Comcast (CMCSA) to Expand Footprint Across Canada With X1

Comcast Corporation CMCSA announced that it include Videotron Ltd. to the list of those having licensed its X1 platform. Videotron will use the X1 platform to power a new IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) service.

With this, Videotron will be the third cable operator in Canada after Shaw Communications Inc. SJR and Rogers Communications Inc. RCI to shift to the X1 platform. These companies dumped their IPTV platforms and adopted Comcast’s cloud-based X1 video platform. Also, the U.S.-based Cox Communications followed the footsteps of major Canadian carriers.

Benefits of X1

Comcast’s next-generation web-capable X1 platform offers a hybrid IP/QAM video gateway with an advanced user interface and the ability to port third-party apps that tie into a cloud-based infrastructure.

X1 is a cloud-based TV guide, inclusive of recommended web videos and a new mobile application. Using the powerful X1 platform, Videotron aims to provide customers with an advanced seamless and connected TV experience, at home or outside.

The company is on a great progress track in rolling out X1 to new and existing customers, which significantly aids in checking the churn rate. Notably, X1 customers now represent a majority of the company’s total video customer base. Licensing of the X1 platform on international front further implies growth at a broader scale.

Arris International PLC ARRS, a leading video and broadband gear manufacturer, will also benefit from Comcast’s X1 syndication. X1 licensing steers demand for Arris’s video hardware. Comcast’s X1 TV service uses Arris’ XG1 gateway, which offers several utilities to X1 customers, including intuitive search, voice control, multi-screen facility and an improved DVR experience.

Additionally, in sync with Comcast’s efforts to move beyond its own regional subscriber territory, the company completed the nationwide rollout of wireless services under the “Xfinity Mobile” brand on Aug 17.

Xfinity Mobile is expected to be the nation’s first wireless service combining the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network with 18 million Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots to deliver a cost-effective, sophisticated, wireless experience.

Zacks Rank & Price Performance

Comcast currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Shares of the company have marginally underperformed over the last six months. The stock has increased 6.8% compared with the industry’s 6.9% growth during the period.

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