HBO Go launching on Verizon FiOS

HBO is planting its feet firmly onto TV Everywhere territory, launching HBO Go on Verizon FiOS this week, the company announced today. It also said it was getting its own streaming interface on Comcast, where it currently is offered as part of the cable company's Fancast Xfinity online video service.

Subscribers of Verizon's FiOS initially will get some 600 hours of HBO programming, and it will be available anywhere in the U.S. through an Internet-connected computer. HBO currently isn't planning on offering an online-only flavor, intending to keep its walled-garden model.

Verizon and HBO announced the launch at HBO's New York headquarters this morning.

Eric Kessler, co-president of HBO, said 20 percent to 30 percent of its viewership is through its HBO On Demand service, and that the new platform will help expand that base and retain customers.

"The more our subscribers watch HBO, the more satisfied they are," he said. "The name of the game is retention."

For more:
- see this Broadcast&Cable article

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