Pay-as-you-go sport from NOW TV
January 31, 2013
By Colin Mann
As anticipated at its July 2012 launch, Sky has enhanced its NOW TV OTT service by making Sky Sports available on a simple, pay-as-you-go basis. The broadcaster had suggested that sport would launch before the end of 2012.
For just £9.99 (€11.65), customers will be able to get unlimited access for a 24-hour period to coverage from across all six Sky Sports channels. The new service will mean that sports fans who don’t already subscribe to Sky Sports can choose to access a one-off event, such as the Monaco Grand Prix or Masters Golf. Equally, they can enjoy a full day of action across Sky Sports, which offers live coverage from the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, England Test cricket, Heineken Cup rugby, ATP tennis, NBA basketball, NFL and much more.
The 24-hour pass from NOW TV is the first time that Sky Sports has been available with no contract, set-up costs or installation. NOW TV, which already offers instant access to Sky Movies, is available across a wide range of Internet-connected devices including PC, Mac, iPad and iPhone, selected Android smartphones and Xbox.
Sky says the launch in spring 2013 is another example of its commitment to give customers more choice and flexibility in the way in which they enjoy its content. The company is taking advantage of the rapid growth of connected devices to create a highly-complementary alternative to the value and choice provided by the existing satellite TV service enjoyed by more than 10 million families.
Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, described the launch as “an exciting step forward,” adding that the company wantrd to open up more choice for sports fans by offering a new and flexible way to enjoy the best live coverage across its six channels. “This is a way for us to reach new customers and bring the excitement of Sky Sports to an even bigger audience,” he added.
NOW TV launched in July 2012 with Sky Movies, offering more of the latest and biggest movies at least 12 months before any other online movies subscription service.
The introduction of Sky Sports is likely to be followed on NOW TV by shows from Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts and Sky Living, including home-grown drama, original comedy and US shows.