If Cisco Systems Inc.’s latest survey is right, then cable operators need to continue making certain changes to be sure they are connecting as many consumers as possible.
Cisco identifies market transitions and key inflection points in consumers' behavior and expectations. The latest study shows that “U.S. consumers are ready to experience the Connected Life and that service providers are strongly positioned not only to seize this emerging opportunity, but to fundamentally accelerate the marketplace.”
Cisco defines the Connected Life as one where near-pervasive broadband availability and a plethora of content and service options enable access to entertainment, information, social networks, and collaboration — from anywhere, at any time, on a broad array of devices.
However, up-front costs and a lack of ongoing support present a barrier to adoption of this life for up to 55 percent of these consumers.
Approximately half of U.S. broadband consumers want to bridge the TV and Internet video islands in their homes, but less than 5 percent have an Internet-to-TV video device. If the standards and solutions coming out of the NCTA’s Cable Show this week are any indication, this will change soon.
Two things become clear about the challenges ahead for cable (and telecom) providers: customer demand and expectations are continuously evolving and no service is sacred or untouchable — only 29 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds said they would keep pay TV if they had to reduce their spending on core services. So where should cable providers in particular focus their energies?
For the answer to this question and more, please click here or on the source link below.
