Telecommunications giant Verizon is running quite behind on their schedule regarding the launch of a major project. Between having to resolve the internet speed of their numerous Unlimited Data plan subscribers, and finalizing the organization of Oath, formed from the merger of AOL and Yahoo! Internet, they have been kept busy. As a result, Verizon’s streaming TV service, which they had originally promised to kick off last March, has been delayed a number of times. After no less than two changed launch dates, CEO Lowell Mcadam has made a more definitive – and far off – announcement, in that Verizon streaming, will now launch for sure in the spring of 2018.
Late to the market
This bold new step has already been broached by Verizon to TV networks, as a means for them to grow further in a telecommunications market that has become increasingly saturated. And while they have had to put off the actual launch of Verizon streaming twice over now, Lowell McAdam assures their subscribers that the service is absolutely critical for them. They have a lot to overcome due to the emergence of rival platforms like SlingTV from Dish, DirecTV Now of AT&T, and Sony’s PlayStation Vue, all of which are up and running even as Verizon waits for next year.
To establish a stable footing in the streaming media market, Verizon is looking at a strategy that offers a more streamlined cable programming rather than broadband.
Furthermore, McAdam is not overly concerned about the lead that AT&T, Dish, and even Sony have over the company, though Verizon has yet to make a final decision if their streaming TV service would be an independent one or a partnership with some other company. There is also the matter of ironing out whatever distribution deals Verizon will make with top media giants who will provide content for the streaming platform.
History of troubles
Verizon’s current drive at introducing its own streaming service is but the latest of several attempts. Their previous effort was go90, a mobile take on YouTube launched two years ago that, while still active, has largely fizzled out in comparison to the more entrenched video website. Verizon has since let go of 155 personnel from their go90 operation this year and replenished the staff with people from another of their more recent acquisitions Vessel.
Another major stumbling block for the company was the news that their media head Marni Walden, who was expected to oversee the creation of media for streaming, was due to depart Verizon on February of next year. Lowell McAdam is, therefore, counting on Oath to both works on online media and ad placement facilities for when the streaming service starts, in order to give it a fighting chance against its early-bird competition.