The New Service from Verizon Will Make You Rethink Cutting the Cord
Cutting the cord from your cable company has been a growing trend over the past few years thanks to service providers who are stuck behind the times and increasing their price points. With consumers turning to every streaming option available — Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Sling TV, Chromecast, Roku, etc. — it’s been a little odd that cable powerhouses like Comcast et al. haven’t shaken things up in their world to reel TV lovers back in. The landscape may finally be changing thanks to Verizon FiOS and its brand-new Custom TV plan.
The first-of-its-kind service — $54.99/month solo + $74.99/month with Internet + phone — gives couchtuners what they’ve been asking for from cable providers for quite some time: personalization. This new package will include a base set of channels from national and local broadcasters in conjunction with two of the seven genre bundles that range from Kids, Pop Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment to News, Sports and Sports Plus. See ya irrelevant channels.
Nielsen’s Advertising + Audience Report highlighted the fact that you probably know and live — Americans don’t need thousands of television options. Last year they found that, on average, Americans only watch 17 channels. We kind of feel like even that’s pushing it. But for those not ready to give up niche channels like truTV or Investigation Discovery, with the Custom TV service you can add bonus bundles for $10 each per month.
We’re excited that Verizon FiOS has taken the initiative among the stale cable company services by introducing this personalized package plan. The only thing that could be better is the option to choose individual channels a la carte. (Contrary to Nielsen’s report, I personally watch about five channels religiously. You?) Comcast, it’s now your move ;)
Will you be sticking with cable after the introduction of Verizon FiOS Custom TV? Let us know in the comments.
(h/t The Verge)
