NBC is considering offering its streaming service, Peacock, at no cost. The media corporation may release a a free, ad-supported version that would be available for both Comcast cable subscribers and those that do not receive any services from Comcast.
According to CNBC, NBCUniversal, which is owned by Comcast, previously planned on making the free service available only to Comcast cable and internet subscribers. However, with this new plan, NBC would be the first to offer its service -- or, at least, some form of it -- for the appealing price of $0, even if they are not a Comcast customer.
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If this plan does come to fruition, NBC is still expected to release an ad-free version for a monthly or yearly fee. The company is also considering creating multiple tiers within the service, giving Comcast or other paying customers added benefits and content.
Subscribers can expect between 3 to 5 minutes of ads per hour of programming for the ad-supported version, projecting a profit of about $5 per month per subscriber. This decision to make the service free could level the playing field between Peacock and other streaming platforms, which are providing their own discounts and exclusive deals. Disney+ partnered with Verizon, offering one free year to the latter's subscribers, while Apple+ is offering their service for one year with the purchase of a new Apple product. HBO Max will be free for all AT&T premium wireless subscribers and top-tier broadband customers.
The service has announced it will feature over 15,000 hours of programming, including old episodes of Friends and Cheers, and original programming such as reboots of popular series like Battlestar Galactica and Saved by the Bell.
Peacock will launch in April 2020, with pricing information to be announced closer to the launch date.