Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) customers can now enjoy high speed Internet service at certain Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Green Line stations. This leading cable Multiple System Operator (MSO) is the first company to provide WiFi services to its customers in America’s oldest subway.
This service will be available to customers on the platforms at North Station, Haymarket, Park Street, Boylston, Arlington, Copley, Prudential, Symphony, Hynes Convention Center and Kenmore. Additionally, Comcast customers can enjoy high speed Internet service at many outdoor stations of MBTA Green Line.
In the month of March, the company declared its target of creating in excess of 300,000 WiFi hotspots across New England and more than 8 million WiFi hotspots in the U.S. by the end of 2014.
Cable MSOs throughout the U.S. are facing intense competition from telecom operators, satellite TV providers and online video streaming service providers. Roaming WiFi connectivity is likely to present a huge opportunity for cable MSOs to minimize their respective customer churn rates. In addition to retail consumers, business enterprises are also likely to act as major growth accelerators for mobile WiFi hotspot services.
Comcast is also focusing on enhancing its portfolio of offerings, such as the nationwide rollout of X1 services, various home security services and introduction of new contents for multi-platform on-demand services. The next-generation Web-capable platform called X1 offers a hybrid IP/QAM video gateway with an advanced user interface and the ability to port third-party apps that tie into a cloud-based infrastructure.
In addition, the company is planning to acquire rival Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) which is expected to strengthen its foothold in the U.S. pay-TV market. Comcast is expected to derive a significant $1.5 billion of operating synergy from this merger of which 50% may be realized within the first year of completion of the merger.
Comcast currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Other Stock to Consider
Better-ranked stocks worth considering in this sector include Cablevision Systems Corporation (CVC) and Shaw Communications, Inc. (SJR). Both the stocks hold a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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