AT&T Quadruple Pack with DIRECTV
Since January 2009, AT&T has added nearly 800,000 U-verse video subscribers but only net 5,000 DIRECTV users to its bundles, AT&T clearly favors its own wireline video solution for ongoing growth. (11/2/2009)
 | Client Access |

AT&T Quadruple Play with U-verse
AT&T U-verse has added both video and data product features as it grows its subscriber base. Although its bundle is still threatening, how long will the U-verse broadband speeds be relevant? (9/29/2009)
 | Client Access |

Cablevision Optimum Triple Play
Cablevision’s triple play bundle is very threatening within the market it serves. Cablevision has continued to gain digital video, data, and voice services market share and the company still maintains industry-leading penetration rates. (11/3/2009)
| Client Access |

Comcast Triple Play
Comcast’s triple play is very threatening, with an aggressive price and solid features. However, while Comcast has set the triple play market benchmark, it still lost 180,000 basic video subscribers in 2007 and another 57,000 in Q1 2008. (7/20/2009)
| Client Access |

Time Warner Cable Triple Play
Time Warner Cable showed progress with broadband and digital video market share improvements, but it had only 1.4% growth in voice and lost more basic video subs in H1 2009. It has finally offered DOCSIS 3.0 in some New York neighborhoods. (9/29/2009)
| Client Access |

Verizon FiOS Quadruple Play
Verizon continues to grow its FiOS base, with 20% penetration and $130 monthly ARPU for FiOS double play. FiOS bundles are competitively priced, FiOS TV offers over 100 HD channels, and FiOS broadband speeds still best competitor offerings. (5/5/2009)
| Client Access |

Verizon Quadruple Play with DIRECTV
Verizon grew its overall consumer broadband base by 5.1% in the first nine months of 2009, but the gain included a 0.7% decline in DSL subscribers. Verizon continues to lose primary residence voice lines, with a YTD 7.7% decline. (11/3/2009)
| Client Access |

• Sections
  
• - Solution Description
• - Solution Elements
• - Solution Strengths/Weaknesses
• - Key Selection Criteria
• - Go To Market

Top

• Solution Elements
  • Voice
    This element focuses on the provider’s lead unlimited local and long-distance voice package(s). Voice services include those offered by providers of traditional circuit-based and VoIP-based residential switched telephone services. These voice services are most commonly delivered over twisted-pair copper wires or over cable TV's coaxial cable and, increasingly, as voice over IP (VoIP), an application riding on top of residential high-speed Internet connections. Value-added calling features (e.g., call waiting, call forward, and voicemail) are also factored into the rating.
    
    Broadband
    This element focuses on “always on” broadband connectivity offered over DSL, cable modems, and FTTP. The two most common types of broadband connections are digital subscriber lines (DSL), which use modems placed in the telephone company’s central office and consumers’ homes to transmit data over telephone wire, and cable modems, which transmit data over one or more unused TV channels on a cable TV operator’s network. Alternative broadband technologies to DSL and cable modems also exist, such as satellite, fixed wireless, power-line, and fiber-to-the-home.
    
    Video and Entertainment
    The lead offer assessed is based on the provider’s digital offer that includes a minimum of 120 video channels, video on demand, music, and an on-screen interactive guide. Video and entertainment services include broadcast television channels, special interest programming, video-on-demand programming, music channels, HD capability, and on-line entertainment services such as interactive gaming, music, and consumer-generated content.
    
    Wireless Integration
    Wireless integration focuses on the lead postpaid “family plan” that ranges from $40-$70 per month and includes local and unlimited long-distance. Service providers that have more than an integrated wireline and wireless bill are more highly rated than those that have only a wireless bundle discount or single bill. Postpaid wireless plans typically rely on customers to sign a one or a two-year service contract and pay a minimum fixed amount each month for a specified number of minutes. The majority of plans now include domestic roaming and long-distance, but there are still some regional offerings targeted on a more local level.
    
    Home Networking Equipment
    Home networking equipment includes premise-based equipment that the customer can see and may use, including cable modems, DLS modems, routers and wireless routers, media gateways, set-top boxes and media centers, and digital video recorders.

Top

• Key Selection Criteria
  • Availability
    Service availability for all four elements of a quadruple play within the provider’s franchise area are ranked, as is the availability of an integrated bundle in all franchised areas where the provider is allowed to offer service. The lack of a franchise license within a service provider’s footprint, the lack of physical facilities or service capability by region, or the lack of features such as HD programming are negatives regardless of the fact that a service provider or technology is new to the served market. Similarly, the lack of wireless service to constitute a full quadruple play is also a negative factor, as is the lack of local phone service in any served area.
    
    Ease of Use
    Ease of use is considered for installation and ongoing use. For voice, the availability of instructions is a factor. For video, the online channel guide’s intuitive ease of use for on-screen video and entertainment access and the remote control’s form factors are taken into consideration. For broadband, easy self-installation and wireless (802.11) features are rated.
    
    Future Direction
    Technology platforms and product roadmaps are considered – even when consumers might not see or be aware of what the provider can offer in the future. Roadmap assessments and examples are based only on publicly-disclosed plans or technology analysis based on infrastructure capabilities.
    
    Price and Promotions
    Price and value for similar features are the most heavily weighed bundle factors when assigning the competitive position for the overall bundle. Value based on promotional prices and post-promotion rates are compared for individual service elements and for the total bundle price. Promotional rates are considered when they are effective for six months or more, along with the average rate plans for each provider’s lead offer. Value for similar features also comes under consideration (e.g., voicemail and custom calling features, similar broadband speeds, and similar channel counts). Price evaluations also include the price for “hidden charges,” like extra charges for modems, media gateways, and subscriber line charges.
    
    Reliability
    Reliability is most heavily factored for published voice network availability, voice quality of service, and consistent video quality, regardless of underlying delivery platforms or atmospheric conditions. Broadband reliability is considered only when the broadband connection is required to deliver voice and/or video services. Battery backup for phone service during power interruptions is mandatory.
    
    Service and Support
    Installation intervals, guarantees for on-time appointments, and online troubleshooting are minimal requirements. Remote troubleshooting and problem resolution that does not need a truck roll is a plus. Phone access 24/7 to “real people” who can fix a service problem, talk customers through trouble shooting, and provide technical advice receives extra credit.
    
    Value-added Services
    Value-added services are considered for each element. For example, voice services that can integrate unified communications are evaluated. Video services that have an extraordinary HD channel count, industry-leading special interest video program packages, or a large video-on-demand library are considered. Broadband services that integrate extra services such as a home security monitoring service or music library downloads will be rated more highly. The highest rating will go to providers that have services integrated across wireline and wireless and include standard and value-added features on the television, computer, and phone.

Top