The reported Verizon Communications talks to create a new steaming media service in conjunction with movie-rental kiosk operator Redbox appear to be just one set of talks Verizon Communications is having with other potential partners.
And though the Redbox talks obviously have been painted as a matter of Verizon “competing with Netflix, Verizon also appears to be talking to Netflix as well. On Dec. 12, 2011, there were rumors that Verizon was even thinking about buying Netflix. Verizon weighing Netflix Buy?
Verizon open to Netflix Most will not remember, but earlier in 2011 Verizon Communications had said it was open to featuring Netflix as a FiOS service.
Most observers think the recent distribution deal with Comcast, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks is part of a wider effort by Verizon to get into the streaming video business in a bigger way, especially for mobile users and people who live outside the Verizon Communications fixed network regions. Verizon Communications
Of course, getting into the online video business sets Verizon up in more direct competition not only with Netflix, but with Comcast, Time Warner and other cable and satellite video providers, to an extent. Verizon Redbox talks