UBS: Verizon's Go90 off to a slow start, will be 'hard-pressed to mount a meaningful challenge'
According to a new report from investment banking firm UBS, Verizon's Go90 mobile video service is off to a "slow start," and the offering will be "hard-pressed to mount a meaningful challenge to mobile video and social networking leaders YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Netflix and Hulu."
In a report on Verizon's service, UBS analysts including John Hodulik said that the app's best showing among all iOS apps clocked in at around No. 300, and it reached the No. 20 position when ranked against other "entertainment" apps.
Moreover, UBS noted T-Mobile's Binge On has an edge over Go90, at least for now. "Compared to Go90 and other app-based mobile video services, T-Mobile's Binge On may have an edge because it harnesses the popularity of existing video services and does not require users to download a piece of software to begin viewing," the firm said. "Monetization of Binge On comes from subscriber growth, retention and customers buying up to plans with 3 GB+. Customers are automatically opted in to Binge On's lower-resolution video streaming and must actively choose to turn off the service (doing so means video usage will begin to count against their monthly data allotments)."
UBS said that growing Go90's audience ought to be Verizon's top priority -- and it appears Verizon is following that advice as the carrier said it will continue to invest in new content for the service. Article