Verizon Communications reportedly plans to offer a package of streamed movies and TV shows that it will make available to those outside its subscriber base, in what could be seen as a challenge to Netflix.

Verizon could roll the service out in 2012, Reuters reported, citing sources close to the company's plans.

A Verizon representative declined to comment on rumors and speculation.

Verizon offers fibre-to-the-home Internet and TV services, but the company so far acts as just another cable company or satellite provider, providing packages of content that it buys from studios and distributors. According to Reuters, Verizon's role as a middleman wouldn't change. However, it would take that content and provide it to external customers.