Viacom and T-Mobile reach a content distribution agreement

Viacom has officially become the first media partner of T-Mobile’s upcoming TV service. The two companies struck a deal focused on “significant content distribution”, which will enable T-Mobile to include MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount and other Viacom brands on future mobile video services.

“Viacom represents the best of the best, most-popular brands on cable, so they are an amazing partner for us!” said John Legere, CEO of T-Mobile. “TV programming has never been better, but consumers are fed up with rising costs, hidden fees, lousy customer service, non-stop BS. And Macgyvering together a bunch of subscriptions, apps and dongles isn’t much better. That’s why T-Mobile is on a mission to give consumers a better way to watch what they want, when they want.”

The partnership between Viacom and T-Mobile comes a year after the service provider bought cable TV distributor Layer3 TV. By working with both Viacom and Layer3TV, T-Mobile has the content and distribution tools to launch its highly anticipated streaming service. The service is expected to include both live TV streaming and on-demand videos.

“We are thrilled to join forces with T-Mobile on a new entertainment service that represents an important evolution in how audiences consume our content,” said Bob Bakish, Viacom president and CEO. “Today’s landmark announcement marks a major step forward in our strategy to accelerate the presence of our brands on mobile and other next-generation platforms, and we’re so excited to partner with T-Mobile to provide millions of subscribers with access to our networks and more choice in a new service that will be unlike any other in the market.”