DirecTV Stream
View on WikipediaDirecTV Stream (formerly DirecTV Now and AT&T TV) was a premium streaming multichannel television service offered in the United States by DirecTV.
Key Information
The brand offered pay television service without a contract, with the service utilizing a customer's existing streaming TV hardware, such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV device, and was also available on some smart TV systems like Tizen OS by Samsung, WebOS by LG and Vizio SmartCast, as well as on phones and tablets.
The service was similar to DirecTV via Internet, a streaming version of DirecTV's flagship satellite service, which required a multi-year contract and included an Android TV box called "Gemini." Unlike DirecTV via Internet, DirecTV Stream did not require a contract, and the Gemini device was optional. Channel packages between DirecTV via Internet and DirecTV Stream were mostly the same, though DirecTV via Internet offered a few broadcast and cable networks that were not available on DirecTV Stream. Additionally, DirecTV Stream's pricing was lower compared to DirecTV via Internet, which charged regional sports and equipment lease fees.[1]
DirecTV via Internet customers were able to watch programming from their subscription through the DirecTV app on other platforms, which was also used for DirecTV Stream.
History
[edit]DirecTV Stream launched as DirecTV Now on November 30, 2016.[2]
On July 13, 2017, it was reported that AT&T was preparing to introduce a cloud-based DVR streaming service as part of its effort to create a unified platform across the DirecTV satellite television service and DirecTV Now services, with U-verse to be added soon.[3][4][5]
In March 2019, DirecTV Now instituted a new package structure for new subscribers with fewer channels included (although with HBO now included in the base package), and increased pricing for all subscribers.[6] By the second quarter of 2019, DirecTV Now lost 168,000 subscribers (decreasing to 1.3 million), with AT&T citing "higher prices and less promotional activity" as reasoning.[7]
On July 30, 2019, AT&T announced an upcoming streaming television service known as AT&T TV, which would feature an Android TV-based set-top box with a Google Assistant-based voice remote, use the same apps used by DirecTV Now, and offer cloud DVR with 500 hours of storage. Unlike DirecTV Now, this service is sold on a contract basis (and in bundles with AT&T Internet), and requires the rental or purchase of proprietary set-top boxes. The service allows user self-installation, but activation fees are still charged. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson referred to AT&T TV as a "workhorse" service succeeding DirecTV and AT&T U-verse in its pay television business.[8] The service was initially launched in selected markets in California, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, with additional markets to follow. Concurrently it was announced that DirecTV Now would re-brand as "AT&T TV Now".[9][10][11][12] The similar names between the different services have been noted as possibly causing confusion, with media outlets even citing examples occurring within the company itself.[13][14]
In September 2019, a class action lawsuit was filed against AT&T, alleging that it had falsely inflated its reported number of AT&T TV Now subscribers by engaging in "unrelenting pressure and strong-arm tactics" and giving unwanted subscriptions to the service to customers without their consent, as well as making false claims surrounding risks related to the service in its SEC filings related to the purchase of Time Warner.[15][16]
On February 25, 2021, AT&T announced that it would spin off DirecTV, U-Verse and AT&T TV into a separate entity, selling a 30% stake to TPG Capital while retaining a 70% stake in the new standalone company. The deal was closed on August 2, 2021, at which point the provider adopted its current name.[17][18]
In December 2022, DirecTV Stream announced it would raise prices to offset higher costs associated with distributing broadcast and cable networks to users.[19][20] The price increases rolled out on January 22, 2023, with most customers paying between $5 and $10 extra for channels they already received.[21] It was the second consecutive year DirecTV Stream raised prices on customers.[22]
On April 13, 2025, DirecTV announced the end of DirecTV Stream as a standalone brand and merged its content with its regular DirecTV service.[23]
Past services
[edit]AT&T TV Now
[edit]The service's base package "Entertainment" (included channels from co-owned division WarnerMedia as well as the seven other major television conglomerates: The Walt Disney Company, Fox Corporation, NBCUniversal, Discovery, A&E Networks, AMC Networks, and ViacomCBS.[24] The "Premiere" package adds HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, and StarzEncore, and the various additional sports channels.
Previous packages started at $35.00 "Live a Little" (Replaced by "Entertainment") and ranged up to $70 "Gotta Have it" (Replaced by "Gotta Have It") these packages are no longer available, but are still accessible to existing subscribers. The packages currently offer the same channels as prior packages, just at a higher premium.
