DIRECTV TV Packages and Their Costs If you are planning to get a DIRECTV service provider, then the first thing that you will have to consider is the cost of the TV packages. DIRECTV has various packages that customers can select with varying price levels depending on the package the client wants. As stated earlier, in this article, we will demystify the cheapest TV package that is offered by the DIRECTV company.
The DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT Package The basic TV package provided by DIRECTV is the ENTERTAINMENT package. Currently streaming over 160 channels, it has a fair offering of essential entertainment, news, and lifestyle channels at an affordable price. It is as follows; As of 2023, the package with ENTERTAINMENT has been priced at $69. 99 per month. Here's a closer look at what you get with this low-cost bundle:Here's a closer look at what you get with this low-cost bundle:
Entertainment & Lifestyle Channels The ENTERTAINMENT package consists of entertaining and lifestyle channels that can be watched by people of all ages. Some of its networks are A&E, AMC, Animal Planet, BET, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, E!It broadcasts and owns cable channels such as A&E Television Networks, Amazon, AMC, BBC America, BBC World News, The CW, Discovery, Discovery Communications, The Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Classic, E! Entertainment Television, Food Network, FX, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, History Channel, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon
Sports Channels Expect the top package of sports channels that include, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN News, FS1, Golf Channel, Mlb Network, and NBC Sports Network. However, the ENTERTAINMENT package does not come with specific sports options such as NFL Sunday Ticket; you will watch the games that are aired nationally.
Local Channels Another advantage of opting for DIRECTV is that it comes with local channel options. DIRECTV offers local ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX stations according to your zip code for free. Therefore the most important news, events, weather and programs of the primetime are provided.
Regional Sports Networks DIRECTV also comes with some regional sports networks based on your location of residence. For example, individuals living in Chicago receive NBC Sports Chicago to watch the Cubs, White Sox and Bulls games. People in Boston get NESN for viewing Red Sox and Bruins games. Some RSNs are available in a certain region while others are not, so find out which ones are available before subscribing to one.
Educational Content Parents seeking fun-filled and informative programmes for children can opt for the ENTERTAINMENT package which includes several educational channels such as BabyTV, NASA TV, Discovery en Español and Discovery Familia.
What Channels are Not included in the ENTERTAINMENT Package? DIRECTV’s base ENTERTAINMENT package is filled with many of the most-watched television channels for a single monthly cost, yet there are a few major absences. Here are some of the channels you won't get with this starter bundle:Here are some of the channels you won't get with this starter bundle:
No premium channels: Customers who would normally wish to subscribe to some of the high-end movie channels such as HBO, SHOWTIME & STARZ will require to subscribe to them individually.
Limited sports: Other than ESPN and some regional sports networks, most of the national sports channels such as NFL Network, MLB Extra Innings, NBA TV and NHL Network are part of higher packages or add-ons.
Few lifestyle channels: The ENTERTAINMENT package lacks lifestyle options which are not included in the package such as Cooking Channel, DIY Network, Game Show Network, and Hallmark Drama.
No international networks: As for the options in the base package, there are no options in international languages included. It means that if you wanted to get foreign networks you would have to add on channel packs such as DIRECTV Mas, Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese.
If any of the missing channels above are essentials for you, then you will probably have to turn to one of the packages offered by DIRECTV. However, if one wishes to spend as little as possible and receive all the necessary packages that include entertainment, news, and kids, then the plan called ENTERTAINMENT is just perfect.
Other Costs to Consider Therefore, if one is to determine the total monthly cost of subscribing to the cheapest package by DIRECTV, they have to consider the additional fees besides the $69. 99 package fee. Here are some of the additional charges to expect on your bill:Here are some of the additional charges to expect on your bill:
Activation Fee – $19. 95 which is non-recurring.
Advanced Receiver Service – $15/Web623 (for cable systems serving one thousand or more subscribers, for HD DVR or HD receiver equipment)
Regional Sports Fee – $9. 75/month ($96/year) which can vary depending on the location and is meant to cover the fees for RSN.
Taxes – Fluctuates depending on state and local laws
So you are talking about at least $100 per month, even when considering the least expensive ENTERTAINMENT tier. However, it is still cheaper than many high-end satellite and cable TV providers that offer packages for $150 per month or even more.
Pricing Services Bundling DIRECTV for Extra Value A useful piece of advice to save more when subscribing to DIRECTV is to take advantage of bundling it with AT&T internet. DIRECTV belongs to AT&T, so they have special cooperation with each other. Currently, AT&T high-speed internet subscribers can bundle their services with DirecTV and receive up to $120 in Visa. Service bundling on one bill also attracts the discounts as well. And when you bundle DIRECTV with AT&T internet or wireless phone services, the already low-priced ENTERTAINMENT package becomes even more affordable.
The Bottom Line When comparing DIRECTV channel packages, the ENTERTAINMENT option has the lowest monthly cost of $69. 99 per month. As it offers 160+ popular entertainment, news, sports, and local channels with no overspending, you will always have something to watch. But remember, you will have to add another $30 or more for the equipment, regional sports, and regulatory expenses. However, even with the addition of the extras, the ENTERTAINMENT tier comes to the sum total of DIRECTV’s cheapest offering for everyone on a strict TV budget.