In southwestern North Dakota, Consolidated Telcom remains dedicated to the video business with the ongoing rollout of a full-channel live-streaming lineup for its customers who have received Cable TV and IPTV for years.
Business Operations Manager Laura Biel highlights Consolidated’s journey in the television business.
In 2000, Consolidated acquired a CATV system in Dickinson and today that video distribution system provides service to the entire cooperative service area. Biel says the company currently offers three video delivery platforms, Cable, IPTV, and Live streaming.
Q: Is there a roadmap for consolidating all video platforms into a single medium?
Biel: At the present time Consolidated is not pressuring it’s customers to move away from whatever type of video service they are currently using. Ideally, Consolidated would like to encourage customers to migrate to their branded live streaming service, Consolidated MyTV.
Q: How has the deployment of live streaming impacted Consolidated’s video customers?
Biel: Like most video operators, we’ve found that our older customers prefer the traditional cable/IPTV experience, complete with a set-top box and remote control. However, even within this demographic, some are starting to embrace streaming options for secondary viewing areas, such as bedrooms and workshops. Currently, we offer IPTV customers the flexibility to access both traditional and streaming services on their accounts, thanks to our Innovative Systems MG-TV solution.
Q: Some video operators have capped off their Cable and IPTV systems allowing only their streaming services for new customers. Consolidated has not gone in this direction. Have you found this to be detrimental or beneficial to your video business?
Biel: Interestingly enough a competitor in one of our larger markets has made this business decision, and because of that, we have captured some of their customers because the word is out that we still offer a traditional STB and remote control option.
Q: Considering the competitive nature of some markets you serve, is it fair to say that Consolidated is staying committed to providing video service?
Biel: My job involves managing video content, and the cost associated with this content, especially for local channels, is concerning. However, after reviewing the channel statistics reports from our middleware, it is evident that the viewership percentage for local stations is substantial. Therefore, we recognize the need for video to remain competitive. Ultimately, while providing video services is expensive, Consolidated cannot afford to eliminate this offering.