On March 2, 2020, AT&T TV launched nationally.[25] AT&T president John Stankey stated that AT&T TV would be promoted as the company's main pay television service, with DirecTV being downplayed outside of markets with insufficient broadband quality to use AT&T TV.[26] AT&T TV Now would struggle through 2019, with a loss of 138,000 subscribers in 2020 Q1 according to its quarterly earnings report. The service as a whole was down to 788,000 subscribers, compared to its peak of 1.86 million subscribers, before the large discounts to attract initial subscriber interest were scaled back.[27]
On January 12, 2021, AT&T discontinued their Plus and Max plans to new subscribers, shifting them towards new AT&T TV packages (starting at $69.99). The packages are $15 more expensive than the previous base package, and includes channels owned by AMC Networks, Discovery Inc. and A+E Networks.[28]
On January 13, 2021, AT&T announced it would stop selling AT&T TV Now to new customers, and instead redirect new and existing customers to AT&T TV. Per the AT&T TV Now website, there are no long-term contracts for AT&T TV and compatible consumer devices can be used.[29]
The final iteration of the service consisted of four main bundles, including the base "Entertainment" service, "Choice" (which adds regional sports networks), "Ultimate", and "Premier".[25]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Keys, Matthew (2024-07-31). "DirecTV begins refreshing user interface for satellite TV customers". The Desk. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
- ^ Spangler, Todd (30 November 2016). "DirecTV Now Debuts, Reveals Full Channel Lineups". Variety. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ Lawler, Richard (July 13, 2017). "AT&T's 'next-gen' TV platform rollout will start on DIRECTV Now". Engadget. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
- ^ Lieberman, David (July 13, 2017). "AT&T To Offer Cloud-Based DVR To Streaming Services". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
- ^ Frankel, Daniel (July 13, 2017). "DIRECTV Now to finally get cloud DVR as part of AT&T video platform rollout". Fierce Cable. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
- ^ Brodkin, Jon (2019-03-12). "AT&T raises DIRECTV Now price—again—after promising lower post-merger bills". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
- ^ Brodkin, Jon (2019-07-25). "AT&T loses nearly 1 million TV customers after raising DIRECTV prices". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
- ^ "AT&T's New Online TV Service Looks a Lot Like Current Offerings". Bloomberg. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
- ^ Newman, Jared (2019-08-19). "AT&T TV is here, but cord cutters should read the fine print before signing up". Fast Company. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
- ^ Blumenthal, Eli. "What is AT&T TV? Here's what we know now". CNET. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
- ^ Brodkin, Jon (2019-07-30). "AT&T kills DIRECTV Now brand name as TV subscribers leave in droves". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
- ^ "AT&T changes DIRECTV Now to AT&T TV Now". FierceVideo. 30 July 2019. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
- ^ Brodkin, Jon (September 4, 2019). "AT&T's confusing mess of online TV services even has AT&T confused: AT&T forgot that "AT&T TV" and "AT&T TV Now" are different services". Ars Technica. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
- ^ Bohn, Dieter (July 30, 2019). "Now that AT&T TV Now is the name for DIRECTV Now, you are free to be confused". The Verge. Retrieved March 30, 2020.
- ^ "AT&T sued for allegedly inflating DIRECTV Now numbers with fake accounts". FierceVideo. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "AT&T faked DIRECTV Now numbers, lawsuit alleges". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ Goldsmith, Jill (February 25, 2021). "WarnerMedia Parent AT&T Sells DIRECTV Stake To Private Equity Firm TPG". Deadline.
- ^ Hayes, Dade (August 2, 2021). "AT&T Completes DIRECTV Spinoff; Satellite Operator Unites Its Internet-Delivered Bundles Under New Brand DIRECTV Stream". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Keys, Matthew (2022-12-14). "DirecTV Stream to increase prices on all plans in January 2023". The Desk. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
- ^ Miller, Chance (2022-12-16). "DirecTV Stream is getting more expensive, even for grandfathered legacy subscribers". 9to5Mac. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
- ^ Keys, Matthew (2023-01-23). "Yep, your DirecTV Stream service just got more expensive - here's why prices went up". The Desk. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
- ^ Munson, Ben (2021-12-15). "DirecTV Stream confirms $5 to $10 rate hikes for 2022". Fierce Video. Retrieved 2023-01-22.
