AT&T yesterday "unveiled a streaming television service," offering an "extensive list of channels for less than most cable plans," according to Daniel Victor of the N.Y. TIMES. The service, called DirecTV Now, includes ESPN, TBS, AMC and Disney Channel, and the cheapest package offers "60 channels for $35 per month." The service "does not include CBS," and sports fans might "have reservations." The lack of CBS means customers would "miss out on NFL games" and the NCAA Tournament. In addition, while the more expensive channel packages "include regional sports networks," premium channels like NFL Sunday Ticket "are not included" (N.Y. TIMES, 11/29). USA TODAY's Mike Snider noted DirecTV Now launches tomorrow. Users will need to use their "home broadband or mobile wireless service," but those who use AT&T Wireless "will not have video use count against their data limits." The second-tier package costs $50 per month and "includes 80-plus channels, adding ESPNews, ESPNU, NBC Sports and MLB Network and others to the mix." The $60-per-month tier includes "100-plus channels," adding Golf Channel, NBA TV and NHL Network, and the $70-per-month tier includes "120-plus channels," adding Univision Deportes (USATODAY.com, 11/28).
TICKET TO PARADISE: USA TODAY's Snider notes DirecTV this season "made it easier to watch out-of-market NFL games live-streamed as part of its NFL Sunday Ticket package," and as the playoff hunt heats up, the company is "giving fans a chance to huddle with Sunday Ticket and its streaming feature for the crucial last six weeks of the regular season for $99.98." Video with the upgraded streaming package earlier this month was "nearly as good as delivered over the DirecTV satellite service itself" (USATODAY.com, 11/29).
