The Spectrum app, which allows Roku users who are Spectrum TV cable subscribers to access a live TV grid and see all of their cable channels as well as access on-demand content is no longer available to new Roku users. According to an unnamed source, due to failed negotiations between Roku, and Spectrum, the app left the platform which would prevent new users from accessing the app to use as a cable box substitute or access Spectrum’s streaming-only programming packages like Spectrum TV Choice.
Roku has had a number of high profile disagreements with major providers that have put it in a position to lose content it would otherwise provide. A high profile example was when FOX nearly pulled all of its TV everywhere app from the platform just before the Big Game last season before an agreement was worked out. The company is also still embroiled in a disagreement with HBO Max over how the service will be carried on the platform that has thus far prevented Roku users from accessing the 6-month-old app on their devices.
Apple TV users as well as those who already had the Spectrum app before December 11th will continue to be able to access the service. Another option for users who want to access live cable channels through their Roku would be to add the TV everywhere channels for their favorite networks. Roku even has a section in the Streaming Channels store called Watch With Cable.
Roku was one of Spectrum’s earliest partners in the connected TV space and has even been promoted by the cable company as an alternative way to access Spectrum services.