- ^ Bouma, Luke (2025-04-13). "The End of DIRECTV STREAM as DIRECTV Consolidates Its TV Offerings". Cord Cutters News. Retrieved 2025-08-30.
- ^ Bouma, Luke (2019-04-05). "DIRECTV NOW Plus & Max Are Adding Viacom Channels Today". Cord Cutters News. Retrieved 2019-10-04.
- ^ a b Welch, Chris (2020-03-02). "AT&T TV now available nationwide with Android TV set-top box — and a two-year contract". The Verge. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
- ^ Brodkin, Jon (2020-03-04). "Struggling AT&T plans "tens of billions" in cost cuts, more layoffs". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
- ^ AT&T's massive TV losses continue as another 900,000 customers flee
- ^ "AT&T TV Now Shut Down for New Customers, Merged with AT&T TV". CordCuttersNews. 12 January 2021. Retrieved 2021-01-12.
- ^ "AT&T TV NOW packages are no longer available for new customers". atttvnow.com. Retrieved 2021-01-13.
External links
[edit]DirecTV Stream
View on Grokipedia- Óptimo Más™: $74.99/mo, 100+ channels (Spanish-language focus).
- Entertainment: $89.99/mo, 90+ channels (includes locals, ESPN Unlimited).
- Choice™: $84.99/mo for first 3 months, then ~$101/mo (incl. fees), 125+ channels (includes specialty sports like MLB Network, regional sports).
- Ultimate: $114.99/mo for first 3 months, then ~$131/mo (incl. fees), 160+ channels (more sports/movies).
- Premier: $159.99/mo, 185+ channels (includes premium networks like HBO, STARZ).
History
Launch and early development (2016–2018)
AT&T launched DirecTV Now on November 30, 2016, as its first over-the-top (OTT) internet-based television streaming service, eliminating the need for satellite dishes or set-top boxes required by the company's traditional DirecTV satellite offerings.[10][11] This move followed AT&T's $48.5 billion acquisition of DirecTV, which closed in July 2015, positioning the new service to capture cord-cutters shifting away from cable and satellite bundles toward affordable, app-based alternatives like Hulu, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.[12][13] The service debuted with four tiered packages starting at $35 per month for the base "Live a Little" plan, which included more than 60 live channels such as ESPN, CNN, and AMC, accessible via a web browser or dedicated apps.[14][15] Premium add-ons like HBO were available for an additional $5 per month, with launch promotions offering incentives such as a free Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick for new subscribers committing to multiple months.[16] At launch, DirecTV Now supported streaming on iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and web browsers, enabling multi-device household viewing without contracts.[17][18] In 2017, AT&T enhanced the platform by announcing and beginning beta testing of a cloud DVR feature, initially offering limited storage that would later expand, alongside ongoing app improvements for better streaming stability.[19][20] Subscriber numbers grew rapidly amid these updates, surpassing 900,000 by November and reaching 1 million by December 2017, fueled by aggressive marketing and channel expansions that added more local affiliates and select regional sports networks (RSNs) in key markets.[21][22] This early momentum highlighted DirecTV Now's appeal in the burgeoning OTT market, though it faced initial challenges like app glitches and limited local channel availability.[23]Rebrandings and expansions under AT&T (2018–2021)
In July 2019, AT&T announced the rebranding of its streaming service from DirecTV Now to AT&T TV Now, aiming to better align it with the company's overall branding strategy following the full integration of DirecTV assets. The change took effect in August 2019, with the app and service interface updated to reflect the new name while maintaining the core streaming functionality and channel offerings. This rebranding occurred amid AT&T's efforts to consolidate its video services under a unified identity, distancing the pure internet-based streaming option from its traditional satellite and IPTV products.[24] In June 2018, AT&T introduced WatchTV as a low-cost companion streaming service priced at $15 per month, featuring an initial lineup of over 30 live channels focused on news, entertainment, and lifestyle content. The service was designed to complement AT&T's wireless plans, with free access bundled into select unlimited data packages to attract mobile customers seeking affordable TV options. By late 2019, WatchTV had expanded to around 40 channels and was integrated into updated wireless tariffs, but AT&T discontinued free bundling for new subscribers on its revised unlimited plans in October 2019, shifting to a standalone subscription model before phasing out new sign-ups entirely by mid-2020.