DirecTV Now Launch
The aggressively priced DirecTV Now service from AT&T is planned to debut on Nov 28, but CBS will not be a part of the internet television package. CBS is among the most watched TV networks in the US, although it will not be included in the DirecTV Now service, sources confirmed.
AT&T has been working to make programming deals before the official launch of the DirecTV Now service, which as per AT&T, will be available starting at thirty-five dollars a month and will include more than a hundred channels.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that CBS would not be available on DirecTV Now, but AT&T and CBS representatives declined to comment on the news. AT&T and CBS are continuing to negotiate on a deal to carry CBS programming as part of the DirecTV Now service later.
It has to be noted that CBS had inked a deal with Google last month for a “skinny bundle” of TV networks. As per the sources, the service will be called YouTube Unplugged and is expected to be launched by the start of next year.
AT&T recently announced an expanded carriage deal with Fox Network Group. Under the deal, AT&T picked up streaming rights for the DirecTV Now service to Fox Business Network, FX, Fox News Channel, FXX, and other networks. Sources say that there is also a “framework” for Fox Broadcasting programming to be delivered to the customers of DirecTV Now service across the nation.
TV Streaming Service
Apart from that, AT&T had earlier confirmed DirecTV Now carriage deals with NBCUniversal, Turner, Disney/ESPN, HBO, AMC Networks, Scripps, Viacom, A+E Networks, Starz, and Univision Communications. Yet again, the Telco has not yeast released any details about the specific packages that will be available on DirecTV Now at the time of its release.
Analysts say that with a thirty-five dollars price for more than a hundred channels, AT&T will be offering the DirecTV Now service for a negative margin. Moreover, the service will be offering streaming access to VOD and live TV across mobile and connected TV devices, and it is also expected that AT&T will be offering sign up bonuses to users, which includes free Apple TV device for subscribers who pay for three months or more.
The DirecTV Now service will be limited to single streaming per account, meaning that the service will not be a replacement for the traditional satellite or cable TV for those households with more than one TV sets.
