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HBO launches standalone streaming service for $14.99 per month

LOS ANGELES — HBO’s standalone broadband-streaming service — HBO Now — is now available via Apple and Cablevision Systems’ Optimum Online for $14.99 per month, a move that could contribute to the erosion of the pay-TV industry’s subscriber levels.

HBO said customers who sign up for HBO Now in April will receive a 30-day introductory free trial period.

See More:HBO Now Finally Breaks Up the Pay-TV Bundle

The launch of HBO Now is timed for the premiere of the fifth season of “Game of Thrones,” which airs Sunday, April 12. The over-the-top service provides subscribers with access to every episode of the premium cabler’s original series plus recent movies, original films, documentaries, sports and comedy and music specials.

Similar to HBO Go, the service available to cable, satellite and telco TV subs who pay for HBO, HBO Now will offer more than 2,000 titles.

HBO enlisted John Oliver, host of “Last Week Tonight,” for a video tutorial explaining HBO Now:

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