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If HBO can turn away from cable, and either go independent or partner with someone like Amazon, Apple, Netflix, or.. pfft, everyone, this could be interesting. That is probably hugely wishful thinking, though.

Edit: Then again, they're already offering standalone service in parts of Europe.

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All HBO has to do is open "HBO Go" to non-cable subscribers, and they'd get a flood of takers.

But they still make too much money of cable subscriptions to do that, so we have to wait for the tipping point when cable becomes a drag on HBO vs the boon it is today.

HBO actually offers this in other countries than the US, the Nordics for example. HBO Nordic gets content as soon as it has aired, so they are aiming to beat piracy with instant availability for $12/mo. Just not in the US yet.

Amazon and Netflix are now direct competitors to HBO; "partnering" with them would be at best surrender, and at worst suicide. Apple's a non-option; if they wanted in the subscription streaming business, they'd do it themselves. Independence or death are their only choices outside of cable.

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