[25][26][27] In August 2019, AT&T launched AT&T TV as a distinct hybrid IPTV service in select test markets, requiring a proprietary Android TV-powered gateway device for delivery over broadband while offering a cable-like experience with extensive channel packages. Unlike the app-based AT&T TV Now, this service targeted traditional pay-TV users transitioning from U-verse or DirecTV, with initial availability in 10 markets across California, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, and a national rollout planned for early 2020. The introduction marked AT&T's push toward converged video delivery, combining live linear channels with on-demand content and app access through the gateway hardware.[28][29] By March 2020, AT&T TV Now had undergone enhancements, including an expanded base plan lineup exceeding 65 channels and support for premium add-ons such as HBO, though 4K streaming capabilities were primarily introduced with the nationwide launch of the hybrid AT&T TV service, which supported 4K resolution via its set-top box for compatible content. In May 2020, integration with HBO Max became available as a bundled add-on for AT&T TV Now subscribers, providing access to the streaming platform's on-demand library alongside live HBO channels, enhancing the service's appeal amid the growing demand for hybrid live and VOD experiences. Additionally, AT&T expanded international programming options during this period, adding ethnic add-on packages with channels in languages like Spanish, Chinese, and others to cater to diverse audiences.[30][31][32] In August 2021, as part of AT&T's strategic spin-off of its DirecTV and video assets into a joint venture with TPG Capital, AT&T TV Now was rebranded to AT&T TV (streaming version), with announcements signaling plans to unify the pure streaming and hybrid IPTV services under a single platform to streamline operations and reduce redundancy. This transition occurred alongside the broader divestiture, which aimed to refocus AT&T on its core telecommunications business while preserving the video offerings' viability through private equity involvement. The rebranding emphasized enhanced bundling options and feature parity between the streaming and device-based models, setting the stage for further consolidation.[33][34]Operations as DirecTV Stream (2021–2025)
In August 2021, AT&T TV was rebranded as DirecTV Stream following AT&T's sale of a 30% stake in the DirecTV business to private equity firm TPG Capital for $1.8 billion, establishing operational independence for the new entity while AT&T retained a 70% ownership.[35][36] The rebranding unified streaming offerings under the DirecTV umbrella, building on the predecessor AT&T TV Now service as its foundational platform.[33] Upon launch, DirecTV Stream introduced four tiered packages tailored to different viewer preferences: the Entertainment package with 75+ channels for $69.99 per month, the Choice package with 105+ channels for $89.99 per month, the Ultimate package with 140+ channels for $104.99 per month, and the Premier package with 150+ channels for $149.99 per month.[37][38] These no-contract options emphasized flexibility for cord-cutters, including access to local channels and regional sports networks where available. In 2022, DirecTV Stream enhanced its core features by standardizing unlimited cloud DVR storage across all packages at no additional cost, previously an optional $10 monthly add-on.[39] The service also supported up to 20 simultaneous streams within the home network while limiting out-of-home streams to three devices, improving multi-device household usability.[40] Additionally, integration with the Gemini device enabled hybrid functionality, allowing seamless switching between satellite and streaming content for eligible users.[41] Pricing adjustments occurred in subsequent years to reflect operational costs and added value. In 2023, the base Entertainment package increased to $74.99 per month, a $5 hike effective January 22, while other tiers saw similar $5–$10 increases.[42] By 2024, the Entertainment package rose further to $79.99 per month, accompanied by the expansion of sports pack options, including enhanced regional sports network bundles and add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket integration for targeted sports enthusiasts.[43][44] These changes maintained the no-contract model to appeal to cord-cutters. The service achieved subscriber milestones amid a marketing push emphasizing its contract-free structure and comprehensive channel lineups for cord-cutters transitioning from traditional cable. Technical improvements included an enhanced app optimized for smart TVs such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, providing better navigation and faster load times.[45] In 2023, 4K streaming was introduced on select channels, enabling higher-resolution content delivery for compatible devices and internet speeds.[46]Merger and discontinuation as standalone service (2025)
