Comcast's WiMax Bundle Challenges AT&T and Verizon: Strategy Analytics

Recently, Comcast announced that the company will partner with Clearwire to offer a new Internet package that will bundle Clearwire’s WiMAX mobile broadband with Comcast’s (News - Alert) cable Internet. The analyst firm Strategy Analytics said this new agreement will put new pressure on competitors AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

 

Comcast introduced WiMAX (News - Alert)-based services using Clearwire’s network in Portland, Ore. The company has bundled the offering with its fixed line internet, phone and television products. The Metro service card from Comcast comes with a WiMAX-only data card. For $49.99, this card includes 12Mbps fixed line internet, a Wi-Fi router and 4Mbps download speeds over the wireless network.

 

According to the Strategy Analytics (News - Alert) report, Comcast’s success will greatly depend on its ability to lure the customers before the big players hit back with similar or more attractive plans. The weight of their combined mobile customer base, which numbers around 165 million subscribers, could be difficult to handle, the company said.

 

“Our latest U.S. broadband survey research puts Comcast near the bottom in overall customer satisfaction,” said Ben Piper, director of the strategy analytics multiplay market dynamics service, in a statement. “Strategy Analytics sees the launch of High-Speed 2go as a net positive for Comcast customers, and—if executed correctly—a potential churn-mitigation tool for the company. Clearwire (News - Alert) has its work cut out for it.”

 

As the 4G network is now limited to a few small and medium-sized market, Comcast can succeed by quickly rolling out its 4G network along with Clearwire. According to Strategy Analytics, the number of people using mobile broadband on notebooks and netbooks can rise to more than double in the next two years, offering companies like Comcast a great opportunity to tap the market.

 

The company recently announced its multiplay market dynamics service department’s latest research effort uncovered that, if given an option, nearly 50 percent of American citizens are ready to drop their mobile data plan completely. However, 90 percent of respondents said will definitely retain their home broadband services. Research analysts at the firm claim that the primary reasons for this new trend are burgeoning household expenses.