Netflix and Comcast Reach Streaming Deal

Comcast — the country's largest cable and broadband provider — has come to a deal with Netflix to ensure that the streaming service's video content would be piped directly to Comcast's customers.

The two companies said in a joint statement Sunday they're setting up a more direct connection to offer better service to customers that will also allow for future gains in Netflix traffic.

Netflix had a commanding 33 million U.S. streaming subscribers at the start of 2014 — and the service makes up for roughly one third of all traffic at peak times on the Internet, according to research firm Sandvine.

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As Netflix branches out into original content, with acclaimed series like "House of Cards," Internet service providers like Comcast have lobbied the company for more structured deals to allow a more direct transmission pathway and reduce the strain on their networks.

The companies did not disclose the terms of the multi-year deal — including whether Netflix was paying for its direct connection, although the joint statement said Netflix “receives no preferential network treatment.”

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FOR SUBSCRIBERSAbdul El-Sayed tries to woo MAHA voters as Democrats seek inroads with RFK’s supporters

FOR SUBSCRIBERSKratom-like substances are popping up in a typically benign supplement

FOR SUBSCRIBERSGOP super PAC increases its spending for Sen. Jon Husted in tough Ohio race

FOR SUBSCRIBERSRecords reveal tumultuous marriage between slain New York Times executive and wife

FOR SUBSCRIBERSFrom clean energy warrior to ‘wall of shame,’ James Talarico reverses on a fossil fuel money pledge

FOR SUBSCRIBERSCongressional staff planned official trip with luxury stops in Italy and France weeks before election

FOR SUBSCRIBERSA harrowing ordeal aboard an Israel-bound plane

FOR SUBSCRIBERSOpenAI CEO Sam Altman to skip congressional hearing on rogue AI agents

FOR SUBSCRIBERSKey DOJ lawyers departed Trump ‘grand conspiracy’ probe amid pressure to produce, source says

FOR SUBSCRIBERSTrump’s new AI chatbot often links to a site launched under Clinton 26 years ago

FOR SUBSCRIBERSAt MAHA summit, industry CEOs the movement once vilified take the stage

FOR SUBSCRIBERSThis Paralympian has two goals: Win medals and give away $500,000 to her teammates

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FOR SUBSCRIBERSThe debate over AI’s future rages on both coasts

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Comcast is the parent company of NBC.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.