Americast
| Gegründet | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Hauptsitz | , USA |
Key people | Stephen Weiswasser[1] |
| Owner | SBC BellSouth Corp. Ameritech Corp. GTE Corp. SNET Disney Televenture |
Americast was a cable alternative broadcast Joint venture of five telephone companies: SBC, BellSouth Corporation, Ameritech Corporation, GTE Corporation and SNET. The Walt Disney Company's Disney Televenture subsidiary was a programming partner.[2][1] No standard delivery technologies was chosen for Americast with cable, direct-broadcast satellite and microwave as options for partner companies to use.[3]
History
Americast was founded in early 1996 by SBC, BellSouth, Ameritech and GTE.[2] Southern New England Telecommunications later joined Americast in June 1996.[4]
In August 1996, Americast made an order with Zenith Electronics for $1 billion worth of digital set-top boxes. [3] In July 1997, the company eliminated its programming and marketing departments outsourcing to Disney Televenture. By this time, Ameritech had build Americast systems in 29 locations.[2]
By 2000, the Americast system was considered to be costly to run. Ameritech owner, SBC, put Ameritech's Americast unit up for sale in early 2000. SNET was expected to discontinue the Americast service in Connecticut in 2001.[5] In May 2001, Ameritech's Americast unit was sold to WideOpenWest, LLC.[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b BATES, JAMES (April 2, 1996). "Wedding Bells : THE BIZ : Joined Firms May Push to Marry Video Ventures Too". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ a b c Dempsey, John (July 27, 1997). "Americast slimming". Variety. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ a b Hofmeister, Sallie (August 23, 1996). "Americast Places $1-Billion Order for Set-Top Boxes". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ Landler, Mark (June 19, 1996). "THE MEDIA BUSINESS;Partner Joins Disney-Backed Phone Group In TV Venture". New York Times. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
- ^ Jones, Tim (September 1, 2000). "Americast Future Is Far From Clear". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ Alexander, Delroy (May 25, 2001). "Ameritech sells cable unit to Colorado firm". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 11 March 2013.