WATCH ABOVE: The Internet television service shomi will be available for $8.99 to consumers across Canada this summer. As Sean O’Shea reports, analysts say it’s now “war” with competitors like Netflix.
TORONTO — Video streaming service shomi announced Wednesday it will be available to all Canadians beginning this summer.
Launched in beta form last November, shomi is currently accessible only to Rogers and Shaw internet and cable customers.
Soon, the service (partly owned by Global News parent company Shaw Media) will be made available to other distributors.
“The beta has been a huge success and we’re excited to now bring it to all Canadians,” said senior vice president and general manager David Asch, in a release. “We’ve taken the time to work out the kinks so members can enjoy a great user interface and viewing experience.”
shomi allows Canadians to watch a huge selection of TV programming and movies on numerous platforms – tablet, mobile, online, Xbox 360, Apple TV, Chromecast — and via set-top boxes for Rogers and Shaw TV subscribers.
New subscribers will receive the first month free.
“We know more Canadians want the bleary-eyed but oh-so-satisfying experience of an epic entertainment binge, and that they want the freedom to choose how they access the service,” said Asch. “This exciting next step gives them that opportunity and we’re excited to share shomi with everyone.”
Canadian exclusives on shomi include the acclaimed series Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle and Catastrophe as well as exclusive day-and-date releases of shows like iZombie and Jane The Virgin.
Subscribers also get past seasons of popular series like Modern Family and Sons of Anarchy and plenty of kid-friendly content, including Thomas and Friends and Scooby Doo.
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