AT&T Debuts DirecTV Now OTT Service: Best Selling Point, Streaming Without CBS? & Other Announcements
AT&T finally unveiled its DirecTV Now content streaming service which will officially launch on November 30, 2016. The service is the telecom's initiative in taking on the cord-cutting trend in the effort of transitioning more into portable entertainment systems than the traditional cable TV services.
The promotional offers of DirecTV Now packages start at $35 per month for over 60 channels, the next tier at $70 monthly for 120 channels. The prices are discounted within a period, which would cost $60 minimum thereafter. According to CNet, users who subscribe within the promo period will be able to retain the prices until further notice, while those who will avail after the promo period will be offered the normal $60-monthly service.
As previously reported, DirecTV Now is offering streaming devices. Free Apple TV will be given away for subscribers who sign up with advanced payment for 3 months, while subscribers who sign up with advanced payment for 1 month will receive free Amazon FireTV stick. While the service has affiliated with other cable networks, CBS is not included in the service.
PlayStation Vue is already offering additional cloud DVR, while Sling TV recently added the beta program of a similar service, DirecTV Now will also be offering cloud DVR in 2017, but will initially be limited to 2 screens. Probably the best selling point, according to Tech Crunch, of DirecTV Now service is that subscribers can access the service from mobile devices and can stream content without wireless data. This is an issue that FCC has recently conveyed to AT&T.
AT&T's DirecTV Now is offering free 7-day trial period. It is available on Amazon Fire TV & Fire TV Stick, iOs, Android, LeEco EcoTV's, Chromecast, VIZIO SmartCast Display, and online. In 2017, DirecTV will be available in various streaming players including Roku, Amazon Fire, Smart TV's, Samsung, along with other brands.
