable services. These and other cable 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 video 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.
Online Video Services
We may also compete with online services from digital distributors that offer Internet video streaming and downloading of movies,
television shows and other video programming and in some cases charge a nominal or no fee. A number of companies also have
announced plans to launch online video services that will reportedly include both linear and on-
demand programming and one
traditional provider of cable services has begun to offer smaller packages of programming networks directly to customers over the
Internet at prices lower than our traditional video service package offerings. Some content providers also are beginning to offer
programming directly to customers over the Internet for a nominal fee. Additionally, we may compete with consumer electronic
companies that sell Internet-
connected TVs or gaming consoles that provide a user interface for searching television and other
programming 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 and On Demand services.
Other
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 video rental services and home entertainment and gaming products.
High-Speed Internet Services
We compete with a number of companies offering Internet services, many of which have substantial resources, including:
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wireline phone companies
•
Internet service providers
•
wireless phone companies and other providers of wireless Internet service
•
satellite broadband providers
•
power companies
•
municipal broadband networks
Comcast 2014 Annual Report on Form 10
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