Cablevision Systems is the first cable operator to sign up for Home Box Office’s new standalone streaming service – HBO Now.
All the particulars of the deal weren’t revealed – including pricing and when exactly it will debut. Cablevision said the service will be available to its Optimum Online customers in the New York metro area.
HBO unveiled HBO Now earlier this month exclusively with Apple TV for $14.99 per month. Apple reportedly has a three-month exclusive digital window for the product, which will make its debut in April coinciding with the fifth season of popular HBO original series Game of Thrones.
“As New York’s premier connectivity company, we are enabling Optimum Online customers to enjoy content in any way they choose to receive it. We are well-positioned to support HBO Now and, as technology advances, Cablevision will continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” Cablevision chief operating officer Kristin Dolan said in a statement.
Other cable operators have reportedly been in discussions with HBO about the product, including Cox Communications. Cablevision is apparently the first of several MSOs that will eventually offer the product. HBO has said repeatedly that it plans to work closely with its distribution partners in offering the product, whcih it claims is targeted initially at the estimated 10 million broadband-only homes across the country.
“We couldn’t be more excited that our longtime partner has joined us for the launch of HBO Now," said HBO president, global distribution Tom Woodbury in a statement. "We believe that HBO Now will have great appeal to Cablevision's broadband customers.”
