Apple Working on Deal for TV Subscription Service

On the one hand, competition is always good, but on the other, paying for something that you can readily get for free isn’t really competition. Reports are running rampant that Apple is in negotiations with major television studios on a new iTunes subscription television service. CBS and Disney are rumored to be considering the proposal, which would make television shows from their networks available via the monthly subscription service.

One estimate indicates that a best of bundle would reportedly cost consumers in the range of $30/month. Sounds a lot like the crappy cable package that Apple is trying to replace. And reports are indicating that Apple may not offer full channel line-ups, but a sub-selection of shows from each channel. I’m no big fan of cable, but I’m not seeing a great advantage there.

The television service would be one of the features offered on the rumored Apple tablet. Apple is reportedly offering higher subscriber rates to studios to help persuade them to buy in, with eyes on a possible 2010 roll out. The final plan is still a long ways from fruition, so hopefully if it does go through, we’ll see something innovative that will actually provide a strong alternative to cable and satellite. [via Electronista]