After previously attempting to launch their own OTT service, Verizon is switching now switching gears and hitching their wagon on an established brand. Variety reports that Verizon has partnered with Google to resell YouTube TV to Verizon’s wireless and broadband customers.This, of course, doesn’t mean that YouTube TV will be exclusive to Verizon customers. YouTube TV will still be available to everyone, but Verion will now  offer “unique, high-value YouTube TV promotions” for Verizon customers. Verizon previously offered three months of YouTube TV for free in big cities that also had 5G broadband. Neither company has revealed what the specifics of these new promotions will entail.The Verizon/Google partnership revolves around Verizon’s transition to 5G. More and more markets are getting the new service and as a way to promote that, Verizon is making YouTube TV a part of that implementation.

““As we pave the path forward on 5G, we’ll continue to bring our customers options and access to premium content by teaming up with the best providers in the industry and leveraging our network as-a service strategy,” Erin McPherson, Verizon’s head of content strategy and acquisition, said in a statement.”

On Google’s end, they now have a partner promoting their service to millions of customers to help generate more signups within the rapidly growing OTT industry. Along with expected exclusive deals with Verizon customers, prominent placement will make it easier to sign up and use YouTube TV.

“Under the new Verizon-YouTube partnership, “we’re making it simple and seamless for Verizon’s customers to sign up to enjoy YouTube TV on-the-go on their mobile phones or tablets or at home on their big-screen devices,” Heather Rivera, YouTube’s global head of product partnerships at YouTube.”

Verizon once had their own OTT service back when the concept was in its infancy. Go90 was geared more toward featuring original content and aggregating from online outlets like Funny or Die. It was also the place for soccer fans to watch NWSL games and for those who didn’t have beIN Sports to legally stream USMNT World Cup qualifiers. Following Verizon’s takeover of Yahoo, Go90 was shut down last year. Something tells me that partnering with an already established OTT service will be more beneficial and less expensive than launching your own.[Variety]

About Phillip Bupp

Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @phillipbupp