Comcast, Time Warner, and Charter have launched a subsidization program for HDTVs through a partnership with Broadband National. The program offers a price subsidized HDTV, provided new customers subscribe to a cable package from one of the three participating MSOs. I compared pricing from their new co-branded website with Best Buy.com, and Panasonic HDTVs were being offered about 15%-25% cheaper. Broadband National is an aggregation dealer for broadband and entertainment services from a variety of sources.
The HDTV subsidization program is an interesting concept. The subsidization factors do not approach the discounts offered by wireless providers for wireless devices, but do offer a conceivable value to consumers. Should Broadband National execute this strategy well, these MSOs may well gain additional HD market share.
Check out the recently launched website, www.hdtvspecialoffer.com.