HBO to Offer Standalone Streaming Service

HBO has plans to offer a standalone streaming service of it’s shows, documentaries and movies.

In 2010, HBO subscribers where introduced to an HBO streaming app called HBO GO where cable subscribers could access their favorite HBO series, documentations and movies on demand on various media devices. Earlier this year HBO began to allow Amazon Prime customers free access to some of their programs through the Amazon Prime video streaming service.

Now, HBO chairman and CEO Richard Plepler made the announcement that HBO plans to offer an online-only streaming service starting next year. The big move will put them in direct competition with the very successful online video streaming service Netflix. HBO’s plan for an online-only streaming service would will be primarily targeted at the 10 million people in the U.S. who do not have a cable or satellite subscription who’d like to purchase the online streaming service.

“That is a large and growing opportunity that should no longer be left untapped,” Plepler said. “It is time to remove all barriers to those who want HBO. So, in 2015, we will launch a stand-alone, over-the-top, HBO service in the United States. We will work with our current partners. And, we will explore models with new partners. All in, there are 80 million homes that do not have HBO and we will use all means at our disposal to go after them.”

However, this big move also brings concern to cable and satellite providers who may lose many of their subscribed customers that have the HBO channel package if the online-only streaming service is offered at a discounted price.