Comcast Offers Free Cable to Ease Digital TV Transition

Hoping to snag new customers in advance of the shutdown of analog TV signals next February, Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) is offering free basic cable for a year to dwellings that also sign up for at least one more of its services – voice or Internet.

Those who don’t take an additional service pay $10 a month for a year. Basic cable in most areas, says Comcast, has 20-30 channels, including broadcast (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Univision, PBS), shopping and local neighborhood public television channels.

For the estimated 13 million households in the U.S. that have analog TV sets and use rabbit ears to receive programming, there are three ways to get ready for the transition. They can subscribe to cable or another video service provider, buy a new digital TV, or purchase a government approved TV converter box.

Comcast basic cable does not require the purchase of any new equipment for cable-ready TVs, so consumers can continue to use their existing TVs and remote controls. Since no antenna is needed, the cableco says, choosing cable also eliminates the worry about potential reception problems associated with using an antenna following the transition.

“The simple fact is that basic cable is the easiest path through the digital transition and now consumers can get it for free,” said Derek Harrar, general manager and senior vice-president of video services for Comcast, in prepared comments. “With one call to 1-800-COMCAST, we can professionally install basic cable service on every cable-ready TV and will deliver more channels with no new boxes, no new remote, no antennas and no reception issues.”

For those looking to add a second Comcast service to basic cable, the operator offers Comcast Digital Voice Local with More, which offers unlimited local calling and 12 popular calling features including enhanced voice mail for $24.95 per month. Economy Internet service provides speeds up to 13 times faster than dial-up for $24.95 per month.

Comcast has also created a dedicated Web site with an interactive tool that provides a personalized action plan based on specific needs of the consumer.

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