Comcast Launches High-Speed Wireless Data Service in Seattle and Surrounding Areas

SEATTLE, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) (NASDAQ: CMCSK), one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services, launched its high-speed wireless data service in Seattle and surrounding areas today as the company continues its nationwide rollout of Comcast High-Speed 2go™.

Comcast’s High-Speed 2go is a fourth-generation, or 4G, wireless high-speed data service that provides the fastest available wireless Internet in the nation via wireless data cards. Comcast will sell this wireless service bundled with one or more of its popular Internet, phone and television products, providing mobile broadband wherever and whenever customers need to be connected.

“In today’s world, no one wants to be disconnected for even a minute. With Comcast High-Speed 2go, we can offer our customers the best of both worlds–the fastest high-speed connection at home and the fastest connection while they are on the go. We think having the nation’s first and only 4G service bundled with some of the nation’s fastest Internet speeds will be a very compelling package for our Puget Sound-area customers,” said Tom Pierce, vice president of Marketing and Sales for Comcast’s Washington region.

Comcast is selling two different data cards and service plans:

Comcast High-Speed 2go Metro service uses a 4G-only data card giving customers the fastest wireless service within the 4G metro coverage area. The Metro device operates only in a 4G service footprint.

Comcast High-Speed 2go Nationwide service delivers the fastest metro 4G service plus coast-to-coast access on Sprint’s national 3G network. The Nationwide device switches between available 4G and 3G networks.

The world-class services Comcast is known for in the home are beginning to be extended to where consumers work, live and play. High-speed mobile Internet is one of the first products consumers want as a natural extension of Comcast’s super fast wired high-speed Internet.

Bundled Pricing

For the first time, consumers will have bundled access to both the fastest wired download speeds and wireless Internet in the nation, sold together at launch as a “Fast Pack™.” Fast Pack™ bundles will be available for as low as $49.99 per month for one year. Both new and existing Comcast customers will be eligible for special bundled pricing, with wired Internet customers receiving 4G wireless as an add-on for as low as $30 per month. Visitwww.comcast.com/highspeed2go for additional pricing plans and service packages.

The $49.99 Fast Pack™ Metro service includes Comcast’s 12 Mbps home Internet service, a free WiFi router for mobility and extended coverage in the home, and 4G service that will provide download speeds up to 4 Mbps when customers are on the go. For an additional $20 per month, consumers can upgrade to the Fast Pack™ Nationwide service that includes the same services plus nationwide 3G mobile network access.

Comcast is selling wireless data services following its investment in Clearwire in November 2008. Comcast’s 4G service will be provided via the Clearwire network, and its 3G service will be provided by Sprint’s nationwide 3G network. Comcast is one of the first investors in Clearwire to bring a service to market and expects that it will continue to add value to existing bundled products.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) (NASDAQ: CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.8 million cable customers, 15.7 million high-speed Internet customers, and 7.4 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.
Comcast’s content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast’s Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

Comcast’s Washington market, based in Lynnwood, serves more than 1.1 million customers in Western Washington and Spokane. Comcast operates three major call centers in Washington and employs more than 3,000 local residents.
Media Contacts:
Steve Kipp (Local)
425-741-5757
Steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com

Jamila Patton (Corporate)
215-286-4933
Jamila_Patton@Comcast.com
SOURCE: Comcast Corporation
Web site: http://www.comcast.com/

Comcast Launches ‘Local Heroes’ Campaign to Support WA Olympic Hopefuls and Special Olympics Washington


SEATTLE, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ — With the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in nearby Vancouver B.C. only months away, Comcast today unveiled a unique, new advertising and integrated marketing campaign that features some of the state’s most exciting winter athletes and benefits some of the state’s most inspiring people – the athletes of Special Olympics Washington.

Comcast and representatives from Special Olympics Washington announced the comprehensive broadcast and print campaign called ‘Comcast Local Heroes’ at a news conference this morning at Seattle’s Westin hotel. Organizers are hoping the campaign can raise as much as $80,000 to be split between Special Olympics Washington and the state’s elite winter athletes.

