Malone says TCI push into phones, Internet isn't working for now; hype exceeded feasibility, so cable company opts for return to its roots; chasing too many rabbits

Article Abstract:

John Malone, CEO of Tele-Communications Inc (TCI), is revising his effort to make the company a multimedia leader of television, telephone, and Internet services. Malone maintains that these ambitions are impossible, and that TCI will refocus on the cable industry as its primary business. Malone claims that TCI's 1996 3rd qtr report, acknowledging the loss of 70,000 customers, inspired him to redirect the company's efforts. TCI's lowering stock prices, along with the company's estimated $15 billion debt, are also responsible for Malone's shift in strategy. Malone's simplified plans will allow TCI to focus on the delivery of its new digital-cable boxes. Although these digital boxes promise to feature innovative digital-satellite services, Malone is taking personal blame for their two-year delay in distribution. Malone has cut TCI's staff by 2,500 employees, and he is reducing the salaries of TCI's top managers by up to 20% in an attempt to cut cable-programming costs.

Cable Television Systems, Management, Malone, John C., AT&T Broadband and Internet Services Inc., TCOMB, Company Business Management, Company Employee

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Companies scramble to offer electronic TV program guides

Article Abstract:

Companies are racing to develop and offer interactive, on-screen TV program guides. The guides are currently being test-marketed, and cable TV operators hope to soon offer them nationwide. The new guides, which aim to help viewers chose from among the rapidly proliferating number of cable channels, may be the first interactive systems to gain popularity with TV viewers. However, the guides will require a new generation of cable converter boxes to be outfitted with powerful computer chips. Companies offering the guides include Liberty Media Corp subsidiary X*Press Information Services Inc and InSight Telecast Inc. General Instruments Corp's Jerrold Communications subsidiary is scheduled to announce plans to manufacture converter boxes based on Insight's technology. Companies are also unsure how to market and price the services.

Product development, Technology application, Television program viewing guides, Television program guides, New Product, Electronic Publishing Industry, Cable Television/Data Services, Interactive Cable

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Cable companies gamble on the Internet

Article Abstract:

Cable TV companies are finally entering the Internet access market, offering a new technology that is much faster than traditional copper telephone lines. The coaxial cable used for cable TV and special new cable modems will transmit data hundreds of times faster than traditional modems. The Internet market offers a new opportunity for cable companies, which have suffered from increased competition from telephone and satellite communications companies since the deregulation of the telecommunications industry. The cable companies will need to solve several technological problems and improve their service and marketing strategies in order to be successful in this market. At Home Corp has introduced its Internet service in Fremont, CA, and Time Warner Inc will introduce its Road Runner cable-modem service on Sep 10, 1996.

Cable TV Systems Operators, Services, Internet, Time Warner Inc., TWX, Company service introduction, Service introduction, At Home Corp., Internet access

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