CenturyLink (CTL) Introduces Beta Version Of OTT TV Service

CenturyLink Inc (NYSE:CTL). (NYSE:T) recently unveiled the long-awaited over the top (OTT) TV service – beta version of theVirtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor service (V-MVPD).

V-MVPD offers a broad range of premium video content over the internet without having to own any network infrastructure like other cable MSO or video service providers.

CenturyLink’s $45 per month OTT TV service has a cloud DVR that can store up to 50 hours of HD programming. It also features a broad mix of add-on programming packages. The company has announced plans to offer a seven-day free trial for its new OTT service and a discount of $5 to CenturyLink broadband subscribers.

The package includes almost 50 channels, including NBC, ABC, USA, Disney Channel, ESPN, Freeform, Bravo, Food Network, ESPN, A&E, HGTV, Travel, and History. Fox Broadcast Network, CBS Corporation (NYSE:CBS) and the associated cable networks such as Viacom, Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX). and AMC Networks channels have decided are not to be part of the initial mix .

With a “Sports Extra” package of $10-a-month additional sports channels like Outside Television and beIN Sports can be added to the customer’s existing plan. Add-ons for other smaller networks are also available for entertainment, Latino-targeted entertainment and cable news.

CenturyLink Stream – a nationally distributed virtual MVPD service – is competing against DISH Network Corp.’s (NASDAQ:DISH) Sling TV, AT&T Inc.’s (NYSE:T) DirecTV Now, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, Sony Corporation’s (NYSE:SNE) PlayStation Vue and FuboTV, besides, traditional pay TV providers.

CenturyLink Stream is supported on Roku OTT devices, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. It is also playable on the CenturyLink player, an Android TV-powered device manufactured by LG Electronics.

Though CenturyLink is expected to deemphasize its Prism TV service, it will remain a part of its video store. The urge to boost its broadband subscriber base while arresting the churn rate in this segment is the main motive behind the OTT service launch.

Price performance:

Over the last three months, CenturyLink’s, a leading regional telecom service provider share have dipped 0.33% compared with the Zacks categorized U.S. Wireless National industry’s decline of 8.50 %. The OTT service launch is expected to give the company’s video segment businesses the much-needed boost. CenturyLink currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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