But at the same time, entertainment has become a smaller part of cable's universe as cable companies strengthen their presence in the telecommunications business. Services now available on a limited basis cable modems, digital cable and local phone service soon will be commonplace offerings to New Jersey's 2.3 million basic cable customers, say industry watchers.
Cable modems are a way of using the cable network to access the Internet.
Comcast, the largest cable TV provider in the Garden State, offers a cable modem connection called At Home. Michael Doyle, senior regional vice president of Comcast, sees this becoming the standard for computer users because it will enable virtually instant access to the online world. Both Alexander and Doyle expect digital cable to become the norm as well. Comcast, the third-largest cable provider in the nation, has so far put out 500,000 digital boxes across the country and expects that number to double this year, says Doyle. Cable companies offering local phone service will probably be the last thing to catch on in the marketplace, though some providers already offer it.