The comprehensive marketing campaign features the Comcast Local Heroes, a unique combination of some of the state’s most talented winter athletes, world champions, past Olympians, Olympic hopefuls, athletes from Special Olympics Washington and Washington’s own skiing legend, Phil Mahre.

“Having had the opportunity to compete in multiple Olympiads, and having had the good fortune to live out my own dream of winning a gold medal, I can attest to how incredibly important sponsor support can be to an athlete’s success,” said Mahre, who won a gold medal in the slalom at the 1984 Winter Olympics. “I love that Comcast is reaching out to support these kids before they become household names, when they need it most, and that they are doing so in a highly visible way that will showcase these great athletes to people across Washington and that it all ties together in support of a great organization like Special Olympics Washington. I wish this sort of program was around when I was competing and I’m honored to be part of it now. “

In addition to Mahre, the Comcast Local Heroes team includes; Scott Macartney, a downhill skier from Kirkland; Bree Schaaf, a bobsled driver from Bremerton; Shelby Corno, a Special Olympian from Sammamish; Torin Koos, a cross country skier from Leavenworth; Karen Thatcher, an ice hockey player and world champion from Blaine; J.R. Celski, a short track speed skater and world champion from Federal Way; Kenneth Larson, a Special Olympian from Tukwila; Patrick Deneen, a freestyle skier and world champion from Cle Elum; and, Sean Halsted, an adaptive nordic skier from Spokane.

“Comcast’s connection to our local customers and to the local communities where we live and work has always been important to the company. We see this campaign not only as a great way to raise awareness of the many aspiring Olympic athletes in this state, but to support our Special Olympians, who have been such an inspiration to all of us,” said Tom Pierce, VP of Sales and Marketing for Comcast and a member of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Washington.

The campaign, which begins today, highlights Comcast’s Local Heroes using Comcast products and services to keep them connected to friends and family as well as entertained. The team’s two Special Olympians, Shelby Corno and Kenneth Larson, are featured in group shots with the rest of the Comcast Local Heroes team as well as in advertisements and marketing materials, promoting the sale of a Comcast Local Heroes commemorative pin to benefit the Local Heroes and Special Olympics Washington.

“We are extremely grateful to Comcast for their longtime support of Special Olympics Washington and for including us in this campaign. We believe the huge reach of this campaign will have a positive impact on our organization and help us raise awareness of Special Olympics,” said Beth Wojick, Chief Executive Officer for Special Olympics Washington.

Collecting pins commemorating the Olympic Games has been an extremely popular pastime among fans. The Comcast commemorative pins can be ordered online athttp://www.comcastlocalheroes.com/. Each pin costs $10 plus tax, shipping and handling.
Visit the Comcast Local Heroes Website here

A lot of information will be shared as the campaign unfolds. For reporters who could not make the news conference, here is a video with comments by Olympic Gold Medalist Phil Mahre and Beth Wojick, CEO for Special Olympics Washington.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) (NASDAQ: CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 24.1 million cable customers, 15.3 million high-speed Internet customers, and 6.8 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast’s content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast’s Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

Comcast’s Washington market, based in Lynnwood, serves more than 1.1 million customers in Western Washington and Spokane. Comcast operates three major call centers in Washington and employs more than 3,000 local residents.

About Special Olympics Washington

Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The regular Special Olympics program has no upper age limit, with athletes eligible for competition beginning at 8-years old. Special Olympics Washington also offers a new Young Athletes program for children ages 2 to 7. By participating in sports, physical fitness and health education programs, participants increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives. More than 7,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics Washington activities, competing in local competitions, state and regional tournaments and the State Games. Ten Special Olympics Washington athletes competed in the 2007 World Summer Games in China and 14 competed in the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. For more information, please visit SOWA.org or call 206.829.4949.

Next Generation of Wireless Services Arrives in Washington

High-Speed 2go debuts Sept. 1 in Whatcom and Skagit Counties
Lynnwood, WA (Aug. 28, 2009) – Comcast’s Whatcom and Skagit County customers are the first in the state and among the first in the country to have access to Comcast’s High-Speed 2go fourth-generation or 4G wireless high-speed data service, the company announced today.

