Comcast is the largest cable operator in USA. It controls TV as well as internet access for tens of millions US houses. It is currently dealing to acquire NBC, another giant TV company, enough to give Comcast a real control on TV and its contents.
According to AppleInsider, Comcast's NBC deal could be block Apple on its way to develop an strengthen a subscription offer (based on the Apple TV). Indeed, none of the TV and internet providers are willing to see Apple entering their market, use their infrastructure and network to offer services on which they will not get enough money back, as they are or will release similar offer.
Once, NBC swallowed by Comcast, one can easily imagine that it will be hard for Apple to have NBC TV contents on iTunes Store. So, Apple might have more and more problems to reach customers with its unified offer as carriers and providers are also willing to get the largest piece of the cake, as Apple showed the way to go, no everybody wants to follow. Apple mist at the end need to develop int own offer, including the infrastructure to bring it to customers, or find partners to sign a 50-50 deal, with true mutual benefit for both parties, to bypass Comcast & Co.
