Verizon FiOS Custom TV Coming Soon
VERIZON FiOS CUSTOM TV
The customary pay TV bundle may soon be tossed onto the ash heap of history. Smaller and more flexible channel packages are gaining ground in the multichannel TV market, as cable and satellite system operators scramble to compete with internet video streaming services such as Amazon, Netflix, and Hulu.
With Sling TV, Dish Network led the way in offering a stripped down channel package for a monthly fee much lower than standard cable and satellite fees. Now Verizon has joined the contest with “Custom TV”, a 35-channel package for $54.00 per month. Though this is more than twice the $20.00 rate for the most basic Sling TV package, it still is far less than a typical cable TV package. A Double Play version,bundled with 25 MB/S internet service, will sell for $64.99. The Triple Play version, which also includes home phone service, will start at $74.99.
The basic Verizon FiOS Custom TV package does not include ESPN. This could limit its appeal to consumers. If you get Custom TV, you can add premium channel packages for $10.00 each.
Dish Network fired the first salvo with Sling TV. The new platform was meant to lure “cord-cutters’ or “cord-nevers” who are used to streaming video via the internet, and who are not interested in traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions. The basic Sling TV package is seventeen channels, and it sells for just $20.00 per month. To get Sling TV, you will not need the customary satellite dish and receivers, and you won;t have to sign a long-term contract. If you want, you can take the service from month to month. Most Sling TV customers stream its content via iOS or Android Devices, Roku, Chromecast, Playstations, X-Boxes, or laptop computers.
Verizon FiOS Custom TV is likely to be available for streaming on mobile platforms, but Verizon has not confirmed that it will be a stand-alone service. Very likely, this means that you can get it only if you subscribe to Verizon FiOS fiber service. To use it on a mobile device, you will need a password.
With Verizon FiOS Custom TV, you will enjoy much more flexibility in selecting channels than you would with traditional cable TV. With the “base” package, you get all of the major broadcast networks, plus CNN, HGTV, Food Network, AMC, and two of seven available themed channel packs. Each of the Verizon FiOS Custom TV themed channel packs includes at least ten additional channels. Themes include Lifestyle, News and Info, Kids, Pop Culture, Sports, Entertainment, and Sports Plus. You can change your themed channel packs after thirty days.
(Editor’s note: To get Verizon FiOS Custom TV, or any other TV service, shop at Bundle Deals. Compare all providers and plans available in your neighborhood, then order any service with just one phone call.)