AT&T TV was rebranded as DirecTV Stream, and it is one of the most well-known live TV streaming services today. DirecTV Stream is an internet television service that allows users to stream live channels and other content without having to sign a contract with the company as is the case with normal cable or satellite TV services. However, is there anything that is not tied to subscribing to DirecTV Stream? Let's find out.
What is DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is one of the providers that provides live TV through streaming internet channels. This makes it offer a cable-like TV experience where you can access your favorite TV shows, movies, sports, news, and much more on the supported devices.
With DirecTV Stream, you get:
- Over 75+ live TV channels available with plans as cheap as $69. 99 per month
- tens of thousands of movies and TV shows available on demand
- Cloud DVR with the provision of infinite storage capacity for recording programs
- It can simultaneously stream on 20 devices for its users.
- The possibility to watch HBO Max and STARZ (additional fee)
The service provides the feel of cable/satellite technology with no strings attached including no contracts, and no hidden or early cancellation fees.
Does DirecTV Stream Require A Contract?
No, DirecTV Stream has no contracts or commitments like in the past with traditional cable or satellite services. This puts it in a better position than the traditional cable and satellite services that often require the consumer to commit to 1-2-year contracts.
DirecTV Stream subscription comes with a monthly basis where you only subscribe to it and don’t have to commit a specific period to use it. You can cancel or change your subscription at any time without having to pay an early termination fee.
This does not tie customers into a long-term contract and makes it possible for DirecTV Stream to be used for the short-term or in the long-term. You only pay for the specific month you require the services of the company.
What Are The Risks Of Going Contract-Free?
While DirecTV Stream offers the flexibility of no contracts, it does come with some trade-offs:
No Promotional Pricing
All the cable/satellite providers have standard price offers and special offers such as discounts for the initial months or for signing longer subscription contracts. DirecTV Stream does not have any new customer promos or discounts since it does not provide any contracts. You pay the set monthly rate from the day you sign the contract.
No Price Lock Guarantee
In contracts, the price you are going to be charged per month is fixed according to the terms of the contract. However, with DirecTV Stream, your monthly subscription fee may also be raised whenever the company feels like it. This means that there is always a possibility of a sudden increase in the prices of the products you are using.
Access Can Be Taken Away
However, this rarely happens, but DirecTV Stream can terminate your access to the service at any time because you have no contractual relations with the platform. This likely will not occur unless you are defying their terms of service agreements.
So in other words, no contracts remove some of the privileges and guarantees that come with cable/satellite. However, the enhanced flexibility and liberty are often deemed to supersede risks for most individuals who shift to cord-cutting.
Can You Get Any Deals Without A Contract?
While DirecTV Stream itself doesn’t offer any discounts or promotions, you can take advantage of periodic promotions offered through third parties:
- DirecTV Stream device bundles – Save on Streaming Box or Voice Remote
- Retail store coupons – Onetime gift cards like Walmart gift cards.
- Cashback sites – For your purchase, you get cashback.
Even though these are short-term offers, they are still a great way for new users to cut costs, at least to a certain extent without having to sign long-term contracts or sign up for other AT&T services.
You can also reduce your monthly payments further by signing up for a 3, 6, or even 12-month plan to get a better rate or by having another person sign up for the same service with you through the “family” plan.
Is No Contract A Good Option For You?
Breaking away from the contracts offers convenience and obligation-free television service. However, it may not be within the reach of every individual in terms of cost and requirements.
No contracts work best for:
- People who are tight-fisted and believe that overpaying for a brand is equal to wasting money
- People staying in rented houses or those who changed their places often
- Readers who are interested in sports and would like to follow the team and the games season by season
- Temporary access like holidays or working periods
- Before making a long-term commitment testing it out is always the best thing to do.
On the other hand, longer contracts could be better if you:
- Desire the lowest possible price guarantee
- Demand budget predictability for 1-2 years
- Are favorable for long-term stability
Finally, it is all about balancing flexibility and obligations to come to the right decision. DirecTV Stream does not lock its customers into contracts if that flexibility means more than initial discounts for your case.
