Movistar plus+ sweetens f1/motogp loss with sports bonanza
For subscribers of Movistar Plus+’s Motor package, the cancellation of Formula 1 and MotoGP races due to the ongoing conflict in Iran has brought an unexpected windfall: a temporary boost of sports programming. The Spanish telecom giant is essentially compensating for the lost races with a free upgrade to its Deportes Total package, a move that’s caught some long-time subscribers completely off guard.
A surprise upgrade for disgruntled motor subscribers
The situation arose after the postponement of key events like the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in F1, and the Qatar Grand Prix in MotoGP. Customers who primarily subscribed to Motor for these competitions found themselves without their desired content. Movistar’s response? A free unlocking of the Deportes Total package, offering a significantly broader range of sports options.
One affected subscriber, voicing concerns on the official Movistar forum, stated, “Suddenly, Movistar Deportes channels have appeared on my decoder despite me unsubscribing months ago and not having them. I didn’t request this, does anyone know why?” This sentiment underscores the surprise many subscribers experienced.
From international football to nba – a wider sports landscape
The expanded Deportes Total package provides access to a wealth of sporting events, moving beyond the cancelled motorsport competitions. Viewers can now enjoy international football leagues like the Premier League and Liga F, alongside basketball powerhouses like the NBA and ACB, and even the NFL. This represents a substantial upgrade for those previously limited to just Motor’s offerings.
The free access, initially launched on March 26th, extends until May 4th, 2026, with additional days granted in March and May of 2024. Essentially, Movistar is offering a temporary reprieve for those impacted by the scheduling disruptions.
A roughly €12 value – a welcome compensation
Considering that the Motor package costs €20 per month and Deportes Total retails for €29, the value of this upgrade is approximately €9 per month. Factoring in the additional days in March and May, the total compensation amounts to roughly €12. While not a permanent solution, it’s a tangible benefit for subscribers facing a frustrating content gap.
But there's a wrinkle. Just as subscribers were enjoying this unexpected bonus, Movistar quietly increased the prices of both the Motor and Deportes Total packages in March. The timing, while offering immediate relief, raises questions about the long-term cost implications for loyal customers.
The operator clarified the move on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Due to the cancellation of certain sporting events, we are offering free access to sports channels for customers like you with the Motor package. Greetings.” This terse explanation hardly addresses the underlying frustration surrounding the fluctuating pricing strategies.
A temporary fix or a glimpse of future bundling?
The situation highlights the complexities of sports broadcasting rights and subscription models. While Movistar’s gesture is commendable, the underlying issue of event cancellations and pricing adjustments remains. Whether this is a one-off compensation or a sign of future bundling strategies remains to be seen. One thing is clear: for now, Motor subscribers are enjoying a wider range of sports content, albeit in the shadow of disrupted schedules and rising costs.