Comcast Sees Opportunity in New Rivalries

The broadband business has turned cutthroat, but Comcast (CMCSA Quote) isn't quaking.

The big Philadelphia-based cable operator told reporters Wednesday morning how it plans to meet the challenge presented by a growing pack of rivals and a shifting landscape. The company said it expects to maintain leadership by offering an expanding list of services and focusing on technical innovation.

Comcast Cable President Steve Burke said the threat to the cable sector from rivals -- such as the regional Bell phone companies -- has been overstated, but he conceded that the competitive balance is changing quickly. Indeed, Burke said Comcast expects that half its television viewing audience within five years will be watching with the help of so-called time-shifting devices such as video-on-demand and personal video recorders. ...