AT&T TV is now finally here for those looking for a new live TV streaming service. However, there are some caveats with this one making AT&T TV more of a bridge between a traditional cable/satellite TV package and a live TV streaming alternative.
AT&T has been working on this new streaming solution for some time and it has actually been available in select locations as part of a beta test. However, the company has now confirmed the select testing has come to an end and the service is now available to everyone in the U.S.
Essentially, the new AT&T TV service offers four main packages. The entry-level Entertainment plan is priced at $49.99 per month. Choice is the next plan up and comes in at $54.99 per month, Then there’s the Xtra package, priced at 64.99 per month. While the premium Ultimate plan will set you back $69.99 per month.
However, these fees are only for the first year with the price rising significantly in the second year to $93 for Entertainment per month, $110 for Choice per month, $124 for Xtra per month, and $135 for Ultimate per month. What’s more, there’s not much getting away from the price rises considering the lower rates are only available with a two-year agreement in place.
Those looking to bundle do have the option with AT&T confirming its TV service can be packaged with 1 gigabit AT&T Internet at a combined $79.98 – for the first twelve months.
A TV bridge between the old and new
While these packages do resemble traditional pay-TV plans, they are a version for the modern era. For example, not only are they streaming-based solutions that don’t require any major installations or equipment, but they do come with AT&T’s new set-top streaming box.
The box itself runs on a customized version of Android TV and due to this, consumers will be able to also install and access a variety of other video apps from the Google Play Store.
Evidently, this package is not going to be for everyone, but for those it is aimed at, it provides an alternative to traditional cable TV packages. In fact, it is probably best to think of this service (and its plans) as a home away from home option for existing cable and satellite customers. In other words, the best and worst of cable TV.
Source: AT&T
