Comcast Corp - CMCSA STOCK NEWS

On April 16, 2021, Comcast announced plans to launch 25 WiFi-connected "Lift Zones" in Connecticut to provide free internet access to low-income families. Currently, 13 sites are operational, while 12 are planned for late spring. These initiatives, in partnership with community organizations, aim to support students and families during the pandemic. The effort complements Comcast's Internet Essentials program, which has connected over 10 million low-income individuals since 2011, including 176,000 in Connecticut.

Comcast has announced new 5G unlimited data options for its Xfinity Mobile service, priced at $30 per line for four lines, targeting competition with major carriers. The service combines nationwide 5G and over 20 million WiFi hotspots, leading to high customer satisfaction ratings. Pricing starts at $45 for one line, with discounts for multiple lines. Additionally, customers can get a free Motorola one 5G ace phone when adding a line. The offering aims to provide flexibility and significant savings of up to $400 annually for Xfinity Internet customers.

FreeWheel, a Comcast Company, has introduced a pioneering technology that enables addressable video advertising on both digital and linear TV platforms. This innovation allows advertisers to utilize aggregated data for targeted campaigns from a unified platform. Currently in pilot with Comcast and Charter, it marks the industry's first comprehensive addressable audience targeting solution across all screens. The technology enhances advertisers' ability to reach specific audiences while improving measurement of campaign performance. FreeWheel plans to extend this offering to other MVPDs later this year.

Comcast Business has announced enhancements to its ActiveCore SD-WAN solution, featuring AI and machine learning for improved network traffic management. These upgrades allow for application-level recognition and prioritization, streamlining the routing of network traffic for distributed workforces. The enhancements enable organizations to better support critical applications, improve network uptime, and deliver superior user experiences. Comcast Business has been a leader in SD-WAN technology since its partnership with Versa Networks in 2017, positioning itself as a key player in the enterprise market.

Vevo has integrated with FreeWheel's Strata platform, providing local spot buyers access to Vevo's inventory. This partnership enables advertisers to reach approximately half of the U.S. population, particularly targeting younger, harder-to-reach audiences. With 150 million monthly viewers, Vevo's local market presence is unmatched. The integration streamlines local ad workflows, allowing for engaging music video content, thereby enhancing brand recall. Strata, trusted by over 1,100 agencies, optimizes campaign planning and execution across TV and video platforms.

Comcast and Disney have launched Disney+ and ESPN+ on Xfinity, allowing X1 and Flex customers access to a wide range of content including films from Disney and live sports events. With this rollout, millions of customers can enjoy a seamless user experience, featuring popular series and thousands of live sports events. The integration of Disney+ and ESPN+ into Xfinity devices aims to enhance entertainment accessibility, coinciding with major upcoming events in sports and original programming. This move strengthens Comcast's position in the competitive streaming market.

FreeWheel, a Comcast Company, has released the 10th anniversary edition of its U.S. Video Marketplace Report, highlighting viewer trends over the past decade. The analysis shows a drastic increase in connected TV usage, with CTV now representing 62% of all ad views. In H2 2020, overall ad views increased by 57% year-over-year. The report also emphasizes the rise of programmatic advertising, which accounted for 24% of premium video ad views. FreeWheel predicts continued growth in smart TVs and direct-to-consumer streaming.

Comcast NBCUniversal will premiere the documentary Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® on March 26. This film will be available exclusively on the Black Experience on Xfinity Channel, accessible via X1, Flex, and mobile devices. The release is part of Comcast NBCUniversal's ongoing commitment to celebrate and elevate diverse voices and stories within the Black community. The documentary highlights the rich history and contributions of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.