Verizon is making a splash in the streaming wars, offering new perks and expanding its content hub to become the one-stop shop for entertainment. Here’s a breakdown of their latest Verizon myPlan bundle streaming packs that seems like it is aimed at luring customers to become the go-to platform for all things in streaming.
Verizon myPlan explained
Starting May 30th, Verizon subscribers with myPlan can enjoy a discounted subscription to YouTube Premium. At just $10 per month compared to the usual $13.99, this unlocks an ad-free viewing experience, the ability to download videos for offline watching, and access to YouTube Music Premium. This move directly targets cord-cutters and streamers seeking a premium YouTube experience without the interruptions.
Expanding its content offerings, Verizon Plus Play welcomes Peacock to its platform on June 5th. Plus Play allows users to conveniently sign up for and manage subscriptions to various streaming services, including Netflix, Disney Plus, and now Peacock, from a single platform. This streamlines bill management and eliminates the need to juggle multiple apps and logins. Both the basic Peacock tier ($5.99) and the premium tier ($11.99) will be available, but be aware of an upcoming price increase expected in July for both options.
For Verizon’s Unlimited Ultimate plan subscribers, a new “Unlimited Phone Upgrade” option is on the horizon. This simplifies phone upgrades by offering the best trade-in deals regardless of the phone’s condition. So, even if your phone has some wear and tear, you can still get a good deal on a new one. Unlimited Ultimate plans range from $100 for a single line to $55 per line for four lines with autopay.
The strategy behind the move
The underlying strategy behind Verizon’s move is clear: becoming the middleman for users’ streaming needs. By offering bundled subscriptions, exclusive deals like the discounted YouTube Premium, and a centralized management platform through Plus Play, Verizon aims to earn a commission on every subscription purchased through their platform. This approach isn’t unique; similar bundled services exist with other providers like Disney+, Hulu, and Max, or the Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV Plus option offered through Comcast.
While this could potentially lead to easier bill management and potentially better deals on streaming services, it’s also important to be mindful of potential future price hikes and the increasing control carriers like Verizon may have over your streaming choices. With Verizon making a play to be your one-stop streaming shop, consumers will have to decide whether the convenience and potential deals outweigh the potential loss of control and future price increases.
