Bell has added live television streaming to its Bell TV app on Android, iOS and BlackBerry 10 today, providing Fibe or Satellite TV users a way to watch live TV channels over any WiFi network.
The move is an expansion of the company’s established method of delivering live and on-demand television programming to mobile users, which was previously only available with a $5 monthly subscription, or through a compatible smartphone plan. The company has also lowered the costs of its Mobile TV service, which streams select live and on-demand content over 3G and LTE.
Bell’s President of Mobility, Wade Oosterman, said in a press release that the company has a “commitment to deliver the best TV experience across every screen,” and the Bell TV app is the natural evolution of television watching.
Users can view live or on-demand content using the built-in guide, which has been optimized for larger screens like the Galaxy Tab and iPad series, and most users should gain access to over 70 channels, depending on package and location.
Along with CTV and CTV Two, users can expect Bravo, A&E, History, TMN, SuperChannel, YTV, TSN, NBA TV and Leafs TV, along with news channels like CBC News Network and CTV News Channel.
Fibe or Satellite TV users must authenticate their Bell accounts within the app, and they must be connected to WiFi to receive the streaming channels (though it doesn’t have to be home WiFi) at no cost.
The Android app requires Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) or above, while iOS users must be running 4.3 or above.
The company is touting Bell TV as the cure to a lack of television sets in the house; several streams are available on a single account (we’re working on clarifying the exact number) so multiple family members can watch live television at once.
Rogers has its own live television solution, Anyplace TV, but it limits WiFi watching to select on-demand content and live channels within the home.
[source]Google Play, iTunes, BlackBerry World[/source][via]Newswire[/via]
