Just when I’m ready to give up on the idea of getting NFL Network for the first time starting this fall, Comcast has to go and make me think about it all over again.

The two sides have picked up negotiations again, allowing Comcast to carry the network while the sides try to iron things out.

A message sent to my home cable box a couple days ago said that the NFL Network will be carried on Comcast for now, while the sides continue negotiating.

“Comcast and the NFL are engaged in productive discussions toward a new agreement for NFL Network carriage on Comcast,” according to a joint statement. “NFL Network will continue to be carried on Comcast systems past (the) scheduled expiration of the current contract while both sides continue these productive discussions. We are both working to find a solution that works for NFL fans and Comcast’s customers.”

The big problem continues to be Comcast wanting to keep the NFL Network as part of its premium sports package, while the network itself wants to be included as part of the standard digital cable lineup.

Personally I was planning on paying the extra cash for the network, but if Comcast caves and opts to run it on the regular digital lineup I’d be even happier.

In a time when keeping clients is top priority in the business world, throwing football fans a bone with something as little as the NFL Network may just be beneficial to Comcast.

With plenty of cable providers out there – satellite included – and a plethora of phone options – from landline to cell phone – as well as online providers, Comcast shouldn’t be pushing so hard to ignore the complaints of current customers or turn potential clients away.

Tags: Comcast, NFL Network