Foxtel has today announced some of the key details for the new look Foxtel Play streaming service, which will roll out from December 2016.
Foxtel has also confirmed it will close down its SVOD business Presto and transfer customers across to the new Foxtel Play.
Foxtel is hoping the new flexible packages will attract more customers toward premium content, without the need to sign up to a fixed term contract.
The new service will have five different entry level tiers to match viewers’ interests including Drama and Entertainment packs priced at $15 per month each or $25 for both, while at the $10 per month level, there will be one option for Lifestyle, one for Documentary and one for Kids.
In addition, customers will be able to take the Sports tier for an extra $25 per month and the Movies tier for an additional $20 per month, effectively reducing the cost of Sport to as little as $35 per month.
Subscribers will have access to all linear channels in the tier along with all of the on-demand, catch up and library content available to that tier plus mobile and tablet access via Foxtel Go.
From December, existing Foxtel Play customers will be transferred to the new pricing, with the package that best aligns with their current service.
Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh said:
“Foxtel Play will be a simpler, cheaper and more flexible IP delivered product, which will create much better value for Australian consumers. It is the logical step for us to take in the evolution of Foxtel’s service. The new offering will mirror the successful launch of HBO Now in the US and Now TV by Sky in the UK.
“Customers who use an IP connection, with their own device and bandwidth will have access to this great new offering. Consumers will be able to sign up by downloading the app to their eligible connected TV, laptop, PC or games console.
“I am sure that existing and potential customers will be delighted at the flexibility that the new Foxtel Play will offer. For example, Foxtel is the Home of HBO and Showcase will be included in both the Drama and Entertainment tiers, which means that shows like Game of Thrones will now be available for $15 per month,”
“I recently announced that from January 2017 we will significantly increase the amount of HBO content that will be available on demand and in full to anyone who subscribes to Showcase. All Foxtel drama tier subscribers will benefit from this great library of programs.”
The announcement comes on the same day as Foxtel revealed that it had acquired Seven West Media’s shares in the Presto TV joint venture.
Presto customers will be invited to transition to the new Foxtel Play packages from December 2016 and the Presto service will cease on 31 January 2017. All Presto entitlements will be honoured; should any promotional entitlements remain after 31 January, Presto customers will be offered appropriate alternative content.
In the lead-up to the shutdown of Presto, both services will have exclusive Australian access to two new Home and Away specials to be released this summer.
