We've all read about and seen the pieces of the puzzle start to come together.
The puzzle is a picture of a fully integrated and connected world through all mediums of communications, internet,wireless and television.
The convergence of the three will produce new behavioral dynamics for individuals and businesses alike. These dynamics will usher in new transactions and the new economy. Those on the fringes will see it coming and prepare for its future. Those not aware will be playing catch up for a long time.
Another Big Piece of The Puzzle?
Newsweek reports this morning: "In a deal eclipsing even AT&T's purchase of cable giant Tele-Communications Inc., Philadelphia-based Comcast sealed a $60 billion agreement to buy MediaOne. The combination will create the second largest cable operator, with $8 billion in annual revenue and 11 million subscribers. Comcast also gets MediaOne's 25 percent stake in Time Warner's HBO and Warner Bros. studio, to add to its majority stake in the QVC home-shopping channel and minor holding in E! Entertainment. Media analyst Jessica Reif-Cohen of Merrill Lynch describes the move as "a transforming deal for Comcast" that "vaults the company into the major, major leagues" alongside TCI and Time Warner, the biggest operator."
Comcast last month acquired Plaxo. Additionally Comcast is making moves to expand cable channels to include user generated content and it would be easy for them to add internet functions to the television by converging the cable box into an all in one utility. They're recent "phone offerings" are only a "click" away from wireless. Add all their content to wireless and you have a massive "triple play" that goes way beyond the exiting definition of "triple play".
Lately Comcast has been cozy with Cisco, consider the implications. While being beat up in the blogosphere for poor customer service the "noise of the markets" suggest they have their sights set on a strategy to surround the consumer before they make bold moves to satisfy the consumer.
While strategically it seems to be the right move for Comcast unless they establish a relationship with the customer the PR battle could get bloody during which time the customer may just find a way to surround Comcast.
What say you?