With mounting pressure from online television streaming services such as Netflix and Sling TV, today Verizon Wireless announced a new option for FiOS subscribers. The telecommunications company will now offer a “skinny” bundle with additional add-on packages that can be interchanged regularly depending on the needs of the customer.

The price itself isn’t too bad considering…

The $55 base channel package will include local affiliate stations plus other channels like Food Network, HGTV, CNN and AMC, it also includes two channel packs. This is where things get interesting as Verizon has shifted to grouping channels by content allowing subscribers to pick and choose small packs of channels. The sports pack includes ESPN/2, Fox Sports 1 and NBCSN, there is also a ‘sports plus’ package that brings regional sports networks plus league specific channels like NBA TV and NFL Network.

The ‘entertainment’ package will likely be a hit with TNT, TBS and USA access, other groupings include kids, pop culture, lifestyle and news. Subscribers will be able to add up to two more packs per month at $10 each, with the option to change every 30 days. The majority of the channels are available in HD as expected. We know that this new bundle can be paired with internet service for an additional $10-$20 but details on DVR and multi-room service are unclear at this point. Verizon’s new FiOS bundles will be available to subscribers on April 19th.

This is just another move in the shift towards true ala carte television service. Sling TV is already making a strong case for consumers to dump the traditional TV service, especially given its attractive offers with set-top streaming devices. How this will affect other large providers going forward is unclear, however it’s certain that the times are changing. Your move Comcast.

Source: WSJ

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