Cable TV Looks for Ways to Further Compete With Rivals

After coming up with the "triple-play" bundling of telephone, internet, and television service, cable companies are attempting to do even more to compete with satellite, internet, and telephone companies.  Where are cable companies looking to expand?

Video on demand.  Cox might have come up with a solution of offering VOD while including revenue-generating ads.  Cox and Walt Disney Co., in a test in California, plan to offer prime-time programs and college football games on demand, but Cox will disable the fast-forward option that allows viewers to skip ads. If the test is a success, Cox could possibly roll this out nationwide. 

Cellphone Service. Some cable companies such as Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, and Advance/Newhouse Communications are offering cellphone service in some markets with Sprint/Nextel.  Cellphones also let cable companies offer unique services such as the ability to program their home DVR with their cellphone. 

Business Phone Service.  Most big cable companies are offering or will offer telephone service to companies and small-business owners. 

Unified Messaging. This year Comast plans to roll out "SmartZone," a website where customers who subscribe to all three of its services can check their voicemail online, send instant messages, send and receive email, and create a customizable address book. 

Advanced Advertising. The shows you like might come with advertising for the specific products you like, with the technology in place to do that on television. 

Video Gaming.  Part of the exhibit hall at this year's Cable Show was exclusively dedicated to video games.  It could, however, be a few more years before cable companies get more serious about it.

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