EE has thrown its hat into the set-top streaming market by unveiling a new digital TV streaming box to rival existing hardware from the likes of BT, TalkTalk and Sky.
Simply titled EE TV, the new service will offer live, on-demand and recorded television content, which viewers will also be able to access on up to three mobile devices – such as tablets and smartphones.
Among the popular third-party digital platforms in EE TV’s line-up will be YouTube, BBC iPlayer and Demand Five, along with up to 70 free view channels. EE promises that the service will boast 10,000 movies and TV series in total.
As is the case with TalkTalk and BT, the new platform will be packaged with EE’s existing broadband and landline bundles. The operator’s large mobile customer base will have to pay an additional £9.95 to access the service, which will at first only be available in the home. EE states that mobile devices will be able to access EE TV at later date.
In terms of unique functions, EE states that its service will allow users to record and save 600 hours of television programming, which EE claims is twice as much as its rivals. on to the set-top’s 1TB hard drive.
Customers will also be able to use their mobiles or tablets as a remote control via an app that will show previews of what is on other channels. The app will be compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
There are currently three price plans available to EE customers: ‘EE TV & Broadband with Weekend Calls’, which offers speeds of up to 17Mbps, costs £9.95 a month. ‘EE TV & Fibre with Weekend Calls’ (38Mbps) is priced at £19.95, with ‘EE TV & Fibre Plus with Weekend Calls’ (76Mbps) costing £29.95 a month.
All contracts are for 18 months, with EE line rental required at £15.75 a month. The set-top box, which is valued at £300, is free.
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