T-Mobile US has launched its own TV service, based on the Layer3 TV platform acquired in 2017. The service is initially available only in a handful of cities, but T-Mobile said it will expand further later this year and also add more apps to the platform.
The TVision Home service is essentially a rebrand of Layer3's service, which is positioned as an alternative to cable or satellite TV in the US. It uses an IP set-top box to offer over 275 channels as well as a VoD library and online streaming apps.
The limited geographic ability is due to the need to secure agreements with the many local channels in the US. To start, TVision is available in Layer3's footprint of the Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, DC metro areas, as well as Longmont, Colorado. As a launch offer billed as 'Satellite Freedom', T-Mobile is offering up to USD 500 in the form of a prepaid card to buy DirecTV or Dish Network customers out of their existing TV contract in order to switch to TVision.
Features of the TV box include a personalised recommendations engine and individual profiles for multiple users, 1 TB storage for up to 400 hours of HD recording, social media and smart home integration, and voice controls through Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa. TVision Home launches with apps for Pandora, iHeartRadio, XUMO, CuriosityStream, Toon Goggles and HSN, and the company said it will add more soon, including Netflix, YouTube, YouTube Kids and Amazon Prime Video. Android and iOS apps are also planned so users can access the service from a smartphone or tablet.
Discount for T-Mobile customers
TVision Home launches at USD 90 per month. Existing T-Mobile customers get a discount of USD 9.99 per month, and this discount will be extended to everyone for an unspecified time. That includes a package of over 150 channels, including local broadcasters and regional sports. Customers can add connections at USD 10 per TV, including a whole-home DVR for a limited time, and premium packages can also be added for extra fees, such as HBO, Showtime and others.
According to T-Mobile, that compares to the average cable bill of USD 107.30 per month in the US. The company also promises no 'hidden fees', for example for activation, regional sports or HD, and no price increases from the second year, as is common in the industry.
While TVision Home launches as a home service reliant on fixed broadband, the company said it is planning to expand the IPTV service in future so it is available over any internet connection, including 5G mobile. T-Mobile said it plans a streaming future, where TVision will also be available on popular third-party video platforms.
