Mark Holtz
10-26-03, 12:29 PM
Bits and pieces from the SF Gate (may appear out of context):
Comcast filling in the gaps
Cable company laying missing links in the Bay Area's network
After years of delays by its predecessors, Comcast Corp. says it is finally on track for overhauling the Bay Area's archaic cable system by the end of 2004. The upgrades will not only allow Comcast to offer dozens of new stations (including the Learning Channel, Fox News and the Cartoon Network), but also release new products like high-speed Internet service, high-definition television and video on demand.
Analysts said Comcast has little choice. In order to keep customers from switching to satellite rivals, like Hughes Electronics' DirecTV and EchoStar Communications' Dish Network, they said Comcast needs to quickly offer additional channels and services in more neighborhoods.
Still, after so many years of neglect, many cities are clearly frustrated the job hasn't been completed earlier. Before Comcast took over, a series of owners, from AT&T to TCI, upgraded the system at a snail's pace. (AT&T blamed everything from obtaining permits to the energy crisis for slowing down its work, but it was also unwilling to spend as much as Comcast on the project.)
Moreover, to help pay for the upgrades, Comcast said it plans to raise its rates an average of 6 percent starting next month, prompting a wave of complaints from unhappy customers.
In the face of those complaints coupled with satellite competition, Comcast hopes upgrading its network as soon as possible will help keep most of its 1.6 million customers from fleeing.
Full article here (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/10/26/BUGIN2J2CL1.DTL)
Comcast filling in the gaps
Cable company laying missing links in the Bay Area's network
After years of delays by its predecessors, Comcast Corp. says it is finally on track for overhauling the Bay Area's archaic cable system by the end of 2004. The upgrades will not only allow Comcast to offer dozens of new stations (including the Learning Channel, Fox News and the Cartoon Network), but also release new products like high-speed Internet service, high-definition television and video on demand.
Analysts said Comcast has little choice. In order to keep customers from switching to satellite rivals, like Hughes Electronics' DirecTV and EchoStar Communications' Dish Network, they said Comcast needs to quickly offer additional channels and services in more neighborhoods.
Still, after so many years of neglect, many cities are clearly frustrated the job hasn't been completed earlier. Before Comcast took over, a series of owners, from AT&T to TCI, upgraded the system at a snail's pace. (AT&T blamed everything from obtaining permits to the energy crisis for slowing down its work, but it was also unwilling to spend as much as Comcast on the project.)
Moreover, to help pay for the upgrades, Comcast said it plans to raise its rates an average of 6 percent starting next month, prompting a wave of complaints from unhappy customers.
In the face of those complaints coupled with satellite competition, Comcast hopes upgrading its network as soon as possible will help keep most of its 1.6 million customers from fleeing.
Full article here (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/10/26/BUGIN2J2CL1.DTL)