As of now, when we are approaching 2021 amid a global pandemic, Xfinity (previously known as Comcast) has its footmark in over 40 states. With the maximum number of subscribers, Comcast Xfinity ranks number one followed by Spectrum when it comes to the telecommunication industry. Not to forget the fact that it is one of the most challenging times for the cable industry as a whole to survive. Internet and constant development in technical aspects of information and entertainment factions. Most commonly seen in the form of apps, streaming services, free online content, availability to access offline content, and so much more that makes cable service to appear as an expensive commodity today.
Here, however, we are going to walk through a brief timeline of the cable industry before the arrival of Comcast. It will give us an idea, how the industry transformed before and after 1981 when Comcast was founded. So, without further delay, let’s get to it:
- In 1969 Comcast relocated to Philadelphia and renamed itself Comcast Corporation. The primary growth was driven by tactical investments in competing cable systems, which included Group W Cable and Storer Communications in 1986 and 1988 respectively.
- In the era of 1984, the premium service subscriptions started to reduce, it went further than to 87% because of the collision of video rentals. With that, old providers in the market including DBS and USCI came to an end for not having a sufficient amount of subscribers to survive.
- On the other hand, Comcast established a service called DBS, Satellite Television Corporation of America declare many plans to supply the wireless services of cable. Though, Harold Greene streamlined the agreement that split up AT&T. The different suppliers of the network partitioned the system into mainly 7 RBOCs (Regional Bell Operating Companies). The business analysis and long-distance carrier continue to be AT&T.
- The global law that influences the cable industry is called The Cable Communication Policy Act which is already been passed it decreased the amount of regulation, and at the same time, provides new and updated programming facilities.
- .BET was established by ACTS (American Christian Television System) on May 15 which has already become an independent programming service in the daytime. However, it variates its format of six hours. Another one was launched on 6th December by AP News Plus. This includes the updated services with those high-quality graphics having 16 colors and 90 pages on the screen at the exact time.
- AMC was established by a very famous Rainbow Programming on October 1st. It is an upgraded service from all the above since it provides a 24/7 cable network. It further took completely the rule sports vision to become sports channel Chicago which was later called FOX sports net Chicago. This includes a live stream of the White Sox of Chicago.
- One of the best things, it is a pocket-friendly replacement to off-premises or at-home converters was being tested by Addressable frequency. Companies were not able to supply innovative services as they’ve said earlier. Troubles with cheap, authentic technology having a low-level relationship with customers that led to financial hardships.
- MTV network was purchased by Viacom for $690 million. MSOs started investing in different networks which include discovery networks etc. Overlapping the services becomes disputable.
- The national cable, television, and museum are set up at Pennsylvania state university.
- FCC law enables cable operators to transfer signals to the local broadcast. The violence against right was first held by the court. NCTA established a national academy of cable to promote cable programming.
- Two pay-per-viewers choice, request TV, and view services were launched by the Discovery Channel. soft music streams were launched by VH1 on January 1.
Conclusive Notes
Comcast which is now re-branded and popularly known as Xfinity came into being in 1981. Before that, it was driven through investments only. The timeline we shared above, gives us an idea that there was no technical support like we have today. The laws and cable industry were also evolving but Comcast made its place and survived through everything. The challenges today might look inescapable but no challenge was insignificant in any era, through the 4 or 5 years but till today, it somehow managed to rank above all.
