Connectivity Chronicles #20241108

Media Trend: Prime Video's X-Ray Recaps

Amazon has introduced “X-Ray Recaps,” a new generative AI-powered feature on Prime Video that provides concise summaries of TV show seasons, episodes, and even parts of episodes. This feature aims to help viewers catch up without encountering spoilers, leveraging custom AI models built with Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker to analyze video, subtitles, and dialogue. Initially available in beta for Fire TV customers in the U.S., X-Ray Recaps will be accessible for all Amazon MGM Studios original titles and will expand to additional devices by the end of the year.

Telecom Market Analysis: Comcast's Cable Split Plans

Comcast is considering a potential separation of its cable networks business, including brands like Bravo, E!, and USA Network, into a new company owned by shareholders. However, NBC and Peacock would remain part of the main business. This decision comes amid declining traditional pay-TV subscriptions and increased focus on streaming services. The move aims to help Comcast better highlight growth in its broadband and streaming sectors, as analysts have long suggested separating NBCUniversal from its broadband business. While the separation could impact sports broadcasting deals, Comcast has not provided details on the potential timeline or structure. Analysts view the idea favorably, as it could unlock clearer growth in Comcast's core broadband business.

Media Spotlight: Disney+ Highlights Top 10 Picks

Disney+ has launched a new Top 10 feature, providing a daily list of the most popular movies and shows on the platform. This feature aims to help users discover trending content more easily, similar to the top 10 lists on Netflix and Prime Video. The Top 10 list is tailored to each subscriber based on their content rating settings, subscription plan, and location, ensuring a personalized viewing experience. This addition is expected to drive engagement by highlighting what’s currently popular among viewers. The Top 10 feature includes a mix of new releases and classic favorites, reflecting the diverse range of content available on Disney+. By showcasing trending titles, Disney+ hopes to reduce the time users spend searching for something to watch and increase overall satisfaction with the service.

Telecom Spotlight: AT&T's Fiber-5G Gateway

AT&T has introduced an integrated fiber and 5G gateway for business customers, available nationwide starting early next year. This converged device is designed for customers with fiber speeds of 1 Gbps or higher, providing seamless connectivity. In the event of a fiber outage, the gateway automatically switches to AT&T's 5G network and reverts when fiber service is restored. The device also features Wi-Fi 6E technology for faster speeds and reliable connections. AT&T is already rolling out the product in several states and sees this move as a step forward in enhancing connectivity for businesses.

Media Shift: Roku Hits 85M+ Households

Roku has reached 85.5 million streaming households, marking an increase of 2 million from the previous quarter. The platform also reported a 20% year-over-year rise in streaming hours, totaling 32 billion hours. This growth is driven by Roku’s expanding international presence and its ability to offer a diverse range of content. Despite the increase in streaming households, Roku announced it will stop reporting this metric starting in Q1 2025, shifting its focus to platform revenue and profitability.

Telecom Corner: Bell Canada Acquires Ziply

Bell Canada has announced its acquisition of Ziply Fiber for $3.65 billion, aiming to expand its North American fiber network to 12 million locations by 2028. This acquisition would make Bell the third-largest fiber provider in North America , with a combined 9 million fiber locations after including Ziply’s 1.3 million locations in the U.S. Ziply, which is focused on overbuilding its copper network in the Pacific Northwest, will continue to operate independently under Bell's ownership. Both companies plan to accelerate fiber deployment, with Ziply aiming to cover 80% of its footprint and Bell pushing for faster builds.

Media News: Nielsen Integrates Streaming Data

The Media Rating Council has approved Nielsen’s integration of first-party streaming data into its national TV ratings measurement, marking a significant advancement in audience measurement. This integration combines Nielsen’s traditional panel-based ratings with data from streaming services, providing a more comprehensive view of viewership. The council also renewed its accreditation for Nielsen’s national panel measurement, reinforcing the credibility of this new approach. This move aims to offer a true view of both linear and streaming content, enhancing the accuracy and granularity of audience insights.

Telecom News: Charter Delays Network Upgrade

Charter Communications has delayed its DOCSIS 4.0 network upgrade until 2027 due to supply chain and certification delays. Despite this setback, Charter is advancing its broadband expansion and expects to complete its Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) by 2026. CFO Jessica Fischer highlighted that while Charter’s outlook for the BEAD program is cautious, the company remains open to "small-scale M&A" to enhance its rural footprint. Charter has previously hinted at acquiring smaller cable operators, such as a potential deal with Altice USA if the right opportunity arises. M&A remains a strategic option for Charter's growth in rural markets.

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