Canada is notorious for placing strict regulations on online entertainment content, but two of its cable companies are trying to combat that by bringing in a Netflix-like solution for the country’s citizens. Rogers Cable and Shaw Communications have teamed up to create shomi, a subscription service for on-demand shows.
With plans to launch apps for phones, tablets, web, set-top boxes, and Xbox 360, as well as access through already-installed cable boxes, Rogers and Shaw will be providing over 11,000 hours of programming (and as per Canadian broadcasting requirements, over 30% of it will be Canadian-made). Shomi will have exclusive streaming rights in Canada to many of these shows, including titles such as Modern Family, 24: Live Another Day, Sons of Anarchy, and American Horror Story. The cable companies also promise exclusive first access to as of yet unannounced shows.
Shomi has many more similarities to Netflix. According to TechCrunch, Shomi is promising its users the ability to create up to six profiles per account, with the added bonus of allowing full streaming for up to three devices at a time (one being a set-top box). Also, while shomi’s services seem to focus on providing access to TV shows, they’re also going to provide roughly 1200 movies for viewing. The complete library will be available for an $8.99 a month subscription (yes, just like Netflix).
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Shomi will be available to all current Rogers and Shaw internet or TV subscribers in beta form starting in November, just in time for Canadians as they start spending more time inside to avoid the winter chill.
