TORONTO – Heads up binge watchers, here comes shomi. The streaming service said Wednesday that it will be made available to all Canadian Internet users this summer, whether or not they have a paid subscription to a TV service provider.
For $8.99 per month, shomi can be streamed on tablet, mobile, online, and to TV screens via Xbox 360, Apple TV and Chromecast. It's also available on the set-top boxes of Rogers' and Shaw's TV subscribers. New users get one month free when they subscribe, the announcement said.
In addition to Canadian content like Vikings, Rookie Blue, and Mr. D, shomi’s Canadian exclusives include Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, and Catastrophe, as well as exclusive day-and-date releases for new series iZombie and Jane The Virgin.
Jointly owned by Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications, shomi launched in beta mode in November 2014 to Rogers and Shaw Internet and cable customers.
“The beta has been a huge success and we’re excited to now bring it to all Canadians. We’ve taken the time to work out the kinks so members can enjoy a great user interface and viewing experience,” said David Asch, shomi’s new SVP and GM, in the announcement. “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. This exciting next step gives them that opportunity and we’re excited to share shomi with everyone.”
Despite the news that shomi will no longer be tied to a paid TV subscription, the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) confirmed that it is still pursuing a CRTC decision on the matter.
In a letter dated May 27 addressed to CRTC secretary general John Traversy, the consumer group said that the lack of specifics in shomi’s news release means that “the present eligibility requirements outlined in PIAC’s application remain in place until changed and therefore our complaint remains unchanged and live.”
“Were the Commission to not render a decision on the PIAC application in respect of the Shomi service on the basis (as yet to be determined) that Shomi has eliminated the preference at issue, the Commission would deprive PIAC of a ruling on the merits, and would deprive the broader public of a decision and indication of how the Commission considers the matter, including the intersection of the Telecommunications Act, the Broadcasting Act, and orders made thereunder, and specifically the undue preference provisions”, reads the letter, signed by PIAC external counsel Geoffrey White.
– Lesley Hunter
