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Telia Revamps TV Packages as HBO Pivots to Direct Streaming
In response to HBO's strategic pivot to its standalone streaming service, Telia will remove the network from its TV packages between March 16-31, 2026, adding new channels like Eurosport 4K while maintaining current subscription prices.
- —Telia has informed its customers that HBO will be removed from its TV packages between March 16-31, 2026, with new TV channels being added in its place.
- —The removal of HBO is attributed to HBO's strategic decision to change its business model and offer content solely through its standalone HBO Max streaming service.
- —Telia stated that the monthly subscription fee for affected TV packages will remain unchanged despite the removal of HBO content.
- —New channels being added to Telia's packages include YLE1, YLE2, and Eurosport 4K, offering a mix of news, entertainment, and sports content.
- —Telia has updated its service terms to include provisions for package changes with equivalent cost, effective March 1, 2026.
Recap
Telia's content shuffle is a direct consequence of the media industry's accelerating shift toward direct-to-consumer streaming. By holding subscription prices steady and adding replacement channels, Telia is executing a defensive maneuver to mitigate customer churn. The move underscores the evolving role of telecom providers from simple content aggregators to active curators who must constantly renegotiate value to compete with standalone streaming giants.