“I argue that, in some fashion, consumers will be able to purchase a basic bundle from TWC/CMCSA and proceed to complement/supplement it with individual options,” Rocco Pendola writes for TheStreet. “It should come as no surprise that readers have responded with a resounding Marv Albert-style ‘YESSSS!’ to my speculation.”
“There’s probably nothing more popular than the notion of a la carte pricing from cable (or satellite). In fact, there’s so much consensus that a la carte is righteous and cable companies are evil for not providing it that you really can’t be against it,” Pendola writes. “Being against a la carte pricing is akin to being for cancer or child abuse.”
“Apple offers a la carte. Amazon offers a la carte. That’s what we want. Apple, for instance, doesn’t make you buy a package of core apps or something of the sort. It’s choose what you use. And, while it makes perfect sense for the circumstances, it’s not like it’s all that sexy,” Pendola writes. “I expect a similar dynamic to unfold if we ever see a la carte pricing from cable. However, it won’t end quite the same way, primarily because you’ll get a bill every month itemizing your expenses. It doesn’t happen quite that way when you buy stuff from Apple (or Amazon). You pay and receive a receipt as you go, which means there’s different psychology at play. But with cable… it could prove to be a rude awakening for plenty of subscribers.”
Read more in the full article here.