Mattoon, Illinois-based Consolidated Communications has become the first NCTC-repped operator to partner with virtual MVPD service FuboTV.
The National Cable Telecommunications Cooperative announced a deal in July, providing licensing structure whereby member cable companies could package FuboTV with their broadband services.
RELATED: NCTC operators to bundle FuboTV to broadband-only users
Bolstered by what it says is 36,000 route miles of fiber, Consolidated delivers broadband services to homes and businesses across 36 states. It is offering customers who sign up for FuboTV a free 30-day trial of the Fubo Premier service, which bundles more than 65 channels and a cloud DVR for a regular price of $39.99 a month in most regions. Consolidated customers can also opt for a promotion delivering FuboTV for a discounted rate of $19.99 for two months.
FuboTV recently exited beta and now has apps for iOS and Android, as well as all major OTT devices—Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast and Fire TV. The service specializes in sports programming, offering an impressive array of regional sports networks. However, it’s conspicuously lacking an ESPN deal.
RELATED: FuboTV out of beta on key devices, rolls out new UI for Apple TV
The NCTC deal is potentially significant for start-up FuboTV, which has raised more than $75 million in private equity, but finds itself going head to head with giant-backed v-MVPD services including Sling TV, DirecTV Now, YouTube TV and Hulu Live.
“We are excited that Consolidated is bringing our sports-first streaming TV service to its customers, and is the first broadband provider to take advantage of our partnership with the NCTC announced earlier this year,” said Min Kim, VP of business development at FuboTV. “Our streaming package, which has the most sports for the least money, gives Consolidated customers even more reasons to love their fast, fiber-based high-speed Internet.”
Added said Rob Koester, VP of product management, consumer services at Consolidated: “Our customers crave the best in TV content when they want it and where they want it. With its abundance of live, national and regional sports and must-watch entertainment channels, FuboTV delivers content that will supplement our video offerings.”