Aereo announces Atlanta metro launch, changes pricing plan to $8 monthly

Aereo, continuing its business-as-usual approach even as broadcasters and others try to shut it down, has announced a new pricing structure for its TV streaming service and said that it will launch in the Atlanta metro area beginning June 17.

The controversial streaming service has spent almost as much time in court as in front of customers, but that apparently is only a minor distraction for Aereo as it fleshes out its product offering. The company's next step is to offer a new pricing structure that it says simplifies matters for customers by doing away with long-term commitments.

A base membership of $8 a month allows customers to use the company's cloud-based antenna and DVR technologies, including 20 hours of DVR storage. For another four bucks a month a consumer gets 60 hours of DVR storage. The company is dropping its $1 day pass option.

Aereo pricing

Aereo's new pricing plan, which excises day passes. (Source: Aereo)

It's all part of a KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) type plan.

"We looked at our data and it was clear, consumers want a more simple approach to pricing," Chet Kanojia, Aereo's CEO and founder said in a statement posted on CNET. "With our new pricing structure, consumers begin with one base plan and then have the ability to upgrade their members to triple their DVR storage capacity."

The new pricing structure applies to new Aereo members. Existing subscribers will keep their current plans, but those paying $12 a month will automatically get the 60 hours of DVR storage.

Aereo also announced today that it is ready to invade Atlanta.

"Beginning June 17, consumers who have pre-registered with Aereo will receive a special invitation to join and be one of the first to experience Aereo's technology," the company said in a press release. "After June 24, Aereo will make membership available to all eligible consumers across the Atlanta designated market."

The company will target 5.3 million consumers in 55 counties that extend beyond Georgia to Alabama and North Carolina. The Atlanta launch will follow a planned May 30 launch in the company's second city, Boston, which was announced in January.

For more:
- CNET has this story
- Aereo issued this press release

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