Faster Wi-Fi rivalry starts

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Comcast 4Q profit up on revenue boost, tax gain

Comcast Corp. reported sharply higher fourth-quarter earnings, propelled mainly by a boost in broadband and phone revenue, and unveiled a new brand for its core cable TV operations as it transforms into a media conglomerate.

On the eve of congressional hearings on its proposed purchase of a controlling stake in NBC Universal, Comcast said Wednesday that it will change the name of its cable TV, Internet and phone services to XFinity. The new brand will roll out in 11 markets on Feb. 12 and expand nationally thereafter. Comcast will remain the name of the parent company.

"We are beginning to reposition the company with the consumer, demonstrating how the technical and product investments we have made can redefine how customers experience video, voice and the Internet," CEO Brian Roberts said in a conference call with analysts.

Web fee scheme put off at Time Warner

Time Warner Cable is shelving a controversial pilot plan to charge Internet customers in Greensboro and several other cities according to how much data they use.

But the company strongly defended the idea of charging by a person's Web usage.

Some consumers feared the test would have been a prelude to extending the change to the Triangle and elsewhere as a way to jack up prices and stifle development of companies that provide entertainment content for the Web. Until now, there has been no limit to Internet access.

A third wireless Internet service debuts in state

Residents in the Triangle and elsewhere in the state now have a choice of three high-speed wireless Internet service providers.

Clearwire Communications begins promoting its service today in North Carolina as it enters a price war with competitors. The Kirkland, Wash.-based telecom company offers its service in Charlotte and Greensboro as well.

The new type of wireless Internet service, known as 4G, is also provided here by Sprint Nextel and Time Warner Cable. All three run over the same network: Clearwire's.

Summary Box: Comcast reports earnings

THE NUMBERS: Comcast Corp. said Wednesday it earned $955 million, or 33 cents per share, in the fourth quarter, buoyed by higher Internet and phone revenue and a one-time tax gain.

WHAT'S NEW: Comcast is changing the name of its core cable TV, Internet and phone services to XFinity in hopes of sharpening its image as an innovator as it rolls out improved products such as more high-definition channels and faster Internet speeds. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said the company is starting to integrate operations of NBC Universal, in which it is planning to take a controlling stake.

APPLE'S IPAD: Comcast, like other cable TV providers, keeps a close eye on emerging technology and devices, such as Apple Inc.'s iPad, that bypass cable to deliver content directly to consumers in and outside the home. But Roberts said giving consumers access to content anytime, anywhere is good for Comcast. Buying NBC Universal's content certainly gives Comcast a way to make money no matter where that content is shown.

You'll soon pay more for cable TV

Time Warner Cable, the state's dominant provider, is raising its rates this month, an annual occurrence the company traditionally blames on the cost of programming.

Most of the increases will add between $3 and $5 to a monthly bill, but the biggest percentage increase is for the entry-level 24-channel Broadcast Cable service (the level below Basic). In Raleigh, the service is going up 29percent, from $12.50 to $16.10 a month. Clayton customers will see a 31 percent increase, from $12.95 to $17 a month.

The rate increases go into effect Dec. 27.