“The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple is getting close to a web-only TV package that will offer roughly 25 channels and cost somewhere between $30 and $40 per month,” Dorothy Pomerantz writes for Forbes. “This isn’t the first time Apple had talked about offering some kind of TV service but with the momentum shifting to online viewing, it seems like there’s a good chance this could be the real thing. According to the Journal, Apple’s recent deal to offer a web-only version of HBO on its Apple TV box was ‘designed as a kind of appetizer for the main meal plans to be served later this year.'”
“The news is an exciting one for cord-cutters,” Pomerantz writes. “Dish Network is already offering Sling TV which, for $20 per month, gives viewers channels like ESPN HGTV and Cartoon Network. Sony is rolling out a web TV service that will be available via PlayStation consoles and networks like Nickelodeon, CBS and Showtime are rolling out web-only subscriptions services.”
“But there’s no question that the unbundled world is not going to come cheap. If we do see a major shift away from cable, those service providers are going to start charging a lot more for Internet service,” Pomerantz writes. “Navigating all of the new services to create the perfect package of stations might have the opposite effect of pushing viewers back into cable’s arms. A one-price for everything deal might actually start to look pretty attractive.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: If the prices weren’t already too high and the bundles weren’t so restrictive, so many wouldn’t have already cut or be looking to cut the cord. Hopefully, these new services will force cable/satellite to offer better packages at more attractive prices to, you know, actually compete for customers.
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