Can you stream me now?
Verizon
Sources say that the service would have a limited package of movies and perhaps children's programming, and it could launch as early as next year.
As vulnerable as Netflix may seem at the moment with months of open cuts and bruises, there's just no way that Verizon will make a dent in premium TV.
Let's go over a few of the reasons that Verizon will come up short.
1. Verizon is limiting its audience
When DISH Network
Verizon isn't making DISH Network's mistake. The rumored service will be a stand-alone digital buffet, along the lines of Netflix and Amazon.com's
However, since Verizon doesn't want to cannibalize its nascent FiOS broadband television service, it won't be offering the service to homes where FiOS is available. This may seem like a sound tactic, but it means that Verizon is ironically limiting its Netflix-like online service to households that have never considered Verizon as a home theater player.
2. Studios aren't interested
Movie studios and television networks don't like Netflix. They tolerate it, as you would respect any disruptive giant with more than 20 million streaming customers. The result is that they are reluctant to license streaming content, but some cave in anyway because they know that Netflix will just turn its attention to a hungrier digital vault if they pass on the chance at incremental revenue.
Why would they warm up to Verizon's push? Even if Verizon isn't offering the service where it markets FiOS, we're still talking about cannibalizing the cable, satellite, and broadband television providers in those areas. Why burn proven relationships for the sake of an upstart that is unlikely to succeed?
Reuters reports that Verizon may be down to digital movie distributors for content. This includes Viacom's
3. No one can pay as much as Netflix for streaming
As slammed as Netflix shares have been, it's really in untouchable territory when it comes to streaming.
If Starz refused to renew its likely nine-figure deal with Netflix, how would it look if it opted for a much smaller deal through Verizon?
How do you compete against Netflix? If you try to undercut Netflix's price of $7.99 -- the way that Amazon appears to be doing with Amazon Prime -- you're going to deal with an inferior library, since studios won't want to devalue their hottest releases that way. If you aim for quality at a higher price point, you won't attract a lot of viewers and they won't stick around for long after they go through your best content.
Don't wait up
Verizon may be the top dog in wireless, but Netflix is the Verizon of streaming.
It may seem odd to be envious of Netflix these days. The stock has shed more than 75% of its peak summertime value. However, the company has distinct advantages.
For starters, all of the price hikes and the Qwikster fallout don't necessarily apply to the $7.99-per-month streaming service that has been in place for more than a year. As long as Netflix can stop the subscriber bleeding, as it expected would happen this month on the streaming end of its domestic business, it can continue to pad its industry-leading digital smorgasbord.
If it can't bounce back, it will probably be more of an indication that premium streaming services have fallen out of favor. Either way, Verizon loses.
Don't be surprised if Verizon ultimately realizes this and quietly moves on to a different strategy.
If you want to follow this saga, track the latest news by adding Netflix to My Watchlist.