Comcast is still losing U.S. cable customers but is racking up more internet subscribers and has gotten a revenue boost from Sky, its big bet on European TV.
The Philadelphia company said Wednesday that it lost 29,000 U.S. cable customers in the fourth quarter but added 351,000 internet subscribers. It also gained customers in its new cellphone-plan business.
The company is dealing with a growing number of people who are cutting their cable bundles to save money, enticed by Netflix and several other companies offering cheaper streaming services.
Comcast is also looking to compete there. Its NBCUniversal division is launching a streaming service in the first half of next year, joining the crowded field competing for consumers’ attention .
It plans to offer current and older seasons of the TV shows it produces and some original content, with advertising. It will be available free to anyone who pays for a traditional TV package, whether its Comcast or another cable or satellite TV company, and to Sky customers in Europe. Cord-cutters would have to pay for the service.