AT&T Launches WatchTV with Unlimited Data Plans

With the Time Warner acquisition complete, AT&T is rolling out all sorts of new products and services. In addition to the upcoming launch of

Subscription News: AT&T Launches WatchTV with Unlimited Data Plans

Source: WatchTV

With the Time Warner acquisition complete, AT&T is rolling out all sorts of new products and services. In addition to the upcoming launch of DC Universe, which we wrote about yesterday, AT&T has announced a new streaming service, WatchTV, available with its two newest unlimited data plans. At launch, WatchTV will offer 30+ live channels including AMC, CNN, Lifetime, TLC, TruTV, TBS and Boomerang, and it has plans to add more. Compatible with most smart phones and web browsers, WatchTV also offers a library of more than 15,000 TV shows and movies on-demand. At a later date, WatchTV will be available as a standalone subscription for $15 a month.

‘Days after closing the AT&T-Time Warner merger, we’re rolling out our newest video offering called WatchTV, available on the nation’s best network for streaming video. You can stream through the WatchTV app or on select browsers at no extra cost with our two latest unlimited wireless plans. The plans – AT&T Unlimited & More and AT&T Unlimited & More Premium – are scheduled to launch next week,’ said AT&T in a news release.

Unlimited & More customers will have access to WatchTV, a $15 monthly credit toward DirecTV and up to 4G LTE unlimited data. Unlimited & More Premium customers will have access to WatchTV, the option to add a premium service like HBO, Amazon Music or Pandora Premium, a $15 monthly credit toward DirecTV, DirecTV Now or U-verse TV, 15 GB of high-speed tethering and high-quality video.

‘We were the first wireless provider to bring entertainment and unlimited data together, and, once again, we’re redefining what that means,’ said David Christopher, president, AT&T Mobility and Entertainment. ‘This is no longer about including one channel or service with your wireless plan. This is an incredible lineup of content that delivers more of what you care about – over 30 live TV channels and more than 15,000 TV shows and movies on demand, as well as premium movie channels, music streaming with more to come!’

Subscription News: AT&T Launches WatchTV with Unlimited Data Plans

Source: AT&T

‘Our merger brings together the elements to fulfill our vision for the future of media and entertainment. We’ll bring a fresh approach to how media and entertainment works for you. This means new offerings that integrate content and connectivity,’ said AT&T in the news release. ‘You’ll see a new level of choice, innovation and value as we deliver a more personalized and immersive entertainment experience-from experimenting with new forms of content to offering new ways to access and view premium content, especially on mobile devices.’

After making the announcement, AT&T raised the price for DirecTV Now, DirecTV’s streaming service, by $5 a month, reports TechCrunch. The lowest priced tier will go from $35 a month to $40 a month. The price hike goes into effect for new customers starting July 26, reports CordCutters. A spokesperson gave the following statement to CordCutters:

‘In the 18 months since our launch, we have continued to evolve our DIRECTV NOW products to serve this new customer set and compare favorably with our competitors. To continue delivering the best possible streaming experience for both new and existing customers, we’re bringing the cost of this service in line with the market-which starts at a $40 price point.’

Other streaming services including YouTube TV and Dish’s Sling TV have recently bumped up their prices by $5 a month, says TechCrunch.

Insider Take:

Because the AT&T-Time Warner acquisition took so long to clear regulatory hurdles, AT&T used that time wisely, making deals and formulating new products and services. The creation of WatchTV isn’t a surprise, but it is interesting to see that it is tied to AT&T’s new unlimited data plans, at least initially. The DirecTV and other streaming service price increases also make sense. As the over-the-top TV market has matured, weaker players have dropped out, and stronger players have had to fortify their offerings to attract and retain subscribers. We expect to see more of these market adjustments in the second half of the year.

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