Jun 28, 2017 - Business

As a streaming alternative to cable, Google launching $35/month TV service with ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc in Charlotte

Ted Williams

Google’s YouTube TV, a $35/month streaming alternative to cable, will launch within the next few weeks in Charlotte. You can sign up here to be notified when it becomes available in our city.

Here’s 5 things Charlotteans need to know about Google’s YouTube TV offering.

(1) You get ESPN. Here’s a shot of channels that are included.

So yes, you can watch live sports and your favorite live shows like Scandal. That said, occasionally there can be weird blackout sports games and you can’t watch NFL games on your mobile device.

google-youtube-tv-channel-lineup-in-charlotte — I’m unclear if you can get local TV from the big 4 networks with the service, if you know, email me ([email protected]). Here are some insights into how local TV works in the case of Sling and Hulu. Additional add-on networks include Showtime for $11/month and Fox Soccer Plus for $15/month. Proof that soccer fans are nuts.

(2) It costs $35/month. You can cancel anytime; it’s month to month.

YouTube TV comes with 6 accounts per household. Each roommate or family member gets their own login and DVR library. In terms of streaming, Google allows up to 3 simultaneous streams.

Don’t sign up via Apple’s iTunes because Google passes that price along to customers, thus increasing the price from $35 (plus tax) to $39.99 (plus tax).

You can get a 1-month free trial, so of course, do that first.

(3) The DVR is super fancy and offers unlimited storage for nine months at a time.

(4) To get it on your television, you’ll need a Google Chromecast, Chromecast built-in TV, Android TV or Apple Airplay.

To promote the service and make it easy, Google will send you a free Chromecast.

From Google, “You’ll be able to redeem your Google Chromecast after your free trial ends and you make your first payment. We’ll send you an email with directions once that happens.”

(6) If you’re a big nerd, the best resources are The Verge’s in-depth YouTube TV review article and Google’s site.

Even though AT&T, Dish, Hulu, and Playstation currently offer live streaming TV solutions in Charlotte, I anticipate that Google’s marketing muscle, cloud storage offering and simplicity will lead to a more meaningful increase in Charlotte cord cutting.

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