Comcast expands MyTV Choice tests to Charleston, SC

Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is expanding the tests of its MyTV Choice programming packages, which allow subscribers to opt out of paying for ESPN and other sports networks, to Charleston, S.C.

The MSO began testing MyTV Choice earlier this year in Connecticut, and said it plans to expand the tests soon to Seattle. Aimed at subscribers who are looking to cut the costs on their cable bills, the MyTV Choice packages lets subscribers choose from two different "starter" programming packages. Its "get started" package, which costs $24.95 monthly, doesn't include any ESPN networks or regional sports channels, but it does have local broadcast channels, and basic cable networks such as A&E, AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel and Lifetime.

Comcast's "get started plus" package, which costs $44.95 monthly, includes ESPN networks and regional sports channels. Comcast is also allowing subscrbers to add packs of channels covering from four themes--kids, news and info, entertainment and lifestyle, and movies. The MSO launched a website that allow subscribers to configure various MyTV Choice programming packages.

Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) is also beginning to offer its subscribers the ability to order programming packages containing fewer channels. The MSO recently said it plans to expand its TV Essentials packages, which don't include ESPN, to all systems on the East coast.

Even if Comcast's tests with MyTV Choice prove to be popular with subscribers, it may be difficult for the MSO to expand the offers to major markets such as Chicago. Its contracts with cable programmers such as ESPN require that channels be distributed to the majority of subscribers nationwide, and programmers would likely fight moves to drop their networks from expanded basic programming tiers.

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- the Post and Courier has this story

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