Canadian SVOD service goes country-wide

CraveTV, the Canadian SVOD service, has launched country-wide, meaning all consumers with an internet connection can now access the service.

The streaming service had been restricted to consumers with specific pay TV and broadband packages, but is now open to all.

Consumers can access a one-month free CraveTV trial before subscribing for C$7.99 (US$5.51). That makes it cheaper than its rivals Netflix and Shomi. It is, however, C$2 more than the existing CraveTV subs pay, and the C$4 it originally charged.

Pre-launch Crave was dubbed ‘Project Latte’ on the basis a monthly sub cost about the same as a coffee.

The SVOD service now has 11,000 shows. It has output deals with Showtime and HBO, and has moved into originals with half-hour comedy series Letterkenny. CraveTV has also just bought Jason Reitman’s drama comedy Casual.

“We’re very proud to enter into the next phase of this incredible service, offering the most premium TV content in Canada at the best price,” said Mary Ann Turcke, president, Bell Media (pictured), which operates the service.

She added: “Some of the best television in recent memory is available on CraveTV, and we’re delighted all Canadians with access to the Internet will have a chance to discover and enjoy this content, when they want, on the device of their choice.”