DirecTV Stream, which was rebranded from AT&T TV, is a streaming television service provided by AT&T. It also has live TV, on-demand shows and movies, and cloud DVR. However, with such proximity to Mexico, people ask whether DirecTV Stream is functional in Mexico or if one can use the American version while in Mexico.
Accessing DirecTV Stream Content from Mexico
However, DirecTV Stream has been seen to be operating based on geo-restrictions that deny users the chance to access certain content when outside the region that the network has exclusive broadcast rights. Therefore if you are in Mexico, you will not be able to access any content from DirecTV.
This service works based on your geographical location which is recognized through your IP address. And yet, when you are accessing content using a Mexican IP address, it understands that you are across the border and restricts access. It is similar when you are using your cell towers for the mobile phone laptop or smart TV using a Wi-Fi connection.
Using a VPN to Bypass Geo-Restrictions
Currently, the only means by which consumers can watch DirecTV Stream while in Mexico is by connecting to the internet using a VPN service. It helps to hide your IP address and location since your traffic is rerouted through a server in another country before connecting to the Internet.
Thus, if you connect to a VPN server located in the United States before starting the DirecTV application, the service will believe you are still in the United States and will let you watch. As long as the VPN service delivers fast, stable connections to U. S. servers that can handle streaming loads, then it is ideal.
Alternative Ways to Get U. S. TV in Mexico
If you intend to live in Mexico for a longer time or perhaps as a full-time resident, connecting to a VPN every time you wish to watch TV can become monotonous. In that case, there are some other options that you may wish to use to watch your favorite programs from the United States.
Sling TV International
Sling TV has an International plan tailored for the Americans residing in other countries. It consists of many of the most-watched American channels such as AMC, CNN, ESPN, HGTV, and many others.
Instead of patching through a VPN, it has servers that are situated in the U. S., which can provide a quicker and more stable connection. And it provides access when traveling or when staying in a foreign country for an extended period.
Local Cable TV Packages
Several cable TV providers in the tourist zones and cities close to the borders of the United States provide packages from the major American broadcast networks. These often extend to prominent channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox among others.
With the local TV plan, you can watch primetime shows, live events, and news through the addition of any of these cable packages.
Online On-Demand Services
Many online streaming platforms allow full access abroad or have international offerings serving the Mexican market:
- YouTube – With an Internet connection, you can access the same YouTube productions.
- Netflix – Watching Netflix original and other licensed series.
- Amazon Prime Video Mexico – Watch TV shows and movies available on Amazon Prime Video Mexico.
- Hulu Latin America – Enjoy Hulu Originals and other series with a Latin America subscription.
- Star+ Mexico – Watch streaming sports, entertainment, and other content with this service owned by Disney.
Can You Get a DirecTV Satellite in Mexico?
Yes, DirecTV does offer satellite TV service in Mexico. However, if the user wishes to have all the same channels and packages, they can opt to subscribe to their Mexican services.
However, there are some key differences in their services north and south of the border:
- Less overall networks – Their Mexico package offers around 295 networks as compared to 315+ networks in the US.
- Less sporting events – You would not be able to watch all the games of MLB, NBA, or NHL like with DirecTV U. S They do offer however popular leagues/tournaments like NFL Sunday Ticket, MLS, Liga MX, Premier League, UEFA Champions League and so on.
- Some networks from the USA missing – Some of the popular channels from the USA are missing in their Mexican service such as Discovery, History, TNT, TBS, and some regional sports networks.
- Distinctive products – The receivers, dishes, and remotes they use are unique to Mexico.
- Spanish language – Instead of English all the settings, menu, program guides, and customer care services will be in Spanish.
For instance, although you can get satellite DirecTV in Mexico, it will not be as extensive or similar to their service in the United States. When selecting the channel, make sure to review the channel offerings to ensure that the required channels are available before subscribing to it.
The Bottom Line – Alternatives Are Better for Expats
Still, most of the time, it will be more beneficial for expats and travelers to use one of the streaming TV services mentioned above instead of attempting to unblock DirecTV Stream with a VPN. Sling International and such on-demand services, thus, provide more reliable access abroad as well as more pertinent content to watch in Mexico.
However, for the most part, you can have a DirecTV satellite in Mexico; nevertheless, the choices will never be as expansive as the U. S. one. Thus, consider that option only after reviewing channel lineups cautiously.
For most expats, Sling TV International or improving the local cable packages with American stations is the best value for the money and the best experience. Additional networks such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video Mexico assist with other shows and films on-demand.
I hope this clears up whether DirecTV Stream will work in Mexico. Whenever there are geo-restrictions, there is a world of opportunity for streaming services willing to go for the expat niche!
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