AT&T Unveils DirecTV Now Streaming Service
AT&T Inc. on Monday took the wraps off its new DirecTV Now streaming service, making a foray into the crowded online video service market.
The company first announced the subscription video service back in March, promising "on-demand and live programming from many networks, plus premium add-on options" over the Internet similar to Sling TV and PlayStation Vue.
The company said it will offer three new streaming services - DirecTV Now, Freeview and Fullscreen starting Nov 30. DirecTV Now pricing bundles will range from over 60 channels for $35 per month to over 120 channels for $70 a month in introductory offer, AT&T said.
DirecTV Now will launch with apps on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Chromecast support from iOS will be available next year.
Customers who sign up early will be eligible for the $60/month package at $35/month going forward. AT&T will also provide a free Apple TV set-top box to DirecTV Now subscribers who pre-pay for three months of service including the $35/month package.
In terms of programming, CBS and Showtime are missing at launch but Viacom is on board which PlayStation Vue recently lost. The other usual suspects are on board as well.
Limits include no 4K streaming and only two simultaneous streams at a time. NFL Sunday Ticket won't be available either, although AT&T says its working with the NFL on making it available. A cloud-DVR feature is expected next year.
HBO on-demand content will be available for $5/month as an add-on, which is cheaper than the standalone $15/month HBO Now package.
AT&T said that streaming DirecTV Now content over mobile data won't count against data caps on AT&T's Network.