Comcast (CMCSA) was all excited about its earnings. Revenue rose ot $7.4 billion and operating income to $1.3 billion. The dreaded "triple play" of voice, cable TV, and broadband did well. Cable revenue rose 12% to $7 billion as the company added 644,000 new digital cable subscribers.
But, the really impressive number in the earnings was the voice customer increase. The company added 571,000 new VoIP customers. Those probably came right over from the phone companies. Comcast’s voice service is now marketed to 35 million homes representing 73% Comcast’s service footprint
But, that is not the worst news for the Bells. Comcast’s CEO today said that it expects its phone service penetration to hit 20% by the end of 2009. That is seven million customers if Comcast does not increase the number of homes where it can sell the service.
AT&T (T) and especially Verizon (VZ) keep saying that their new fiber-to-the-home services will eventually take millions of customers from the cable companies. But, someone has to be wrong. Very wrong.
Comcasts cannot end up with over seven million voice customers while the phone companies add millions of "triple play" customers that they would have to take from the cable operators.
The math don’t work.
Douglas A. McIntyre
Essential Tips for Investing (Sponsored)
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
