Good news for New Yorkers like myself (where Cablevision’s Optimum service is dominant – and elsewhere), who don’t have cable TV packages that include HBO, but who might want access to the premium cable TV network via its recently-announced standalone internet service. 

Announced this afternoon, Cablevision and HBO have reached an agreement to offer standalone streaming service, HBO NOW, to Optimum Online customers via the internet, making Optimum the first cable provider to partner with HBO to offer the new service, which is expected to launch in April in time for the fifth season of "Game of Thrones."

Kristin Dolan, Cablevision chief operating officer said: “As New York’s premier connectivity company, we are enabling Optimum Online customers to enjoy content in any way they choose to receive it. We are well-positioned to support HBO NOW and, as technology advances, Cablevision will continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

"We couldn’t be more excited that our longtime partner has joined us for the launch of HBO NOW," said Tom Woodbury, President, Global Distribution, HBO. "We believe that HBO NOW will have great appeal to Cablevision’s broadband customers.”

HBO NOW provides instant access to HBO’s programming, allowing viewers to watch every episode of every season of the best series programming, the latest Hollywood movies, original HBO Films, documentaries, sports, and comedy and music specials.

Cablevision plans to provide pricing and other particulars for HBO NOW in the coming weeks. I’d assume it will match the previously-announced $14.99 monthly fee that Apple will charge for the service.