AT&T’s WarnerMedia-branded streaming platform will launch with three levels of service, said the company during a meeting with investors.
The service, which is expected to debut in Q4 2019, will offer an “entry-level movie-focused” package, a “premium service” with original programming and blockbuster movies and a third service that bundles content from the first two, plus a library of WarnerMedia and licensed content. Pricing for the tiers was not specified.
The company says that the upcoming SVOD service is intended to complement WarnerMedia’s existing businesses while providing data and analytics to help with their decision in creating future products.
“We are well positioned for success as the lines between entertainment and communications continue to blur,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “If you’re a media company, you can no longer rely exclusively on wholesale distribution models. You must develop a direct relationship with your viewers. And if you’re a communications company, you can no longer rely exclusively on oversized bundles of content.”
WarnerMedia also said it is still considering launching an ad-supported service in the future, but did not provide further details on the plan.
AT&T first announced plans of its upcoming service in October, shortly after it gained full ownership of TimeWarner in a deal valued at $84.5 billion dollars. The service is expected to include content from AT&T’s growing collection of brands, including HBO, Turner Sports and WarnerBros.