Another player has entered the world of digital content.
Verizon is reportedly looking to get in the game and wants to challenge Netflix for digital streaming supremacy according to Reuters.
The phone service provider is talking with prospective programming partners about the service, which would be introduced outside of markets where it currently offers its broadband and TV package, known as FiOS, these people said. That would make it available to some 85 million U.S. households.
The new service could be rolled out in 2012, according to one of the people.
The package of programming would be limited in its scope, said two people with knowledge of the plans. Another person said the focus would be packages of movies similar to Liberty Media’s Starz Play and Viacom’s Epix or could involve children’s programming from a partner such as Walt Disney Co or Viacom.
Epix’s current exclusive online-streaming contract with Netflix runs out next September, allowing other services to negotiate with Viacom for Epix’ package of movies from Paramount, Lions Gate and MGM studios.
Viacom Chief Executive Phillipe Dauman said at a conference this week his company would be open to negotiating with other broadband only services.
People familiar with the plans declined to be identified as the discussions between Verizon and programming partners are confidential and sensitive.
And since Verizon is an ISP, it can just block Netflix for its subscribers. Or it may go the sneaky route and just slow Netflix down. This is why net neutrality is important.
Come on, Michael, you can do better reporting than that. “One person said … two people said … someone said.” Really? Who are these people? And if they’re so knowledgeable about the situation, why are they nameless?
Dr. Mitch Doles Out the Harshness!
Wow, what’s with the bitterness, man? You do realize that, unlike outlets like AP and Reuters, Slice of SciFi does NOT have a team of reporters that actually go gather the news as it’s being made? That we rely on wire stories like everyone else, and that’s the news we post?
True, more attention needs to be paid to linking source attributions, but seriously, it’s not like he’s out there interviewing people himself. Besides, nameless sources are all the same one old guy who’s time-traveling and stirring up trouble.