Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is upping the ante in the battle for 5G market dominance with a smattering of various streaming service subscriptions with specific plans. The offering is the latest streaming promotion offered by Verizon, with an earlier promotion offering subscription trials.
Verizon announced its new 5G offerings earlier this week that come as part of the company's partnership with Disney (NYSE: DIS). As part of the offerings, Verizon customers have access to Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+. The offer is only open to Verizon customers that are currently on two specific plans, its "Play More Unlimited" and "Get More Unlimited" plans.
"Our new Mix & Match plans make the choice clearer than ever: customers get the best network and the best value with Verizon," Frank Boulben, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Products at Verizon, had to say. "We led the industry by giving customers Disney+ on us. Now we're adding The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, for more entertainment choices that appeal to a variety of interests. We can't wait to see what customers choose to suit their needs."
The Disney-Verizon partnership came to fruition last year, with the initial offering of a six month trial of Disney+ offered with certain Verizon plans, much like the current bundle offering. The deal was enormously lucrative for both Disney and Verizon, with 5.3 million of Disney +'s initial 26.5 million subscribers coming as a result of the partnership with Verizon.
Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg was particularly enthusiastic about the partnership, noting in a conference call that the promotion had beat Verizon's expectations.
Verizon also unveiled more on its 5G offerings on Monday. Three specific plans will be required for access to Verizon's high-speed 5G network, including the two plans that offer access to the Disney bundle. Verizon's lower speed 5G network will, however, be available to all customers with a 5G equipped device. Verizon has still not released a timeline for the launch of its nationwide network.