Comcast will begin marketing the service, which offers the fastest available wireless Internet in the nation via wireless data cards, in the two counties beginning Sept. 1.

Comcast is selling High-Speed 2go bundled with one or more of its popular Internet, phone and television products, providing mobile broadband where ever and whenever customers need to be connected.

“In today’s world, consumers don’t want to be disconnected for even a minute and now Comcast provides wired and wireless access – a combination consumers won’t want to live without,” said Cathy Avgiris, senior vice president and general manager for wireless and voice services at Comcast.

Comcast is selling two different data cards and service plans:

• Comcast High-Speed 2go Metro service uses a 4G-only data card giving customers the fastest wireless service within the 4G metro coverage area. The Metro device operates only in a 4G service footprint.

• Comcast High-Speed 2go Nationwide service delivers the fastest metro 4G service plus coast-to-coast access on Sprint’s national 3G network. The Nationwide device automatically switches between available 4G and 3G networks.

Comcast also is selling High-Speed 2go to small-to-mid-sized businesses through Comcast Business Services sales teams. As the nation’s largest video provider, largest residential ISP and the third-largest residential phone provider, Comcast now has the ability to provide wireless mobility to consumers in a combination that is both competitive and differentiated from any bundled services on the market today.

Comcast is selling wireless data services following its investment in Clearwire in November 2008. Comcast’s 4G service will be provided via the Clearwire network, and its 3G service will be provided by Sprint’s nationwide 3G network. Comcast is one of the first investors in Clearwire to bring a service to market and expects that it will continue to add value to existing bundled products.

In addition to Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Comcast High-Speed 2go is available in Portland and Atlanta. The company plans to launch the service in Seattle beginning late this year.

To learn more about pricing and service packages, please visit www.comcast.com/highspeed2go

Comcast To Carry More than 100 HD Nets in Puget Sound

After Announcing 31 HD Channels Eight Weeks Ago, the Rolling Launch of 33 Additional Today, Comcast to Offer Total of 101 HD’s

LYNNWOOD, WA (July 20, 2009) – Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSK, CMCSA), the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications, today announced that it is launching 33 new HD networks and five standard definition networks to areas around Western Washington starting tomorrow (see complete list of networks and channel numbers below). The launch includes popular channels like CBUT HD, ESPNU HD, MTV HD, VH1 HD, MSNBC HD among others. After the community-by-community launch which is slated to be complete at the end of the year, Comcast will offer a total of 101 HD channels in Western Washington.

In May, Comcast announced the launch of 31 new HD networks, also launching on a rolling basis. The 31 HD channels announced in May are 50 percent launched in Washington State; some areas will receive both HD channel upgrades at once, adding 64 new HD networks.

Earlier this year, Comcast began a digital migration called “The World of More,” offering digital upgrades to Basic Cable customers to migrate from analog to digital, and converting channels 30 and above to a digitally delivered format. Comcast’s digital upgrade reclaimed analog bandwidth to allow the company to provide more products and services to customers, such as faster Internet speeds, more channels and more ON DEMAND content. Comcast continues its digital migration across Western Washington through the end of the year while also launching the new HD networks.

“We’ve heard from customers that they can’t get enough HD programming, so we’re excited to exponentially increase our offering of those networks and give even more value to our customers as part of our digital upgrade,” said Tom Pierce, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Washington State. “These channel launches are about delivering on Comcast’s promise to customers that by converting to digital, we would offer more of the products and services they want, right away. This is just the beginning as we roll out ‘The World of More.’”

Beginning tomorrow, the new programming will be available to residential homes and businesses in the following communities:

Everett, Brier, Clearview, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Black Diamond, Covington, Enumclaw, Maple Valley, Pacific, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Carbonado, Eatonville, Graham, Orting, Roy, South Prairie, Wilkeson, Algona, Auburn, Burien, Federal Way, Kent, SeaTac, Tukwila,, Edgewood, Fort Lewis, McChord AFB, Parkland, Puyallup, Sumner, Vashon Island, Arlington, Beverly Lane, Goldbar, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Monroe, Silver Lake, Snohomish,, Startup, Sultan, Woodscreek, Centralia, Chehalis, Lacey, Lewis County, Mason County, Olympia,, Rainier, Rochester, Shelton, Tenino, Thurston County, Tumwater and Yelm.

