AT&T unveils DirecTV Now streaming service ahead of November 30 launch

DirecTV Now will let you stream live television from networks you typically find on cable and satellite over the internet to your smartphone, tablet, computer, or set-top box like an Apple TV. A Taylor Swift fan wants to move away from a traditional satellite TV set-up, but they’re anxious that it will cut into their supply of Swift-based content.

AT&T has tie-ups with most networks and users will be able to stream all major networks except Showtime and CBS.

Similar to the Apple TV deal, AT&T is also offering a free Amazon Fire TV Stick (Reg. $39) to anyone who pre-pays just one month. Standard pricing will be $35 for a 60-plus channel package, $50 for an 80-plus channel package, and $60 for a 100-plus channel package. AT&T says DVR features won’t be available on its service until next year.

AT&T Inc. formally unveiled DirecTV Now, a live online video service for consumers, especially mobile-phone owners, who don’t want conventional pay-TV.

After the initial promotion period, the entry-level $35 DirecTV Now package will include approximately 60 channels. The additional channels can be added for an additional fee of $5 per month each.

The telecoms firm is also hoping to bundle the service with broadband plans in a bid to cut churn rates and attract new customers. Conventional ratings services such as Nielsen and others will become irrelevant when lots of viewers start using services like this one, because DirecTV Now will be able to track the programs users are watching and provide recommendations based on categories. Subscribers can also watch up to two streams simultaneously.

It comes little over a month after AT&T announced it was to acquire content company Time Warner – owner of HBO and CNN, amongst others – for $85bn. “This is TV your way”, stated John Stankey AT&T’s Entertainment Group CEO. Potential customers can open and account sign up for a 7-day trial at the DirecTV Now website, and then download and sign into the app on their supported devices. Official launch is billed for 30th November, and will be available to people in the U.S on iPhone, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and PC/Mac, while Roku users should keep their fingers crossed.