Streaming TV service Aereo is expanding to the Boston metropolitan area next month. The technology will be available to pre-registered consumers on May 15 and to the general public on May 30.
“This is is an exciting step forward for the company. Today’s announcement is even more meaningful and special for our more than 60 employees who call the Boston area home, including me,” Aereo CEO Chet Kanojia said in a statement. “I’m proud of our team and what we’ve accomplished in such a short period of time.”
Currently, Aereo is available only in New York. The streaming technology threatens to disrupt the traditional model of broadcast television. ABC, CBS, NBC Universal and Fox Television Stations have a pending lawsuit to block Aereo, and News Corp. COO Chase Carey has said Fox could be forced to convert to a cable channel if Aereo wins in court.
Boston’s DMA includes 4.5 million eligible consumers in 16 counties across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.