AT&T launches DirecTV Now streaming service with free Apple TV offer

In a bid to draw subscribers to its new DirecTV Now over-the-top internet streaming service, announced on Monday, AT&T is giving away Apple TV and Fire TV Stick hardware with certain pre-paid monthly packages.

Customers who purchase three months of any DirecTV Now package will get a fourth-generation Apple TV, while those who sign up for at least one month of service can grab a Fire TV Stick, AT&T said in a statement. While not specified, the company is likely doling out the cheaper 32GB Apple TV variant as part of the deal.

With the service going live on Nov. 30, packages start at $35 per month for more than 60 channels, DirecTV Now's promotion almost pays for itself, as 32GB Apple TV models currently retail for $150. For a limited time, subscribers can choose the "Go Big" package and net more than 100 channels for $35 per month. Like past AT&T promotions, the special Go Big pricing remains active with a continued subscription.

Regular monthly pricing is split into four tiers: Live a Little with more than 60 channels for $35; Just Right with more than 80 channels for $50; Go Big with over 100 channels for $60; and Gotta Have it with more than 120 channels for $70. HBO and Cinemax are also available as $5 per month add-ons.

Further, AT&T mobile customers can stream content for free via the DirecTV Now app. In a move likely to cut into T-Mobile's Binge On business, AT&T will waive in-network data fees associated with DirecTV Now or the company's existing FreeVIEW and Fullscreen on-demand services.

"We're extending our entertainment portfolio for those who value premium content but also want more TV freedom suited for their lifestyle, whether watching at home or on their mobile devices. This is TV your way," said AT&T Entertainment Group CEO John Stankey.

DirecTV Now supports a wide variety of internet-connected devices including Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Android hardware, Chromecast (Android at launch; iOS in 2017) and Google Cast-enabled LeEco ecotvs and VIZIO SmartCast Displays. Subscribers can also access programming through web browsers like Safari, Chrome and Internet Explorer.

More importantly, DirecTV Now will offer a number of popular cable channels to OTT subscribers, including properties owned by AMC, Discovery, Disney, NBCUniversal and Viacom, among others.

DirecTV Now goes live on Wednesday.

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32 Comments

Metriacanthosaurus 880 comments · 8 Years

About 7 years ago

I have yet to get in to the DVR features of Vue, so I'm not as miffed by the lack of that (yet).

To lock in 100 channels at $35/mon + get a free Apple TV (of which I do need another) will absolutely make it worth me jumping on that deal and trying it out for 3 months.

If I hate it after 3 months, I'll have paid less than the retail price of the Apple TV, and can go back to Vue if I want.

gatorguy 24609 comments · 13 Years

sog35 said:
No go. Playstation Vue is far superior.

For the same price of $35 you get almost as many good channels, plus DVR and more local channels (at least in my area)
The free $110 AppleTV is nice, but I'm not giving up 3 months of being able to DVR for that.

Prompted by your endorsement I'm giving PSVue a spin for a week. So far the interface seems a mess, but perhaps it will grow on me.

jacknc 6 comments · 15 Years

They still don't get it. We DONT WANT bundles, we want ala carte! With 60 channels, I'm sure 50 will be junk.

jacknc said:

They still don't get it. We DONT WANT bundles, we want ala carte! With 60 channels, I'm sure 50 will be junk.

Yeah, I looked at their channel lineup and it really added nada (that I have any interest in) to what I already have. But I'd lose FoxSports Florida and the ACC Channel. And unless i want to pay another $15/mo I'd lose Redzone. The Apple TV isn't needed so I'll pass. Maybe next year when they get they stuff together. At least it's a whole lot easier now to switch around between streaming providers. As little as a couple years ago it was pretty much lock-in to one or two providers if you wanted "cable channels". That alone assures more competition and more aggressive pricing.

scott r 38 comments · 13 Years

Where's the link for the detailed channel list in each package? sog35, where is the info about no DVR and only 2 streams? No DVR is definitely a deal-killer for me. Only 2 simultaneous streams I could probably be able to work with.