This Streaming TV Service Will Soon Stop Offering Its Cheaper Plan

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You’re running out of time to sign up for Philo’s $16 streaming TV package.

You’ll get live and on-demand access to 45 TV channels — but only if you sign up for it in the next week.

Starting May 6, Philo says it will no longer offer this cheaper package to new subscribers: At that point, the only choice for newcomers will be the 58-channel package that runs $20 a month.

Philo CEO Andrew McCollum explains in a note on the company’s website:

“Starting May 6, we will move to only offering our $20 package to new subscribers. If you’re a current subscriber or subscribe before that date, then nothing will change — you’ll continue to have the same package and price options you have today.”

What it means for you

There’s nothing wrong with Philo’s $20 package if the channel lineup suits you. It’s still among the cheapest options for streaming live TV. We recently cited it in “4 Ways to Cut TV Costs to $25 a Month — or Less.”

But not everyone needs 58 channels. If Philo’s 45-channel package meets your needs, sign up for it while you still can. You can view the channel lineup for both packages on Philo’s subscribe page — click on “Lineup Information.”

To take advantage of the free seven-day trial for either package, visit Philo’s home page and enter your phone number. Just note that if you decide not to subscribe to Philo, you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

Why the change?

Philo CEO McCollum cites rising operating costs in his note, pointing out that other streaming services have hiked prices since Philo launched 18 months ago.

So far this year, for example, Netflix has instituted its biggest price hikes ever, and Hulu dropped the price of its base plan while raising the price of its live TV plan.

McCollum says Philo wanted to find a way to manage rising costs without raising prices, however. He explains:

“… consolidating into a single $20 package was the best way for us to maintain the same offering we have today without raising prices for everyone, or having to cut back in places we strive to excel, like our customer support.”

Have you ever tried Philo? Would you try it now? Sound off in a comment below or over on our Facebook page.

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