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Online outrage as Optus releases Premier League pricing

Wednesday, 4 May 2016 10:24:07

Optus' pricing plan for next season's Premier League has prompted a negative online reaction. (Getty Images: Michael Regan)

Optus has released its pricing plan for its English Premier League coverage, prompting an online backlash from football fans in Australia.

From next season, the Premier League will only be available to Optus customers, with Optus saying new and existing customers on home broadband, mobile broadband and post-paid mobile could watch from as little as $15 per month.

But to watch every Premier League game next season, fans will need to be locked in to the Optus network with a current broadband, mobile or Yes TV subscription required to access the coverage.

"While you'll need to be an Optus customer to get all the EPL action, Optus research shows that close to two in three (63 per cent) football fans, who are not already Optus customers, are out of contract for at least one of their fixed broadband or mobile services," Optus managing director of marketing and product Ben White said.

"We're confident that when these fans see our range of great value EPL-ready plans, they'll be convinced that now is the right time to switch."

Optus customers on plans valued at $85 or above will be able to watch the Premier League at no additional cost.

The minimum subscription available is $40 per month, but new customers will be locked in for 24-month contracts.

Fans wanting a big-screen option will have to pay $2,160 over 24 months for Optus's Fetch TV service.

Enthusiasm for the Premier League in Australia could have hit new heights following Leicester City's incredible title win, defying the odds and football logic to snatch English football's biggest prize from the traditional big clubs.

But online reactions have been anything but favourable towards Optus, with the requirement of switching to a new internet or mobile provider a particular obstacle.

External Link: Vince Rugari tweets there's just absolutely no chance i'm switching to Optus for EPL. sorry guys you bottled it. #aleague + BeIN enough for me on Foxtel.

External Link: antonietta tweets can't believe how thoroughly Optus has messed up this EPL deal

External Link: Rob tweets Optus paving the way for you and your mates to crowd around a 5 inch screen to watch the Merseyside Derby is the greatest thing in sport!

Optus surprised Australian football fans in November last year when it beat Fox Sports to the punch to secure rights to the Premier League for the next three years, reportedly tripling the amount paid by Fox Sports currently.

Foxtel hit back by securing the rights to broadcast a host of European leagues, partnering with beIN Sports to feature three of its channels and add the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Italy's Serie A, Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga and France's Ligue 1 to its sports package.

Optus also struck a deal with SBS to co-broadcast the 2018 World Cup, with SBS to show one Premier League match per week on free-to-air television.

AustraliaPlus


 

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