Comcast makes cable TV plans more generous after customer losses
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Comcast, which offers cable TV, phone, and internet services under its Xfinity brand, is doubling down on luring back cable TV customers who have increasingly cut the cord on service after the company enforced harsh changes that raised monthly bills.During the third quarter of this year, Comcast saw 257,000 cable TV customers cancel their service, according to the company’s latest earnings report. As customer numbers dropped, Comcast’s revenue declined by almost 3% year over year during the quarter.The company’s increased customer losses follow its price increase for Xfinity services earlier this year, which frustrated customers. Also, in June, it decreased its monthly autopay discount from $5 to $2 for customers who use credit and debit cards to pay their monthly bills.For years, consumers across the country have been flocking to streaming services as cable TV prices go up, according to a recent survey from All About Cookies. Comcast continues to see customers canceling cable service in large numbers.Shutterstock How many Americans still watch cable TV in 2025:Approximately 30% of Americans watch TV through traditional cable or satellite services, while 90% watch shows through paid streaming services.Specifically, 40% of Baby Boomers use traditional cable or satellite TV services, compared to 21% of Gen Z consumers.Additionally, 95% of cord-cutters are satisfied with their decision to cancel their traditional TV service, while only 5% regret it. Source: All About Cookies “Rising cable costs and the thousands of options for shows and movies on various streaming services have been key factors in the popularity of cord-cutting,” wrote Josh Kobert, data journalist at All About Cookies, in the survey. “As long as streaming subscriptions are more affordable than cable for the average household, it makes sense to move away from cable.”Comcast revamps its cable TV packages Over the past few months, Comcast has been focused on providing more transparent pricing to Xfinity customers to prevent them from fleeing to competitors. In a bold effort to attract and retain customers, Comcast has recently revamped its Xfinity TV package offerings, launching five new plans that have a new “everyday pricing structure,” according to a recent press release.Its cheapest plan in the new lineup, TV Core, is priced at $65 per month, and it offers customers over 10 channels, which include ABC, FOX, and CBS. Xfinity’s Sports & News TV plan, including channels such as ESPN, FS1, and CNN, is priced at $90 per month, offering customers over 50 channels.For $95 per month, Xfinity now offers a World Soccer Ticket plan, granting customers access to over 55 channels — for example, LA Sports and TUDN.Related: DirecTV launches bold new offer as cable TV customers fleeIf customers want over 125 channels, which include MTV, Food Network, and A&E, Xfinity’s TV Plus plan offers that option for $105 per month.Finally, the highest tier on the list, Xfinity’s TV Premium plan, costs $135 per month and includes over 185 channels, such as Hallmark Drama and CBS Sports Network. Each TV plan now includes an X1 4K TV box and an Xfinity Voice Remote. They all also offer complementary features such as multiview, enhanced 4K, StreamStore, and Fan View. Additionally, most of the plans include 300 hours of DVR storage, while the TV Core plan offers only 150 hours.Comcast promises that the pricing for each plan already includes major fees, and there are no contracts or commitments required. Also, customers can receive a $10 monthly discount if they bundle their TV package with Xfinity Internet. It is no surprise that Comcast is ramping up its efforts to win back cable TV customers with revamped Xfinity offerings, as it currently falls behind some of its top competitors in terms of consumer satisfaction, according to a recent study from J.D. Power.U.S. consumer satisfaction rates for Cable/Satellite TV providers:The average U.S. consumer satisfaction score for cable/satellite TV providers is 531 (on a 1,000-point scale).Verizon Fios ranks the highest with a satisfaction score of 577. Spectrum takes second place with a 536 score. Xfinfinity falls behind Spectrum with a satisfaction score of 533. Source: J.D. Power The move from Comcast comes after it launched new internet plans in July, which also now offer an “everyday pricing structure.” Comcast will soon make a major leadership changeThe revamped TV offerings also come right before Comcast officially makes a significant change in leadership.On Jan. 1, Dave Watson will step down as CEO of Comcast’s Connectivity and Platforms division, which operates Xfinity’s cable, wireless and internet businesses. He will be replaced by Steve Croney, who is currently chief operating officer of the division. Croney is expected to continue spearheading changes to Xfinity’s pricing, packaging, and overall customer experience.
More Telecom News:T-Mobile announces free offer for Verizon and AT&T customersVerizon CEO sounds alarm on why customers are leaving in drovesSpectrum raises red flag on cause of fleeing customer problemAlong with a new CEO, the company will also conduct an unknown number of layoffs in that division in January to simplify operations as it loses customers. In a statement to TheStreet, RTMNexus CEO Dominick Miserandino said it is essential for Comcast to change its company culture amid recent struggles. “When a company loses that many customers, replacing a top executive isn’t just about fixing strategy, it’s about fixing culture,” said Miserandino. “What happens at the top sets the tone for everything underneath. A new CEO can absolutely help, but only if they’re empowered to reshape how the teams think, build, and respond.”Related: Comcast plans harsh wake-up call for employees as customers flee