What does the Starz and Altice deal mean for Outlander fans?
After six long weeks, Starz and Altice came to a deal and the cable channel is back on the provider’s airways. What does this mean for Outlander fans moving forward?
When Altice customers (including those under the Optimum network) learned Starz was being taken off the list of programs on Jan. 1 they were understandably upset. Just how were they going to watch Outlander? For many, it meant getting a Starz subscription, but not everyone wanted to do that.
It’s taken six weeks, but negotiations finally came to an end. Starz and Altice were finally able to come to an agreement, bringing the network back onto the cable provider without the FCC’s help. It looks like both companies have won in a way. While Starz got the network back on the air, Altice was able to snag a special, multi-year deal.
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Not only will Starz channels be reinstated (including Starz Encore), but the standalone app will also be available through Altice companies. It was this standalone app that had been part of the negotiation problems, as Altice realize they would charge their customers more for having Starz than the app actually cost!
What does this mean for Outlander fans?
Well the basic news is that you’ll get the standalone app through Altice companies. It’s possible to catch the episodes of Outlander early, just like all other Starz customers, as the episodes are released on the app at midnight the day the episode airs on the channel. It doesn’t look like that plan will go away for Outlander Season 4, as it was so popular with fans for Season 3.
Fans of the series will also get access to other Starz programming directly. It’ll be possible to access the programming from multiple devices. This is much bigger than many other providers have at the moment, but it could be a sign of things to come. With one deal made, other providers may look at cooking up a deal for the standalone app.
This is a multi-year deal, so there’s little worry about the network disappearing before Season 4 premieres later this year. There’s also hope that this will secure a renewal for Season 5 and beyond, now that Starz has dealt with one set of negotiations!
Altice customers should find that they have the Starz channels back already. Customers who have had complaints about the service the last six weeks have found better results by calling than emailing. You can also try social media.
Next: 11 signs you're an Outlander fanatic
Are you happy that the deal has come to an end? What do you think about the latest deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Outlander Season 4 premieres sometime in fall 2018.