Comcast expects to make the new programming available to the remainder of its Washington service area, including Seattle and Tacoma by the end of this year.

STARTING TOMMORROW, 33 NEW HIGH DEFINITION (HD) NETWORKS BEGIN ROLL-OUT

New Channel Number and Network

588 TMC West HD

589 TMC Xtra West HD

619 CBUT HD

621 ESPNU HD

630 NBA TV HD

631 NHL Network HD

632 Big Ten Network HD

633 CBS College Sports HD

634 Tennis Channel HD

635 Outdoor Channel HD

661 MSNBC HD

686 CMT HD

687 VH1 HD

688 MTV HD

689 BET HD

700 MGM HD

701 TCM HD

703 Hallmark Movie Channel HD

704 Comedy Central HD

705 Tru TV HD

706 The Weather Channel HD

543 HBO2 West HD

544 HBO Signature West HD

545 HBO Family West HD

546 HBO Latino West HD

547 HBO Comedy West HD

548 HBO Zone West HD

564 MoreMax West HD

571 Showtime Too West HD

572 Showtime Showcase West HD

573 Showtime Extreme West HD

440 iNDemand Team HD

Simulcast of select Games from NBA/MLS PPV Sports Packages (ch. 441-450) will be shown.

456 iNDemand Game HD

Simulcast of select Games from NHL/MLB PPV Sports Packages (ch. 457-470) will be shown.

New Standard Definition Channels

400 ESPN U

500 Hallmark Movie Channel

559 HBO Comedy West

550 HBO Zone West

593 TMC Xtra West

HD channels announced in May (currently launching across the state): Encore HD, Starz Kids & Family HD, Starz Comedy HD, Starz Edge HD, Speed HD, ESPNews HD, WE TV HD, Style HD, E! HD, Bravo HD, Lifetime HD, Travel Channel HD, Fox News Channels HD, Fox Business HD, CNN HD, CNBC HD, Spike HD, TBS in HD, Nick HD, Cartoon Network HD, Disney XD HD, Fuse HD, TV One HD, QVC HD, G4 HD, BIO HD, Planet Green HD, AMC HD, LMN HD, IFC HD and InDemand PPV Events HD.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 24.1 million cable customers, 15.3 million high-speed Internet customers, and 6.8 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast’s content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast’s Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

Comcast Helps ArtsFund Support Arts Groups in King, Pierce Counties

Despite Tough Economy, ArtsFund Fulfills Base Grant Commitments to Nonprofit Arts Groups

ArtsFund grants total more than $2.2 million

Despite the worst economic climate in decades, ArtsFund (formerly known as the Corporate Council for the Arts) announced it met base-level funding commitments to 41 King and Pierce County nonprofit arts groups and awarded grants to an additional 20 groups on a discretionary basis. In addition, four groups received funding through designated workplace giving. The amount of grants totaled $2,227,027 for 2009.

Comcast donated $15,000 for general arts support in King County and $7,500 to support access to the arts for students in Pierce County. The Pierce County allocations committee of ArtsFund allocated $4,000 to the Tacoma Youth Symphony and $3,500 to the Museum of Glass.

Comcast Senior Vice President Len Rozek serves on the ArtsFund board of directors. Public Relations Director Walter Neary is a member of the Pierce County allocations committee.

The Museum of Glass touches 10s of thousands of students each year at its hot shop and other parts of the museum, as well as through vibrant learning materials provided to local schools. The Tacoma Youth Symphony fields eight full youth symphonies of different ages, as well as other performing groups.

In January, ArtsFund recognized the difficult economic climate likely would result in lower donations and sent a letter to all beneficiary groups, alerting them to the likely reductions.

