Disney signs deal with Verizon to offer customers one free year of Disney+ 

US mobile operator Verizon is offering a year’s free Disney+ to its unlimited customers.

In a deal that will save customers US$84 over the year, the offer will be applicable to 4G LTE, 5G unlimited, 5G home wireless internet and Fios broadband customers. 

The partnership will also see Verizon become the exclusive US wireless carrier partner for Disney+.

Verizon chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg said: “Giving Verizon customers an unprecedented offer and access to Disney+ on the platform of their choice is yet another example of our commitment to provide the best premium content available through key partnerships on behalf of our customers.

“Our work with Disney extends beyond Disney+ as we bring the power of 5G Ultra Wideband technology to the entertainment industry through exciting initiatives with Disney Innovation Studios and in the parks.”

Kevin Mayer, chairman of direct-to-consumer and international at Disney said: “The launch of Disney+ kicks off a new era of streaming for The Walt Disney Company, bringing nearly a century’s worth of content from our iconic studios to consumers directly. We’re excited to share this moment with Verizon and bring Disney+ to the millions of customers across its award-winning wireless network.”

Disney+ launches in the US on November 12, and this announcement will give it a head start with millions of subscribers from the off. 

While being very different platforms, this announcement echoes Apple’s decision to offer one year of its SVOD, Apple TV+, to purchasers of new devices when it launches on November 1.