On April 13, 2025, DirecTV announced the discontinuation of DirecTV Stream as a standalone brand, merging its streaming operations into the core DirecTV service to consolidate offerings under a unified platform.[5][47] The migration process began immediately following the announcement, with existing DirecTV Stream subscribers automatically transitioned to the DIRECTV.com platform without service interruptions, including unified billing and account integration completed by mid-2025.[5][48] This decision was driven by the need to streamline redundant services and achieve cost efficiencies amid declining traditional satellite TV subscriptions and intensifying competition from pure-play streaming providers, enabling a more integrated experience across satellite and internet-delivered TV via a single app.[47][48] For users, the merger preserved key features such as unlimited cloud DVR storage and on-demand access, while eliminating the separate DirecTV Stream app in favor of the broader DIRECTV interface; however, it introduced a $10 monthly fee per streaming device and emphasized flexible, month-to-month pricing without long-term contracts to appeal to cord-cutters.[48][49] On July 2, 2025, TPG Capital completed its acquisition of AT&T's remaining 70% stake in DirecTV for $7.6 billion, making DirecTV a wholly owned subsidiary of TPG.[1] In the larger context, the consolidation formed part of DirecTV's 2025 strategic pivot toward hybrid TV delivery models, prioritizing customizable genre-based packages and enhanced streaming capabilities to sustain relevance in a market shifting away from legacy satellite infrastructure.[48][50]Services and packages
Pre-merger package options and channel lineups
Prior to the 2025 merger, DirecTV Stream offered four primary English-language package tiers designed to cater to varying viewer preferences, ranging from basic entertainment to comprehensive premium content. The Entertainment package provided approximately 75+ channels, including essential local affiliates such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC where available, along with popular networks like ESPN, Disney Channel, AMC, CNN, and HGTV.[51][6] This entry-level option emphasized broad appeal for families and general audiences, focusing on news, lifestyle, and introductory sports coverage without regional sports networks (RSNs).[52] The Choice package expanded to 105+ channels, building on the Entertainment lineup by adding family-oriented networks like Paramount Network and Nickelodeon, as well as core sports channels including ESPN and FOX Sports 1, and initial RSN access such as Bally Sports in supported markets.[51][53] This tier targeted viewers seeking more variety in entertainment and entry-level live sports, with over 70,000 on-demand titles available.[51] Higher tiers included the Ultimate package, which offered 140+ channels and incorporated specialized sports options like NBA TV, NHL Network, MLB Network, and SEC Network, appealing to dedicated sports enthusiasts alongside expanded entertainment and news.[51][54] The top-tier Premier package delivered 150+ channels, encompassing all prior content plus premium networks such as HBO (via Max), Paramount+ with Showtime, STARZ, and Cinemax, providing an all-inclusive experience for movie buffs and premium programming fans, with up to 90,000 on-demand titles.[51] Key channels across packages included major broadcast locals (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) in most markets, RSNs like Bally Sports for regional team coverage following a 2024 distribution agreement, and niche options such as the Cooking Channel for lifestyle programming.[6][55][56] These lineups prioritized live sports, news, and family content, though certain cable news outlets like Newsmax were absent until their reinstatement in 2023 as part of base packages.[57] Add-on packs enhanced customization, with the Sports Pack offering over 40 additional channels—including ESPN Deportes, GolTV, and Tennis Channel—for $14.99 per month, ideal for out-of-market sports viewing.[58][59] International add-ons, such as Latino packages with Univision and Telemundo, Korean options like KBS World, and others for Brazilian or Vietnamese audiences, were available separately to serve diverse ethnic communities.[60] Premium movie channels like MGM+ could also be added for extra cost, complementing the Premier tier's inclusions.[61] The service's channel offerings evolved significantly since its origins as DirecTV Now in 2016, which launched with 60+ channels in its base package focused on over-the-top streaming.[62] Rebranded to AT&T TV in 2020 and then DirecTV Stream in 2021, it expanded to over 140 channels in higher tiers by 2023, emphasizing live sports and news amid growing competition in the virtual MVPD market.[54] This growth reflected adaptations to viewer demands, though limitations persisted, such as variable RSN availability by location and the initial exclusion of channels like Newsmax until mid-2023.[57][55]| Package | Channel Count | Key Inclusions | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | 75+ | Locals (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), ESPN, Disney, AMC, CNN, HGTV | General/family viewers |
