Stamford-based Charter Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) will introduce a two-tier cable package system this fall that will enable customers to select a cheaper option with limited sports programming.
The company”™s Spectrum TV Select will be relaunched as two new services in portions of Charter”™s footprint: Spectrum Select Plus, which will include a full complement of popular sports programming services and local regional sports networks, and Spectrum Select Signature, an alternative service that will exclude certain sports programming and provide the non-sports fan a reduced rate option.
Spectrum Select Plus and Spectrum Select Signature will launch on a market-by-market basis through the majority of Charter”™s national footprint where the company has already accumulated the rights to proceed. Customers purchasing the Spectrum Select Plus package will also receive local direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming apps for the regional sports networks at no additional charge, where applicable, and Charter may market and sell these DTC streaming apps to its non-video subscribers as well.
“The launch of Spectrum Select Plus underscores our commitment to providing our customers with the best sports coverage while ensuring our non-sports fans have options that meet their needs,” said Tom Montemagno, executive vice president for programming acquisition. “This new model paves the way for a more flexible approach to the outdated packaging model for sports, and it puts the focus where it should be, on the customer.”
