Dish talking to networks about internet-only TV packages, says Bloomberg

Bloomberg is reporting that Dish Network is currently in talks with several networks with regards to a new package that would let customers watch television channels over the internet without a cable subscription. Citing several sources familiar with the matter, the report claims that the online-only option would offer smaller bundles of channels compared to traditional cable packages, but at a lower price. These channels could then be watched on a computer or tablet.

Dish is reportedly in talks with networks including Viacom, Scripps, and Univision, which could potentially mean that channels like Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and the Food Network would be available online. Unfortunately, there are currently no details on pricing or when such bundles might be made available. But the fact that Dish is talking to networks at all should be encouraging news for cable cutters, as the networks have traditionally shied away from the idea of offering channels online without a cable subscription — HBO, for instance, has said it has no plans to offer a cable-free version of HBO Go “for now” (though it is offering channels online in Scandinavia).