The Australian Netflix that wasn't, Quickflix (ASX: QFX), has announced that it's struck a deal to run HBO programs closer to their U.S. broadcast dates, a move which runs up against Foxtel's first-run deal with HBO and provides competition to Apple iTunes as well.
As CNET reports:
To date, Apple iTunes has been the only place for non-Foxtel customers to gain access to HBO shows close to broadcast, with Game of Thrones seasons two and three having been available shortly after US broadcast.
The Quickflix deal is a sales arrangement, which means that the programming will not be available as part of a Quickflix subscription. Programs will be available for purchase as seasons or single programs to anyone, including non-subscribers.
HBO is a major shareholder in Quickflix, while Foxtel is 50% owned by Telstra (ASX: TLS).
Still, it's unlikely to mean this long-struggling company is in turnaround mode. Shares of the company are down nearly 90% in the last 12 months versus a 14% return for the S&P/ASX 200 index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) and Telstra's 38% climb.
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