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SusCom customers on verge of change(York Daily Record (PA) (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Apr. 26--Like "The Sopranos?" Want to watch one episode over and over again? You could have that option later this year, once Comcast Corp., the largest cable company in the United States, completes its purchase of Susquehanna Media's cable arm, Susquehanna Communications. In November, Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff announced the sale of its radio and cable assets. Philadelphia-based Comcast agreed to pay $775 million for Susquehanna Communications, which has about 225,000 cable subscribers nationwide. Comcast already owns 30 percent of SusCom. The transaction is expected to close before the end of June, at which point, analysts said, Comcast will begin to introduce its brand to customers in the area. Customers won't see their cable automatically shut off after the sale to Comcast. Changes will be implemented slowly. "It's our policy in all areas to communicate early and often," said Comcast spokesman Jeff Alexander. Alexander said he didn't want to speculate about exactly which options would be available to former SusCom customers, but industry analyst Todd Mitchell said Comcast is very consistent. Mitchell said some media companies offer different packages in every market, but Comcast keeps its programming options similar everywhere. The company serves 35 states and the District of Columbia. One of Comcast's most heavily advertised offerings is On Demand, a feature through which viewers can buy movies and watch them whenever they want during a 24-hour period. On Demand is only available to customers with Comcast Digital Cable. Alexander said network upgrades for On Demand might take some time to complete, but customers will have access to On Demand once the technology is in place. In Philadelphia, new movie releases viewed through the service cost $3.99 and other movies cost $2.99. On Demand also allows digital cable customers with premium channels -- such as HBO and Showtime -- to watch shows such as "The Sopranos" and "Huff" on those channels through On Demand whenever they like for no additional fee. The company's most popular digital package, Comcast Digital Silver, includes On Demand and a choice of one premium channel for $72.95 a month. Non-digital customers can choose basic service ($14.85), expanded service ($47.80) or a family tier of programming ($30.05), which includes 35 to 40 channels of family-friendly programming. In contrast, SusCom customers, according to SusCom's Web site, pay $70.53 for full-service digital cable and HBO. Deb St. Onge, a SusCom subscriber who lives in Spring Garden Township with her husband, Lucien, said she's hoping for more kids' programming with Comcast. She said her husband is concerned that Comcast might not carry the Philadelphia Flyers, and will instead show Pittsburgh or Washington hockey games. Alexander said it was too early to discuss details of how Comcast would operate once it has taken over SusCom. "We can explore these (details) once the transaction is completed and our teams have had the opportunity to roll their sleeves up and fully examine the operation," he said. Mitchell said Comcast would encourage customers to buy services in a bundle that includes high-speed Internet and phone service. |