Q. I’m a Comcast video subscriber and I’ve been enjoying watching all kinds of sports on WatchESPN. But I’ve been thinking about getting rid of my video service and going Net only. Could I still watch WatchESPN if I do? — BettyAnn, Deale, Maryland.
BettyAnn, WatchESPN is a web site that simulcasts ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Desportes, ESPNews, SEC Network and the Longhorn Network. You can stream all seven channels on one site using your laptop or mobile device (and your TV using such Net TV devices as Roku,or Amazon Fire.)
The online service is also the exclusive home of ESPN 3, which airs games not available on the cable TV channels.
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So, you ask, as a Comcast subscriber, do you need a subscription to the cable operator’s video service to keep watching WatchESPN? Could you watch it if you just subscribe to Comcast’s Internet service?
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The answer: yes and no.
Comcast will allow Net-only subscribers to watch the Net-only channel, ESPN 3, but not the other ESPN channels, which require a video subscription.
The logic is simple. ESPN 3 is an Internet channel so Comcast makes it available to Internet subscribers. But ESPN, ESPN 2, etc. are video channels so you have to get a video subscription to watch them.
So, Comcast Internet subscribers, go to your laptop or mobile device and tune into WatchESPN. There are plenty of games to watch that you may have been missing.
By the way, Verizon Broadband-only customers, and other Broadband services, also offer ESPN 3 on WatchESPN. Check with your Internet service for details.
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— Phillip Swann
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