Dish Network’s live-streaming web TV service is getting a huge boost with the addition of a diverse assortment of global programming. The move is part of a re-branding of Dish’s Dishworld service, which will now be known as Sling International. The additional channel options considerably bolster an aggressively growing selection of popular live US-based TV channels, which already includes ESPN, Comedy Central, CNN and, coming very soon, HBO — all without a cable or satellite subscription.
Sling International will provide nearly 200 channels in 18 languages to U.S. TV consumers with subscriptions starting at $15 per month. The service’s selection of international channels not accessible via satellite, including Al Jazeera, major Hindi channels (aapka Colors, Sony, SET Max), Brazilian channels (TV Globo Internacional, PFC), Pakistani channels and Bangladeshi channels, to name just a few, are its selling point. Sling International recently also added channels in Bengali, Kannada and Marathi.
“Sling TV grew from the foundation established by DishWorld, enabling us to test, grow and improve our OTT capabilities through a service that streams tens of millions of hours of content every month,” Robert Lynch, CEO of Dish’s Sling TV, said in a statement. “Incorporating DishWorld into the Sling TV portfolio makes it even easier for viewers to get the best of both domestic programming and sports they love from overseas.”
Sling TV, which is currently available on Amazon fireTV, Roku, iOS, Android, XBox, Mac and PC, allows use on one device at a time per subscription with its basic option. Sling International also offers a $25 per month “Family View” option for availability on three devices simultaneously (or, $20 for access on two devices).
Existing DishWorld customers will be prompted to upgrade to Sling International, and will have the option to combine the service with Sling TV, which features domestic TV channels.
For U.S. immigrants who want to stay up-to-date in their homeland — or worldly Americans — it looks like Sling International may be a worthwhile option for streaming global TV channels.
