Streaming TV service Aereo has announced that the platform will officially launch in Boston on May 15.
Boston is the first city after New York where the service will launch. Consumers will be able to access free over-the-air television channels with a cloud-based DVR via supported mobile devices.
Beginning May 15, consumers who have pre-registered with Aereo will receive a special invitation to join. After May 30, Aereo will make membership available to all eligible consumers across the Boston designated market area, which includes more than 4.5 million consumers in 16 counties in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.
“Aereo is simply the easiest, most convenient way for consumers to access broadcast television online using an antenna,” said Aereo CEO and founder Chet Kanojia.
“Consumers deserve more choice and flexibility in how they experience television and Aereo provides them a high-quality, rationally-priced alternative. This is an exciting step forward for the company. Today’s announcement is even more meaningful and special for our more than 60 employees who call the Boston area home, including me. I’m proud of our team and what we’ve accomplished in such a short period of time.”
The move to Bostion follows a number of court victires for Aereo. Broadcasters do not approve of the way Aereo receives the terrestrial broadcast signals and streams these to mobile devices. However, the New York Second Circuit Court of Appeals recenlty issued a ruling in favour of Aereo.