“Support from nearly every donor is down this year, while the percentage of economically challenged students we serve has increased,” said Andrea Wagner, executive director of long-time beneficiary Giant Magnet (formerly Seattle International Children’s Festival), which received a grant of $10,675. “This situation certainly makes our work more difficult, but it also makes the dollars we get from ArtsFund all the more important. ArtsFund grants are one of our only sources of predictable funding for operating support — funds we put to work immediately toward our mission of inspiring young audiences with the highest quality performing arts programming from around the globe.”

Following is a complete list of ArtsFund grants* for 2009:

2009 ArtsFund Grants

King County Charter Member Grants:

ACT Theatre
$109,318

Henry Art Gallery
76,120

INTIMAN Theatre
93,155

On the Boards
32,716

Pacific Northwest Ballet
224,101

Seattle Art Museum
227,061

Seattle Children’s Theatre
120,784

Seattle Opera
231,438

Seattle Repertory Theatre
155,093

Seattle Symphony
213,526

Village Theatre
100,461

Subtotal
$1,583,773

King County Continuing Member and Member Grants:

5th Avenue Theatre
$44,086

Artist Trust
13,902

ArtsWest Playhouse & Gallery
5,324

Auburn Symphony Orchestra
3,700

Bellevue Arts Museum
6,475

Book-It Repertory Theatre
27,535

Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas
13,651

Early Music Guild
6,845

Earshot Jazz Society of Seattle
8,562

Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum/Hall of Fame
2,500

Giant Magnet (Seattle Internatl Children’s Festival)
10,796

Jack Straw Productions
4,249

Kirkland Arts Center
7,149

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center
1,000

Nordic Heritage Museum
12,450

Northwest Film Forum
6,945

Northwest Puppet Center
8,779

Pratt Fine Arts Center
10,725

Richard Hugo House
5,750

Seattle Arts & Lectures
15,817

Seattle Baroque Orchestra
3,003

Seattle Chamber Music Society
14,436

Seattle Choral Company
3,900

Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus
10,419

Seattle Pro Musica
14,234

Seattle Public Theater
3,500

Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra
9,270

Seattle Shakespeare Company
24,798

Seattle Theatre Group
8,330

Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras
16,400

SIFF
9,442

Spectrum Dance Theater
8,453

Taproot Theatre Company
11,089

Three Dollar Bill Cinema
4,900

Town Hall Association
14,389

UW World Series at Meany Hall
13,225

Vashon Allied Arts
6,250

Velocity Dance Center
4,000

Wing Luke Asian Museum
24,354

Subtotal
$420,632

Pierce County Charter Member Grants:

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
$57,701

Northwest Sinfonietta
10,887

Tacoma Art Museum
72,709

Tacoma Opera
11,415

Tacoma Philharmonic
7,600

Tacoma Symphony
19,115

Tacoma Youth Symphony
20,875

Subtotal
$200,302

Pierce County Continuing Member and Member Grants:

Grand Cinema
$2,855

Lakewood Playhouse
1,785

Museum of Glass
6,450

Tacoma Musical Playhouse
7,783

Subtotal
$18,873

Designated workplace gifts – non-beneficiaries
$3,447

Grand Total 2009 ArtsFund Grants:
$2,227,027*

*includes $78,197 in designated employee giving gifts.

2009 Pierce County Allocations Committee

Claudia Roberts, Chair, Vice President—Pricing

Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc.

Jeffrey Brown, President

BCRA

Kim Cacace, First Vice President

BNY Mellon Wealth Management

Sarah Idstrom, Senior Director of Development

Franke Tobey Jones

Karla McLane, Vice President, Commercial Banking

Columbia Bank

Walter Neary, Public Relations Director

Comcast

Dave Parent, Vice President & Manager, Corporate Contributions

KeyBank

Jim Tune, President and CEO

ArtsFund

Karen Vincent, Investor Relations Associate

Weyerhaeuser Company

Natalie Whitcomb, Senior Vice President

Brown and Brown of Washington

Sam Whiting, Community Investor, Primary & Secondary Education and Arts & Culture

The Boeing Company

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 69 other followers

%d bloggers like this: