The online infosite, Zacks Analyst Blog, is presenting readers with news that reveals in a recent Bloomberg report, US telecom behemoth AT&T Inc. will wind down its DIRECTV satellite TV services in a phased manner within the next three to five years.
Notably, after acquiring DIRECTV, the largest satellite TV service provider in the US, AT&T is driving their new TV customers to DIRECTV’s offerings instead of the firm's own U-verse TV service. Although the company is supporting its existing U-verse IPTV subscribers, it is not clear how long AT&T will continue with fiber-based TV offering. The Bloomberg report has indicated that the company has been planning to discontinue even its satellite TV services.
Going ahead, AT&T has already hinted that its upcoming “DIRECTV Now,” over-the-top (OTT) Internet TV service, which will offer video streaming facilities, will be its nexgen video platform. Leading telecom and TV operators such as Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ - Analyst Report) , DISH Network Corp. (DISH - Analyst Report) and Comcast Corp. (CMCSA - Analyst Report) have already launched their TV streaming services.
In Mar 2016, AT&T announced plans to offer a version of its DIRECTV satellite TV service through the Internet, which would not require customers to have a satellite dish, STB or an annual contract. The company will be offering three affordable video plans in order to appeal to all types of viewers, ranging from those who want the full package to a streamlined bundle.
With DIRECTV Now, the company plans to offer a full range of live channels and on-demand shows. DIRECTV mobile version will be providing a package of premium and made-for-the-Web video service, particularly intended for smartphone users.
To read more regarding AT&T's plan to dump their U-verse broadband and voice brands, moving to a single entertainment portfolio, and more, head over to the report page via this direct link...