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Full Version: Comcast/Time Warner - Does it affect the SEC Network?
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I can't remember who it was, but I saw somebody on Twitter the other day say the Time Warner takeover by Comcast could make it harder for the SEC Network to get picked up as quickly, or perhaps causing it to get a lower rate.

I'll admit I know virtually nothing in this regard, so I'm hoping someone out here does. I would think that with only one major cable company, it would affect more SEC fans and there would be pressure by the subscribers to get the network carried more quickly.

If both networks remained separate and only one tried to hold out, the SEC could put games that subsribers in the territory of whichever company holds out would most want to see - but if both cable companies held out, that would be much more difficult. With the merger, it really doesn't matter what games are put on the network, as fans of those teams are likely to be with the new network if they have cable. If they have satelite or get their tv from their phone company then this obviously doesn't affect that person.

So what are your thoughts? Would the pending merger be good or bad for the SEC Network, or will it make any difference at all?
Good question, and it remains to be seen. In general, the more competition, the better. The longer it takes Comcast/Time Warner to pick up the SECN, the better for ATT. I am already planning to switch over in April when my DirecTV contract expires, and I'm hearing a lot of people will be doing the same. I do wonder, though, if the SECN will settle more quickly on a lower price in order to get Comcast/Time Warner in the family. Both are huge in the South, and they can't afford to string along customers for very long. DirecTV better not mess around, either. In past years, satellite was the only option for many people in the South, but as the cable companies have been expanding their reach, people are not as beholden to them. DirecTV is usually among the last to accept a new channel, but I don't think that strategy will work as well for the SECN. It is one thing to miss out on the launch of yet another news or pop culture channel; it is a totally different matter if half of the fan-bases of the SEC miss their schools' opening weekend football game. I would hate to be customer support if that happens. It is a very smart move by the SECN to have two games on that first Thursday and then fill up Saturday.
(02-14-2014 01:05 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote: [ -> ]Good question, and it remains to be seen. In general, the more competition, the better. The longer it takes Comcast/Time Warner to pick up the SECN, the better for ATT. I am already planning to switch over in April when my DirecTV contract expires, and I'm hearing a lot of people will be doing the same. I do wonder, though, if the SECN will settle more quickly on a lower price in order to get Comcast/Time Warner in the family. Both are huge in the South, and they can't afford to string along customers for very long. DirecTV better not mess around, either. In past years, satellite was the only option for many people in the South, but as the cable companies have been expanding their reach, people are not as beholden to them. DirecTV is usually among the last to accept a new channel, but I don't think that strategy will work as well for the SECN. It is one thing to miss out on the launch of yet another news or pop culture channel; it is a totally different matter if half of the fan-bases of the SEC miss their schools' opening weekend football game. I would hate to be customer support if that happens. It is a very smart move by the SECN to have two games on that first Thursday and then fill up Saturday.

BBB we are now on Uverse and will be on Dish by the Fall. The best thing to do for the conference is to tell Direct TV why they are losing your business. They already have a separate response taker for that reason. It's all moot anyway. ATT will have Uverse available everywhere in a couple of years if they are not already available in your area. But if you witch from Direct TV then you need to record your protest as that is what they are using to make a determination.
(02-14-2014 03:26 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ]
(02-14-2014 01:05 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote: [ -> ]Good question, and it remains to be seen. In general, the more competition, the better. The longer it takes Comcast/Time Warner to pick up the SECN, the better for ATT. I am already planning to switch over in April when my DirecTV contract expires, and I'm hearing a lot of people will be doing the same. I do wonder, though, if the SECN will settle more quickly on a lower price in order to get Comcast/Time Warner in the family. Both are huge in the South, and they can't afford to string along customers for very long. DirecTV better not mess around, either. In past years, satellite was the only option for many people in the South, but as the cable companies have been expanding their reach, people are not as beholden to them. DirecTV is usually among the last to accept a new channel, but I don't think that strategy will work as well for the SECN. It is one thing to miss out on the launch of yet another news or pop culture channel; it is a totally different matter if half of the fan-bases of the SEC miss their schools' opening weekend football game. I would hate to be customer support if that happens. It is a very smart move by the SECN to have two games on that first Thursday and then fill up Saturday.

BBB we are now on Uverse and will be on Dish by the Fall. The best thing to do for the conference is to tell Direct TV why they are losing your business. They already have a separate response taker for that reason. It's all moot anyway. ATT will have Uverse available everywhere in a couple of years if they are not already available in your area. But if you witch from Direct TV then you need to record your protest as that is what they are using to make a determination.

Yes, and I intend to do so, JR. U-Verse is finally optimized in my area, or I would have made the switch sooner. I see messages all the time on Twitter about the customer input assault that the SECN is staging, and I bet it is working. Southerners are pretty clannish until someone messes with guns or football, and then everything comes together pretty easily.
(02-14-2014 03:54 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote: [ -> ]
(02-14-2014 03:26 PM)JRsec Wrote: [ -> ]
(02-14-2014 01:05 PM)bigblueblindness Wrote: [ -> ]Good question, and it remains to be seen. In general, the more competition, the better. The longer it takes Comcast/Time Warner to pick up the SECN, the better for ATT. I am already planning to switch over in April when my DirecTV contract expires, and I'm hearing a lot of people will be doing the same. I do wonder, though, if the SECN will settle more quickly on a lower price in order to get Comcast/Time Warner in the family. Both are huge in the South, and they can't afford to string along customers for very long. DirecTV better not mess around, either. In past years, satellite was the only option for many people in the South, but as the cable companies have been expanding their reach, people are not as beholden to them. DirecTV is usually among the last to accept a new channel, but I don't think that strategy will work as well for the SECN. It is one thing to miss out on the launch of yet another news or pop culture channel; it is a totally different matter if half of the fan-bases of the SEC miss their schools' opening weekend football game. I would hate to be customer support if that happens. It is a very smart move by the SECN to have two games on that first Thursday and then fill up Saturday.

BBB we are now on Uverse and will be on Dish by the Fall. The best thing to do for the conference is to tell Direct TV why they are losing your business. They already have a separate response taker for that reason. It's all moot anyway. ATT will have Uverse available everywhere in a couple of years if they are not already available in your area. But if you witch from Direct TV then you need to record your protest as that is what they are using to make a determination.

Yes, and I intend to do so, JR. U-Verse is finally optimized in my area, or I would have made the switch sooner. I see messages all the time on Twitter about the customer input assault that the SECN is staging, and I bet it is working. Southerners are pretty clannish until someone messes with guns or football, and then everything comes together pretty easily.
I hope you are right about DISH, because I would hate to part company with my NFL Redzone.
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