MVPD Services You Should Check Out

Since February of last year, at least five virtual multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) services have been introduced. Granted, some of these are still in their testing stages, but there are a number that are already made widely available for consumers. With an approach that sticks to the basics in delivering video content to customers, these MVPD services look to threaten pay TV services which rely on customer premises equipment (CPE), truck rolls, and credit checks. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Go90. When the biggest wireless carrier in the United States completed its acquisition of Cisco’s OnCue video technology back in January of 2014, many expected Verizon Wireless to enter into the pay TV industry. But the Big Red chose instead to announce its Go90 mobile video service, which later launched in October of last year. This service features licensed TV shows and live programs from Viacom, Discovery, Scripps, ESPN, CBS Sports, and Univision, among many others, plus online video content from AwesomenessTV, Maker Studios, and Vice, just to name a few. This ad supported service is available across the United States and is absolutely free of charge.

• DirecTV Now. About a week ago, AT&T revealed that three virtual tiers of its DirecTV service will be launching before the end of this year. The wireless carrier has not divulged any major details yet about its DirecTV offering, but it is expected to be made available nationwide.

• Sling TV. Dish Network launched its Sling TV service about a year ago, with a $20 a month base offering that comes with 20 channels including ESPN, TNT, TBS, AMC, History, CNN, as well as add on channels like HBO, ABC, and Cinemax. 

• Playstation Vue. Sony’s live streaming MVPD offering PlayStation Vue was launched in March of last year. Its basic $40 a month service already includes all major broadcast channels, and also AMC, Cartoon Network, and Viacom channels. 

• TWC TV Roku Trial. With prices ranging from $10 a month to $50 a month, Time Warner Cable’s TWC TV Roku Trial (launched in November of last year) offers all major broadcast channels in its base package, while it includes over 70 channels (such as ESPN, AMC, TNT, Showtime & Starz) in its top tier packages.

• Xfinity Stream. Comcast also released its Xfinity Stream in November 2015, serving customers in select areas in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and the Chicago metropolitan area. Its offers the Big Four broadcast channels, HB, CW, PBS, and Univision at $15 a month.