| Choice | 105+ | Adds Paramount, Nickelodeon, FS1, initial RSNs (e.g., Bally Sports) | Entertainment + basic sports |
| Ultimate | 140+ | Adds NBA TV, SEC Network, NHL/MLB Network | Sports enthusiasts |
| Premier | 150+ | Adds HBO/Max, Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax | Premium movie/TV fans |
Post-merger integration and current offerings
Following the consolidation in April 2025, the standalone DirecTV Stream service was fully integrated into the broader DIRECTV ecosystem, with streaming content now accessible exclusively through the main DIRECTV website and mobile app under the unified DIRECTV branding. This merger of services eliminated separate logins and branding for streaming customers, allowing seamless access to live TV, on-demand libraries, and DVR features across both satellite and internet-delivered platforms. The integration built upon the foundational package structures from the pre-merger DirecTV Stream offerings, adapting them for a more cohesive user experience.[63][64] As of March 2026, DIRECTV's streaming service offers five main live TV plans with no annual contract, cancel anytime, unlimited Cloud DVR, unlimited streams, and a 5-day free trial for new customers. Prices are monthly plus taxes and fees; some include introductory discounts and may require a Gemini device lease (~$10/mo). Local channels and regional sports network (RSN) availability vary by ZIP code; additional Regional Sports Fees (up to ~$20/mo) may apply.[7] The plans are as follows:| Package | Channels | Monthly Price (after promo, as of March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Óptimo Más™ | 100+ | $74.99 |
| ENTERTAINMENT | 90+ | $89.99 |
| CHOICE™ | 125+ | ~$101 |
| ULTIMATE | 160+ | ~$131 |
| PREMIER | 185+ | $159.99 |
Pricing history and contract terms
DirecTV Stream, originally launched as DirecTV Now on November 30, 2016, offered a base package priced at $35 per month for access to over 60 channels, with no long-term contract required. Early subscribers could opt into an annual price lock promotion to maintain that rate for the first year.[10][72] Pricing for the service, rebranded as AT&T TV Now in 2019, increased to $50 per month for the entry-level plan by March of that year. By November 2019, it rose further to $65 monthly, though a temporary $10 discount in April 2020 brought it back to $55. Following the rebranding to DirecTV Stream in August 2021, the base price stabilized at $69.99 per month, with subsequent annual increases reaching $79.99 by 2024 for the Entertainment package.[73][74] In April 2025, DirecTV consolidated its streaming offerings, discontinuing DirecTV Stream as a standalone service and integrating it into the broader DIRECTV platform accessible via DIRECTV.com. Post-consolidation pricing shifted to a month-to-month model starting at $89.99 for the Entertainment package, with no long-term contracts enforced and a two-year price guarantee available for new subscribers. Taxes and fees, typically adding $15 to $20 monthly, remain extra.[5][75][76] Promotional offers included a free year of HBO for subscribers to the higher-tier Go Big ($60/month) or Gotta Have It ($70/month) packages, available from March 2017 but discontinued later that year. Bundle discounts with AT&T internet services provided up to $10 monthly savings through 2023.[77][62] Additional fees encompassed regional sports network (RSN) surcharges of $10 to $15 per month in select markets, with variations based on location and package. These fees supported access to local RSN channels, though regional sports blackouts were addressed through service-specific resolutions.[59][78] The 2025 consolidation eliminated certain standalone service fees, introducing unified billing that reduced average costs by 5 to 10 percent for users transitioning from the prior DirecTV Stream model.[5] As of March 2026, the integrated DIRECTV streaming service offers the following main live TV plans with no annual contract, cancel anytime, unlimited Cloud DVR, unlimited simultaneous streams, and a 5-day free trial for new customers. Prices are monthly plus taxes and fees; some include introductory discounts and may require a Gemini device lease of approximately $10 per month in certain offers. Local channels and regional sports availability vary by ZIP code, with additional Regional Sports Fees of up to approximately $20 per month possible.- Óptimo Más™: $74.99/mo, 100+ channels (Spanish-language focus).
- Entertainment: $89.99/mo, 90+ channels (includes locals, ESPN Unlimited).
- Choice™: $84.99/mo for first 3 months, then ~$101/mo (incl. fees), 125+ channels (includes specialty sports like MLB Network, regional sports).
- Ultimate: $114.99/mo for first 3 months, then ~$131/mo (incl. fees), 160+ channels (more sports/movies).
- Premier: $159.99/mo, 185+ channels (includes premium networks like HBO, STARZ).