HBO Announces Stand-Alone Streaming Service

Winter is coming to cord-cutters. The cable giant has revealed plans to offer a streaming, over-the-top HBO service. 

During the Time Warner Inc. Investor Meeting today, Richard Plepler, chairman and CEO of HBO, announced that HBO will be providing a stand-alone streaming option for customers starting next year. The company hopes to tap into the growing broadband only market.

"That is a large and growing opportunity that should no longer be left untapped. 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."

Full details on the service, including pricing and an exact launch date, have not been announced yet. Currently, HBO offers a companion streaming service called HBO Go, but access requires an authenticated cable or satellite subscription. This new streaming option will be completely standalone, likely letting cord-cutters enjoy all of the network's popular shows and movies, including 'Game of Thrones' and 'True Detective,' through their internet connection without an additional TV subscription.

Source: HBO

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