Comcast opens up over a dozen SVODs amid coronavirus

Comcast has become the latest US operator to offer a range of its content for free as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Sky owner said that it would make on demand programming from more than two dozen of its entertainment networks and subscription video services available for its Xfinity X1 and Flex customers to enjoy for free in the coming weeks.

These include African American Networks and SVOD services such as AFRO, Aspire TV, and Black News Channel; Latino Networks and subscription video services like Cinelatino, Cine Sony and Cinema Dinamita MX; and International Networks and SVODs such as Filipino On Demand, GMA Pinoy and Hi-YAH!

In order to access these, Xfinity customers with X1 and Flex can say “Free” into their Xfinity Voice remote.

Rebecca Heap, senior vice president, Video & Entertainment at Comcast Cable, said: “All year round, we provide our customers with a wide variety of diverse and in-language programming and we’re happy to work with our partners to make a selection available for free.”

Alongside this offer of free entertainment content, Comcast has taken multiple measures amid the pandemic including the opening of its Xfinity WiFi hotspots for free, the pausing of data plans and the creation of an education platform on X1 and Flex.

Comcast joins AT&T in offering free content. AT&T has made 500 hours of its premium HBO content available for free for a limited time via SVODs HBO Now and HBO Go. HBO said that it wanted to “provide some entertainment relief for those doing their part to keep everyone safe and healthy in this time of social isolation.”

Platform holders all around the world are encouraging users to stay inside by offering free access. These range from the aforementioned likes of AT&T and Comcast, to more niche streamers like Shudder and even adult entertainment site PornHub.