Apple Reportedly Asking Networks to Handle Streaming Infrastructure for Rumoured TV Service

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According to a new report from Recode, Apple is asking it content partners to provide their own streams of television shows and movies for the company’s upcoming streaming TV service.

Rather than streaming content itself, the company is requesting that all TV network partners build out the necessary infrastructure and handle all the related costs. The negotiations for the streaming service are reportedly being conducted by iTunes chief Eddy Cue.

The report notes that Cue has told TV networks and potential partners that Apple wants to concentrate on the consumer facing hardware and software. He said that it would be best to leave the infrastructure concerns to the people that are suited to handle it.

“TV sources say Apple executive Eddy Cue, who heads up the company’s media efforts and is leading negotiations for the new streaming service, has told them that Apple feels it should concentrate on what it’s best at — creating consumer hardware and software — and leave other tasks, like streaming infrastructure, for people who specialize in it.”

The request Apple is making is not unusual because the content users currently stream on existing Apple TV channels is handled by the networks that provide the content. Those content providers will often develop partnerships with third-party content delivery networks (CDNs) to push their content to users.

In addition to the infrastructure concerns, a source that spoke with Recode believes that Apple is hoping that if the networks provide the streams, Internet providers will be less likely to “penalize Apple’s service.”

Apple’s upcoming streaming service will reportedly include around 25 channels, including CBS, ABC, Fox, Discovery, and Disney, and will be priced between $20 to $40 per month. The company’s streaming service may make its debut in June at WWDC 2015, ahead of its expected fall launch.

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