HBO Go brings streamed TV to FiOS customers

by Stevie Smith - Feb 18 2010, 09:38

Looking to extend customer reach by pushing into the realm of streamed entertainment, broadcasting giant HBO and Internet operator Verizon Wireless have announced HBO Go, a content delivery service that will enable Verizon’s FiOS TV customers to enjoy masses of HBO-branded content while online.

According to the deal, the new HBOGO.com portal will carry considerably more content than the cable network’s existing TV on demand service, amounting to somewhere in excess of 600 hours of regularly updated programming.

“The name of the game here is customer retention,” explained Eric Kessler, co-president of HBO, during a media chat after the service’s official unveiling.

Kessler also went on to say that HBO’s established TV on demand service offers up a 20 to 30 percent increase in viewer traction, which is a boost the company hopes to replicate through its new stream-based delivery system.

Boasting the option of both live streaming and HD picture quality, the online platform will be looking to tempt customers with hit HBO shows such as The Wire, Extras, Band of Brothers, Hung and The Sopranos – along with a smattering of major movie titles such as The Watchmen, 17 Again, Tropic Thunder and The Soloist.  

Beyond being a clear rival to Netflix, the new HBO Go service arrives as part of the ‘TV Everywhere’ initiative launched by leading cable providers such as HBO parent company Time Warner in 2009 as they strive to remain relevant in the vastly expanding online space.

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