Comcast historically capitalized on a lack of competition for high-speed wired broadband. But now it faces stronger competition from fixed wireless providers and from fiber providers in parts of its cable territory.
“Fixed wireless remains aggressive and continues to take share, while fiber construction remains elevated, with pockets of irrational pricing and promotional activity,” Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said today in an earnings call.
Comcast CFO Jason Armstrong said “irrational pricing” from fiber operators includes $30 to $40 monthly broadband offers “in specific markets in the third quarter.” He said $30 to $40 pricing is irrational because deploying fiber costs $1,500 or more per home, and is “getting more expensive with construction costs up as you get into more suburban and rural areas.” [...]
Armstrong said more Comcast customers are leaving when they face “pricing transitions,” apparently referring to the price hikes customers get when promotional offers expire. “We’ve been refining our offers and retention strategies to better manage these transitions and strengthen customer retention,” he said. [...]
“Fixed wireless remains aggressive and continues to take share, while fiber construction remains elevated, with pockets of irrational pricing and promotional activity,” Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said today in an earnings call.
Comcast CFO Jason Armstrong said “irrational pricing” from fiber operators includes $30 to $40 monthly broadband offers “in specific markets in the third quarter.” He said $30 to $40 pricing is irrational because deploying fiber costs $1,500 or more per home, and is “getting more expensive with construction costs up as you get into more suburban and rural areas.” [...]
Armstrong said more Comcast customers are leaving when they face “pricing transitions,” apparently referring to the price hikes customers get when promotional offers expire. “We’ve been refining our offers and retention strategies to better manage these transitions and strengthen customer retention,” he said. [...]
Fewer Jobs, More AI Agents
It appears likely that job cuts will affect Comcast’s famously frustrating customer service division, replacing some number of humans with AI agents that already handle some customer interactions. “As personal AI agents reshape how consumers discover, purchase, and manage services, we’re positioning Comcast to capitalize on that shift,” Armstrong said.
It appears likely that job cuts will affect Comcast’s famously frustrating customer service division, replacing some number of humans with AI agents that already handle some customer interactions. “As personal AI agents reshape how consumers discover, purchase, and manage services, we’re positioning Comcast to capitalize on that shift,” Armstrong said.
by Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica | Read more:
Image: Getty Images | Smith Collection/Gado
[ed. Comcast/Xfinity has been ripping off its captive audience for decades. Anybody shedding a single tear for them today? Ha! They upped my monthly internet bill by $10 in August, then another $10 in September, one month later. Guess they thought people on autopay wouldn't notice. I went in and told them I was leaving for a new fiber service in town and they promptly halved my bill.]
