Sling TV launches in US, AMC deal
February 10, 2015
Dish Network’s online television service, Sling TV, has debuted in the US as a way to entice consumers who have cancelled their cable or satellite TV service or never had one.
Unlike online apps available through the likes of Comcast and Time Warner Cable, Sling TV doesn’t require a satellite service with Dish or any other subscription.
In the coming weeks, the $20-a-month basic package will be adding AMC so subscribers will be able to watch such hit shows including Mad Men and The Walking Dead. The package is also adding the Latino-focused El Rey and Galavision channels from Univision. The 11 other channels include ESPN, CNN and The Disney Channel.
Sling TV also announced a $5-a-month add-on package for sports fans. It adds the SEC Network, Universal Sports and secondary ESPN channels such as ESPN Bases Loaded and ESPN Goal Line. The main package comes with ESPN and ESPN2 along with access to an on-demand WatchESPN app.
In addition to live channels and VOD entertainment, Sling TV customers have access to content from Maker Studios, one of the largest online content networks. With a network of 55,000 independent creators attracting more than 10 billion views per month, Maker is home to many of the world’s leading online talent and award-winning original programmes.
Dish said it isn’t worried people will drop satellite TV for the cheaper online offering. In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Dish Network Corp. CEO Joe Clayton said the target includes people “the pay-TV industry in total is missing today.”
At launch, the service is available for a 7 day free trial.