Comcast and Netflix haven’t always been on the best terms. In the past, Comcast, along with other internet service providers (ISPs), has been accused of throttling the bandwidth connections of customers who use the popular streaming video service. It appears the two companies have since put aside their differences, however, as Comcast will soon offer a cable package that’s bundled with Netflix.
According to The Verge, select cable packages sold by Comcast will include Netflix at no additional charge later this month. With millions of U.S. consumers ditching their cable TV service in favor of cheaper streaming services, Comcast, Netflix is often viewed as a threat to Comcast’s business. As a result, Comcast has slowed down the connections of customers who use Netflix. But in 2014, the two companies struck a deal, allowing Netflix to connect directory to Comcast’s broadband network rather than going through intermediary servers, thus delivering faster speeds to Netflix users.
In 2016, Comcast further mended ties with its once-rival competitor by providing Netflix with access to its all-in-one X1 platform. This allowed Comcast customers with the X1 set-top box to watch Netflix without using any third-party hardware or software.
Now, Comcast customers who enjoy binge-watching TV shows and movies on Netflix can purchase a cable package with the streaming service already included. According to Comcast, nearly half of its X1 customers watch Netflix. Comcast is able to identify usage rates because of the deal it signed with Netflix in 2014. With Netflix pre-installed on the X1 set-top box, Comcast can see exactly who watches Netflix and how often they watch it. Apparently, enough cable customers were watching Netflix to prompt Comcast to include the service in its cable packages.
Comcast has positioned worked aggressively to position itself as the leading provider of streaming video. Statistics show that the California-based company has more than 117 million paid subscribers, nearly half of which are located in the United States. One of the reasons for its success is Netflix’s long lineup of original programming. In 2016, Netflix released 126 original shows and movies, making it the undisputed leader of original programming. With Comcast planning to include Netflix in select cable packages, Comcast will likely continue to dominate the streaming video market.
Dil Bole Oberoi
