Belgium’s BeTV pre-empts Netflix with TV Everywhere service

BeTV, the pay TV unit formerly known as Canal+ Belgium and owned by Belgian French speaking region cable operator Voo, is to launch a TV everywhere service, available to subscribers at no extra price.

BeTV’s programming director Christian Loiseau announced yesterday that all of BeTV would be available via tablets and the web from September 1, with smartphones and game consoles to follow soon after.

BeTV’s move comes ahead of Netflix’s launch in the country later this year.

Speaking to local journalists at a press conference on Monday, Loiseau said that that BeTV and Netflix’s offering were not comparable. BeTV Go will include channels Be1, BeSéries, BeCiné and BeSport along with the service’s on-demand offerings.

Until now, BeTV has only been available in Belgium via cable and the network of owner Voo. BeTV Go will be available free of charge to BeTV subscribers, with non-subscribers able to access it for a hefty minimum of €42.50 (US$59.10). Day passes for the Be TV sports offering are available for €9.99.

BeTV has access to premium Hollywood content via deals with the major studios, with rights to movies ahead of their free-to-air showing. Forthcoming US series to be aired on BeSéries include season three of Netflix’s own House of Cards and season five of HBO’s Game of Thrones.