Philo, the virtual MVPD, has expanded its streaming package to include AMC+. Concurrently, the company known for its budget-friendly skinny TV lineup is implementing a price increase for new subscribers.
Beginning June 12, Philo will increase the cost of its Core package by $3, raising the monthly fee to $28 for new and returning subscribers. However, existing customers will continue to pay the current $25 monthly. The company began notifying consumers of this change on Wednesday, allowing potential subscribers a few weeks’ window to lock in the $25 per month rate before the price increase takes effect.
Furthermore, emphasizing its commitment to budget-conscious entertainment, Philo, highlighted that this is the service’s first price increase in three years and the third since its launch. Moreover, the customers who have been active subscribers since the vMVPD launched in 2017 will still pay the same price today as they did seven years ago.
Additionally, Philo will add the ad-supported version of AMC+ to its live TV package beginning June 12. AMC+ has been included by all major U.S. cable providers which was initially launched in 2020 with Comcast and Dish Network. Moreover, joining other streaming services in offering this option last September, AMC+ introduced an ad-supported tier. Notably, Philo subscribers can upgrade for an additional $4 per month, the ad-free version of AMC+, bringing the total monthly cost of the core package to $28.
Philo is further adding The Walking Dead Universe Channel, in addition to the AMC+ streaming service, which features 24/7 programming from the franchise. Subscribers will also gain access to three additional AMC Networks streaming libraries: Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC.
For non-subscribers, Philo is also expanding access to its free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. Currently, the vMVPD offers over 70 FAST channels outside of the paywall, which allows viewers to sign up and watch or record most of these free channels without subscribing to the Philo Core TV service or providing a credit card.
Philo CEO Andrew McCollum, wrote in a blog post, “Whether someone’s not ready to make the jump to Core or is simply taking a break, we still want to provide them with a wide selection of great shows and movies.”