Plepler: OTT Play Not ‘Cannibalistic At All’

HBO CEO Richard Plepler doesn’t agree with those who say the premium network’s plan to offer its broadband HBO Go service to non-HBO subscribers will eat into the premium network's subscriber base.

“I don’t think it’s cannibalistic at all,” said Plepler during a session held by the Paley Center for Media as part of its International Council series. “We’re going to have a big business with [MSOs] and we’re going to have a big business with new partners.”

In fact, Plepler argues that since most consumers around the country get their Internet service from their cable companies, those operators would only serve to benefit. “Who controls the broadband pipes in the U.S.? Our distributors,” he said. “There is gold in the hills, lets go get it together… it's your money too.” He estimated there are roughly 10-15 million broadband-only homes.

Read more at B&Chere.