Verizon to Offer Free Disney Plus for 1 Year as Competition Heats up Among Streaming Services

The interface of the Disney+ streaming service is displayed on Apple Inc.’s AppleTV at the D23 Expo on Aug. 23, 2019 at the Anaheim Convention Center. (Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

by: Associated Press

Posted: Oct 22, 2019 / 08:13 AM PDT

Updated: Oct 22, 2019 / 11:55 AM PDT

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Verizon is offering new and current customers a free year of Disney’s new video streaming service.

The offer announced Tuesday is worth nearly $84, based on $6.99 monthly subscription fee for the Disney Plus service, which debuts Nov. 12. It extends to certain new and existing unlimited 4G and 5G customers at Verizon, as well as the vast majority of new home-internet customers.

The promotion will potentially give millions of people free access to a highly anticipated streaming service that will feature acclaimed films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and popular TV series, such as “The Simpsons.”

Disney Plus plans to release more than 25 original series and 10 original films and documentaries in its first year, including a remake of “Lady and the Tramp.”

The promotion is the latest volley in an escalating attack on Netflix, which has amassed 158 million subscribers since launching its streaming service 12 years ago. Although it remains by far the largest and best known streaming service, there are concerns that its heyday may be nearing its end as Disney, Apple, AT&T and Comcast prepare to enter the fray with well-funded and, in most cases, cheaper alternatives.

Netflix’s stock has lost about a third of its value since hitting its peak price 16 months ago. The shares shed 3% Tuesday after the Verizon announcement.

Other streaming services are also offering free introductory periods in an attempt to ensure early exposure to a big audience.

Apple is offering a free year to its new streaming service, scheduled to debut Nov. 1, to anyone how buys an iPhone, iPad or Mac computer.

Comcast plans to give away its upcoming Peacock streaming service to its cable-TV customers. And AT&T, which will launch HBO Max next year, today throws in HBO free for wireless customers on unlimited plans. Netflix also teams up with T-Mobile to offer free service to its streaming service.

Apple also is charging only $5 per month for its service in an attempt to undercut Netflix, whose most popular plan costs $13 per month.