As of this writing, Directv Stream formerly AT&T TV has made some shifts on the channel packages and prices early this year 2022. This has left so many customers wondering if indeed Directv Stream hiked its prices in the year 2022. In the following section, let us discuss the changes that were made and their implications for the customers.
Channel Package Changes
In early 2022, Directv Stream changed their approach to channel packages. They got rid of packages like AT&T TV Now, AT&T TV, and U-family to simplify options down to just three packages:
- Entertainment – $69. 99/month onwards
- Choice – Starting at $89. 99/month
- Ultimate - $104. 99/month and up
Although the names of the packages have been altered, the channel lineups are still quite similar to the AT&T TV packages.
Price Increases
However, it is not only the packaging that has been changed but also the pricing structure of Directv Stream where they hiked up the price of all their packages. Here are the price increases by package:
- Entertainment: Increased $10/month
- Choice: Increased $10/month
- Ultimate: Increased $10/month
- Add-on channel packs: Increased $5/month
To that end, Directv Stream mostly retained the channel packages but increased prices by $10-15 per month across tiered options.
Exceptions & Variations
However, it is crucial to understand that not all customers observed these specific cost increases. Pricing and packages can vary in a few cases:
- Grandfathered customers: A few of the customers who still retained older packages were able to maintain the current price and channels.
- Promotions: Directv Stream often has a new customer discount which temporarily reduces the cost of the service (typically to one year).
- Bundled services: This service can sometimes be cheaper when one subscribes to AT&T wireless or internet services.
Thus, there is some differentiation, but the price hikes that were introduced affected the most number of users.
Reasons for Price Increase
Why did DirecTV Stream recently decide to increase their prices in the year 2022? A few key reasons drove this decision:
- Rising content costs: Channel and show rights are increasingly expensive, which are costs that are passed through to consumers.
- Investment in streaming: Price increase enables the company to finance technology upgrades and investment required to make it among the leading streaming companies.
- Compete with cable & satellite: Pricing was deliberately increased in order to maintain price parity with cable and satellite TV providers such as Dish Network.
The price increase brings DirecTV Stream now in absolute parity in terms of the cost with the pay-TV rivals.
How It Stacks up with Other Live TV Streaming Services?
Even at the higher prices, DirecTV Stream remains competitively priced against other live TV streaming platforms:
- Hulu + Live TV: As low as $69. 99/month
- YouTube TV: Pricing starts at $64. 99 for the first month.
- FuboTV: Priced at $69. 99 per month
DirecTV Stream is the most expensive of the services but it does have some benefits like the availability of premium networks, no restrictions in local channels, and their cloud DVR storage.
For customers who wish to disconnect from cable, it is still an option but at a slightly higher monthly subscription.
Should Existing DirecTV Stream Subscribers Think About Canceling or Switching Plans?
If current consumers of DirecTV Stream remained in the subscription status before these 2022 price changes, is it best to remain a loyal customer or consider other options? Here are a few factors to consider in your decision:
Stay if:
- You still care about DirecTV channel bundles and enhanced DVR capabilities.
- Able and willing to pay an additional $10-$15 monthly fees
- Currently, it has a lower price for a promotion that is now in the market.
Consider Alternatives if:
- Customer complains that a price increase puts DirecTV out of your budget
- This is mostly the case whereby people only tune into a few channels.
- Disposed to lose some of the channels in order to save money
However, the environment of every subscriber will be different. Ascertain your channel requirements, the cost you are willing to pay, and the features that are essential to you before deciding whether DirecTV Stream still meets the requirements after the hikes or if there is a better cheaper streaming service for you.
Conclusion
As a brief summary – indeed, DirecTV Stream increased their prices for all their packages in early 2022. They raise the price of all base packages by $ 10/month, and add-ons by $5/month, and while they offer various discounts and promotions, they are time-bound and may be removed later. This takes them closer to cable and satellite in terms of costs. Still, they do not welcome the price increase, but they believe it will lead to a better customer experience due to increased investment.
In the end, it is up to each subscriber to decide whether DirecTV Stream is worth the cost or not. The cheaper options are still available though; YouTube TV or Hulu Live for instance. However, if you require something more specific such as M, unlimited DVR, the ability to record multiple shows simultaneously, bundled offers, etc. DirecTV Stream is still a strong contender in the live-streaming marketplace.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
