Shaw Communications Inc. (SJR), a leading cable MSO of Canada, yesterday launched its on-demand, on-line video service, popularly known as “TVEverywhere”. For the last one year, the company was trying hard to launch its TVEverywhere service. This service basically offers broadband video that will enable pay-TV subscribers to watch premium cable programming online over broadband networks.
The TVEverywhere service is gaining huge popularity among the North American cable operators. The cable industry is facing a severe threat as more video contents are becoming freely available on the Internet. With TVEverywhere, cable MSOs are trying to reduce the churn rate of their pay-TV subscribers by offering premium video contents through a secured system of client authentication.
Shaw Communications has already deployed high-speed DOCSIS 3.0 network in several western Canadian markets under the brand name of “Nitro Internet Service”. This technology offers 100 Mbps download speed. As of now, Nitro Internet Service is the fastest Internet service available in Canada.
Shaw Communications’ cable operation is currently facing increased competition. Telus Corp‘s (TU) entry into cable TV services has increased competitive pressure. Its closest competitor Rogers Communications Inc. (RCI) already started offering TVEverywhere service. Bell TV also followed suite.
Shaw Communications has decided to test its super fast FTTH network that will support Internet access speed of 1 Gbps. This next-generation network will serve multiple-dwelling units, single-family homes, as well as lucrative small & mid-sized businesses. The company’s decision to install fiber-based network is aimed to transform itself from a broadcaster to a unicast service provider offering TVEverywhere.
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