Today Comcast announced that it will add 20 free ad-supported channels to its X1 channel guide.
The new channels, including NBC News Now and 19 Xumo-branded channels, will be integrated into the X1 channel guide. To quickly access these channels within the guide, customers can say “free streaming channels” into their voice remote to be taken directly to them.
“The addition of FAST channels on our Xfinity entertainment platforms adds a new dynamic to our video offering,” said Vito Forlenza, Vice President, Entertainment Apps. “Our strategy is centered around value not tonnage, and we are focused on bringing FAST channels into the experience that are additive to the majority of our customers’ lineups.”
The battle to have more channels included with your TV service has led a growing number of TV services to add free ad-supported channels. Fubo and Philo have both done this recently, with more reportedly looking at it.
Right now, free ad-supported streaming services are the fastest-growing area of cord cutting. Reportedly over half of Americans are using some kind of free ad-supported streaming service like Xumo Play. This comes as the number of paid streaming services people are willing to pay for is dropping. Free services help expand the catalog of movies and TV shows that are available without the need to pay for a new service. By building these free channels into the X1 channel guide, it will help keep Comcast customers inside the Comcast system.
Comcast says this is just the beginning of their plans to expand customers’ TV subscriptions with free ad-supported channels.
Comcast also recently announced that its new live TV streaming service, Now TV, that costs $20 a month, will also include Xumo Play channels. This comes as Comcast hopes it can grow its TV subscribers by combining premium cable TV networks with free ad-supported free channels.
If you want to take a look at these channels you can find them int he Xumo Play app. You can already find the Xumo Play app on Rokus, Fire TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs, Xfinity Xumo devices, and more. You can also watch it for free on their website HERE.