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Comcast stream will 'cannibalize' MSO's core video services, analyst says

Stream is being most closely compared to Dish Network's (NASDAQ: DISH) Sling TV, which has reportedly gathered around 250,000 subscribers since debuting in early February. The $20-a-month Sling TV features top cable channels such as ESPN, TNT and AMC, but no broadcast networks. It streams through any broadband connection, and it's compatible with living-room OTT devices such as Roku, Apple TV and Xbox One, in addition to iOS and Android mobile platforms.

"This service is part of a larger trend of pay-TV providers trying to come to terms with the new world of video service competition," says Brett Sappington, director of research at Parks Associates. "In offering access to a small set of linear channels, Comcast's new service is similar to Dish Network's Sling TV. Unlike Sling TV, however, Stream will only be available to Xfinity internet customers and not to the general public. Bell Canada's CraveTV is an example of another OTT video service from an operator that is only available to current pay-TV or broadband subscribers."

From the article "Comcast stream will 'cannibalize' MSO's core video services, analyst says" by Daniel Frankel.

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