AT&T and DirecTV will launch three separate internet streaming TV services later this year, none of which require cable or satellite subscriptions.
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AT&T Inc., the largest USA pay-TV provider, will offer three streaming-video plans later this year to appeal to all types of viewers, from those who want the full package or a streamlined skinny bundle.
– DirecTV Mobile: This less expensive plan will offer video to customers who want to watch primarily on their smartphone or another mobile device. It will include some DirecTV programming but will include content from AT&T’s Audience Network, a channel of DirecTV originals; and “millennial-focused” video from Otter Media, which has invested in companies like YouTube network Fullscreen and anime-focused online service Crunchyroll.
Though details were vague, the most inclusive was DirecTV Now, which the company said would “offer a range of content packages, including much of what is available from DirecTV today” only delivered by the Internet. The AT&T and DirecTV offering will let you stream videos from smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, set top boxes, PCs, or other devices using a wired or wireless internet connection.
Dish Network’s Sling TV has channels that work whether you’re in the house or not, but some programs have been blacked out.
Whether customers are actually interested will depend heavily on how much the services cost, something AT&T isn’t yet revealing. Given that such services can cannibalize existing pay TV subscribers, telecom companies often hamstring such offers resulting in a parade of tiresome services that fail in the market. DirecTV Preview is going to be a free ad-supported service with limited content so that folks who are interested in the service can try it out before deciding whether or not they would like to pay for it. Consumers can start watching video immediately after the same simple sign-up and app-download process. Consumers can simply sign-up for the service, download the app and begin watching.
AT&T will soon make it a lot easier to access premium video content.
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DirecTV Now: Offering on-demand and live programming from many networks, plus premium add-on options. “We intend to offer customers a quality pay-TV experience, including top channels, sports and more, with increased value and flexibility of pure online streaming and no need for home installation”.
