Verizon is launching myHome, a new service for home internet customers, allowing them to choose discounted streaming packages and select YouTube TV as their bundled pay-TV provider. This launch accompanies new plans, Verizon Access, and a smartphone management setup for Verizon Business. The company is also updating its brand and logo.
Verizon’s 67 million home internet customers, and new ones signing up, can create a custom entertainment experience via myHome. Customers can select “content perks” from streaming services for $10 a month, including Netflix & Max (with ads), the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+), YouTube Premium, and Walmart+ membership with Paramount+ subscription. Apple One and Apple Music Family are coming later this summer. The internet service price in the myHome plan is guaranteed for up to 4 years. Customers can opt for pay-TV service from either YouTube TV or Verizon Fios.
The bundling trend began with telecom operators like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offering discounted service packages. “Home internet frustrates customers, and home entertainment can be overwhelming. With myHome, they now have the transparency and price guarantee they deserve on reliable internet, and an easy way to choose the best entertainment options with exclusive savings,” said Sowmyanarayan Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer. “MyHome takes the complexity out – fully customize your subscriptions and connected home needs all in one place to match your lifestyle – without having to carry features or content you don’t need.”
The Take
Verizon’s launch of myHome reflects a strategic move to consolidate its position in the streaming aggregation market, similar to Netflix’s early dominance in subscription streaming. The myHome plan allows Verizon’s home internet customers to mix and match various streaming services, creating a customized entertainment package that includes live TV options through YouTube TV or Verizon Fios.
This strategy enhances customer satisfaction by offering flexibility and cost savings, strengthening Verizon’s market position. Verizon addresses common customer frustrations by guaranteeing pricing for up to four years and removing hidden fees and equipment charges, potentially boosting customer loyalty and retention.
The integration of streaming services with home internet plans is a growing trend, with telecom companies like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile leading the charge. Verizon’s +play marketplace further solidifies its advantage by allowing customers to manage multiple subscriptions in one place. This platform has shown significant success, contributing to Verizon’s increased postpaid phone additions since its launch.
Verizon’s approach to bundling services is becoming a model for other providers. Verizon’s ability to offer this through myHome positions it ahead of competitors like AT&T and even streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon. This move could influence other OTT platforms to explore similar physical and digital integrations. Companies with established retail ecosystems and extensive content libraries, such as Amazon, are well-positioned to replicate or expand upon this model, potentially integrating physical experiences that complement their streaming offerings. This shift towards more immersive, multi-platform consumer engagement strategies could reshape the entertainment industry, emphasizing combining content creation, distribution, and direct consumer engagement to maintain a competitive edge.
