HBO Now hasn’t even been launched yet and already there’s competition on the horizon. The cable giant’s over-the-top internet TV streaming service will be available to U.S. residents starting next month. For three months it will be exclusive to Apple’s devices. Showtime is going to keep itself out of the fray any longer. CBS chief Les Moonves has confirmed that Showtime will be launching a similar streaming service “in the not-too-distant future.”
CBS isn’t really new to the world of over-the-top streaming. It already has a service called CBS All Access up and running which has gained thousands of subscribers that are willing to pay $5.99 per month.
Moonves said that cable and satellite distributors were initially skeptical about such a service, they were concerned that this might hurt the business, but he thinks that “the floodgate is now open.”
He also said that CBS has received calls from existing players and digital players who might be interested in Showtime also offering an over-the-top streaming service.
This is shaping up to a great year for people who want to leave their cable provider behind and move completely to online TV streaming. HBO Now is coming next month. Sling TV is already available and it provides access to some great channels for $20 per month.
With Showtime looking to make an entry as well it just may be a matter of time before the cord cutting craze catches on.
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