Netflix Expected to Trump HBO in Subscribers

The popular streaming service could now have more paid US subscribers than the premium cable channel.

According to analysts at Needham & Co, Netflix is likely to have accumulated 30 million paid US subscribers as of Sept. 30. In comparison, HBO is estimated to have 28.7 million US customers according to SNL Kagan.

This marks a notable accomplishment for the streaming company, which has hopes of becoming a full-fledged web-based television network. Thanks to original programming and exclusive content like 'House of Cards' and the latest season of 'Arrested Development,' Netflix has been making moves to capture viewers who might otherwise look into traditional cable services like HBO.

With such impressive subscriber numbers, cable and satellite companies are beginning to contemplate partnerships with Netflix, hoping to integrate the streaming service into their own packages. According to sources who spoke to Bloomberg, Cox Communications Inc., Suddenlink Communications, RCN Telecom Services and Atlantic Broadband Finance LLC are all among the US cable providers who are currently discussing potential deals with Netflix.

A basic Netflix streaming plan goes for $8 a month, offering users access to all of the company's growing library of films and television shows, including its original content. Though HBO does not offer a separate pay streaming service, its streaming HBO Go service is available to users who already subscribe to the channel through their cable or satellite providers.

Source: Bloomberg

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