DIRECTV STREAM, previously AT&T TV, is an over-the-top live TV streaming service that provides subscribers with many cable channels and local sports networks, without the need for a cable box or satellite dish. Another area of concern that most people ask is whether subscribing to this service means that you have to sign up for a long-term subscription like what is witnessed with cable or satellite television services.
The answer is negative – DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t offer contracts that imply the customer’s long-term stay with the company. Unlike other telecommunications companies, when you subscribe to their service, you are not bound by any contract and you can cancel your subscription at any time without being charged for early termination. As opposed to other TV providers, the lack of contract associated with the service is presented as a major advantage of DIRECTV STREAM.
DIRECTV STREAM is easy to get started since all you have to do is to choose the package you want, create an account and start streaming. The Specialists, who do not require installation of equipment, are not called to spend much time on the phone to explain the terms and conditions of the contract. All is done online to ensure that signing up is as easy as it can be.
Such a model is popular among cord cutters who do not like high early termination fees that are associated with multi-year TV contracts. An added advantage of DIRECTV STREAM is that their prices are locked in for at least one year after subscription to help you avoid the steep price increase in the initial one year.
However, being flexible in terms of contract length also means that DIRECTV STREAM is not currently in a position to offer large promotional discounts that are often associated with cable and satellite providers. However, their normal rates are actually quite reasonable for most of what cable TV has to offer while providing tremendous freedom.
And even without having the need for contracts, DIRECTV STREAM aims to ensure the customers stay loyal by continually improving their experience instead of binding them down. In the past two years, they have added hundreds of local PBS stations, more regional sports networks, an unlimited DVR option, and many others – making it a better value for all their customers.
What About Equipment Fees?
DIRECTV STREAM does not impose any penalties when you decide to cancel the service at any one time But when you paid before you were provided with free streaming devices after prepaying for two months of service you will be required to return the devices or pay a non-return fee of between $10 to $150 depending on the number and types of devices.
Thus, despite being a contract-free streaming service, getting those free streaming devices means a certain level of commitment. To avoid those equipment-related fees you can either return the devices if you cancel or you can buy the streaming devices rather than getting them for free. Purchased devices allow consumer to retain the item even if he/she decides not to continue using the service.
Which DIRECTV STREAM Packages Are Possible?
Unlike other cable and satellite television services, DIRECTV STREAM does not have contracts and instead provides straightforward pricing and packages for nearly every household type. Their channel packages currently include:Their channel packages currently include:
Entertainment – $69. 99/month with over 75 channels Choice – $89. 99 per month with 130+ options Ultimate – $104. 99/month with over 140 channels Premier – $149. 99/month for over 150 channels
Entertainment and Choice packages aim to offer many of the most-watched cable networks at reasonable prices whereas the Ultimate and Premier packages include even more cable sports, movie and premium networks.
This means that the availability of regional sports networks will depend on the geographical area that one is in. The majority of local channel packages available with DIRECTV STREAM include ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, along with other local channels. And their basic tiers have the traditional cable networks like ESPN, TNT, USA, HGTV and so on.
Each of the DIRECTV STREAM packages also comes with 20 hours of cloud DVR and up to 3 concurrent streams. As an additional $10 per month, you get unlimited storage space for DVR and an additional stream at the same time.
In conclusion, although DIRECTV STREAM is not the most affordable live TV streaming service, they do not demand contracts or term commitments. You can become a subscriber, use their features and the range of channel packages as long as you wish, and get out as soon as you like. Of course, the biggest advantage of this no-contract method is perfect for cord cutters who seek a cable TV alternative without any obligation.