Rogers has apparently started to sign major content deals and plans to spend up to $100 million for its Netflix rival and possibly Hulu Plus clone, according to a report by Cartt.ca.
Several sources have told Cartt.ca over the past number of weeks that Rogers Communications has grabbed the over-the-top bull by the horns and has been signing a massive number of content deals and at least one significant partnership agreement (if not more) in an effort to battle back against Netflix in Canada by launching a new, national, OTT video portal.
Greg O’Brien of Cartt.ca told the CBC:
“From what I understand, $100 million buys them quite a bit,” said O’Brien.
“And what it does is it keeps those TV titles and any film titles that they might be able to get away from Netflix in Canada, so it makes the Netflix library weaker.”
When asked about the report, a Rogers spokeswoman told the CBC they would not comment on the story, only to say “As previously reported, Rogers is looking at opportunities to deliver a (streaming) service. There are no additional details at this time.”
Back in March, the Globe and Mail reported Rogers was set to launch a Netflix rival and mulled creating its own exclusive shows for its streaming service.
With many Canadians ‘cutting the cord’ nowadays when it comes to cable to rather consume media online, the threat of disruption could impact the TV side of the Rogers business.
Rogers currently has its Anyplace TV iOS app, which allows existing customers to stream live TV on the go.
Would you subscribe to a Rogers service similar to Netflix?
