At launch, the Anime Network was only available by Video On Demand to Comcast subscribers in the Philadelphia area with 1.2 million customers with more providers choosing to carry the service later on. The linear service launched on June 30, 2004 to complement the VOD service.[1][6] Comcast Communications previously carried the channel on video on demand since its launch. On May 29, 2009 Comcast discontinued carriage of the service in both its free package and its pay-per-view digital television package, however, are periodically included among Comcast Xfinity's Top Picks.[7]