Netflix’s domination of the streaming landscape has gone mostly unchallenged, despite Hulu’s best efforts and “boutique” services like CBS All Access and HBO Go. But there’s a new contender on the scene—or, there will be, possibly some time next year. Bloomberg reports that Comcast is plotting its own streaming service, which will feature NBCUniversal programming. The long-term plan is to offer shows from its cable properties like Bravo, SyFy, and USA Network. Comcast made its first foray into streaming with the launch of Seeso last year, but this would be a much larger endeavor.
Bloomberg’s sources, who asked not to be named, indicate that there are still a lot of details to be worked out before any launch. The biggest hurdles to clear are the regulations that were put in place when Comcast snapped up NBCUniversal in 2011, an acquisition which raised concerns over vertical integration, net neutrality, charging TV providers higher rates to maintain their NBC programming, and even moving NBC over exclusively to cable. There are now program access rules in place that will reportedly lift in September 2018, which will allow Comcast to serve up all of its NBC offerings on its own streaming site. Comcast is also trying to figure out whether the service will include sports, as well as whether there will be a live feed of the broadcast network.