Comcast Streaming Launches New Internet TV Service for Cord Cutters

Comcast announced the launch of its new streaming service Monday, allowing Comcast Internet subscribers to have access to HBO and standard television.

The service called Stream will cost $15 per month and provide access to shows and movies on HBO and around a dozen other standard broadcast networks, Comcast announced, according to CNET. It will launch in Boston by the end of the summer, and then move to Seattle and Chicago. By 2016, the plan is for the service to be available everywhere.

The service also provides TV Everywhere, allowing access to content on several devices anywhere at any time; Streampix, which offers on-demand streaming of movies and shows; and a cloud DVR service to record up to 20 hours of content.

Beyond HBO, no other cable-only channels will be offered. Subscribers to the Comcast app will also not be able to stream the service to their television sets directly, The New York Times reported.

Subscription and cancellation occurs online and does not require visits from technicians, Matthew Strauss, Comcast Cable’s executive vice president and general manager of video service, told The Times.

The “cord cutters” movement is growing, especially among the younger generations, as more people ditch paying for cable and instead opt for online content providers such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

“Clearly, there are changes that are happening in the market,” Strauss told the newspaper. “Not everybody is going to want a full pay-TV bundle.”

In the future, if Stream goes well, people may be able to add cable channels with an extra fee, according to Strauss.

Comcast has already begun to offer slim packages for those who are leaning in this direction. The Internet Plus bundle offers a smaller range of channels for $40 to $50 a month, and Xfinity on Campus provides content for college students to watch on their computers and mobile devices.

Satellite provider Dish Network launched Sling TV, which offers 20 channels and add-ons for an extra $5 each. Standard broadcast networks are not included.

Twitter users shared their thoughts on the announcements, and most do not appear too enthused about the launch:

@engadget Or just get Hulu and Netflix for the same price.

— Kenny (@Simple_Pixel) July 13, 2015

@Simple_Pixel @engadget The boringest Subscriptions ever

— Brandon (@BrandonFrancoHD) July 14, 2015

@TechCrunch not impressed - stick with an antenna and go Sling TV if you must! It is a half step in the right direction though!

— Adam Cavaliere (@AdamCavaliere) July 13, 2015

@mashable clever, now if you google stream they will come up. If you "stream", they r trying to brand the word stream

— Kurt Attard (@KurtsViews) July 13, 2015

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