Does AT&T have basic TV?
AT&T is among the biggest video service providers in the USA with various television products and services. AT&T has broadened its range of TV services with the acquisition of DirectTV. However, does the company provide a minimum service with only a TV subscription? Let's take a look.
What is a Basic TV?
First of all, what is meant by basic TV? There are no well-defined rules, however, basic TV packages are normally packages that contain ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS networks. It may also include public access channels, C-SPAN, other local independent stations, or any other cable channels. The only major difference between basic TV is the locals, no ESPN, MTV, CNN, or other cable stations.
Basic TV is appealing for a few key reasons
- Price – This is an advantage of basic TV as compared to expanded TV because, with all the cable networks cut off, basic TV is cheaper than expanded TV packages. They do this to save money and largely to achieve the ability to use some of the biggest networks in the country.
- Minimalism – For individuals who do not spend much time watching television but just rely on their TV sets for news broadcasts and maybe just a few programs, basic television provides all the essentials.
- Basic cable as a backup for off-air antenna – Some people obtain local stations through an antenna, and use the cable to bolster that reception.
Thus is there an offering like this in AT&T company?
The AT&T Internet DirecTV has basic TV options as follows:
At the lowest end, DirecTV does provide a TV-only option for $24.99/month, known as DirecTV BASIC. Here are the details:
- $59/month
- Embraces some of the biggest regional broadcast networks are ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and PBS.
- The cable system is completely absent missing all those important channels like ESPN, MTV, Bravo, and so on.
- And, unfortunately, there are no regional sports networks or specialized channels.
- DVR is not available in the package, although it can be purchased as an additional service.
Consequently, DirecTV BASIC fits into the definition of “basic TV” as defined above – local stations are only offered at a low cost.
What about other packages that are offered by AT&T TV – does any of them fall under the bracket of “basic”? AT&T offers a few other low-cost options: AT&T offers a few other low-cost options:
AT&T TV Choice starts at $69 per month.
Including some local and over 60 channels, and some cable channels such as Hallmark, Lifetime, Discovery, and so on. It is better compared to the basic TV package but more affordable compared to mid-tier packages.
AT&T WatchTV - $15/month
Mainly as an application for instant streaming of more than 35 live TV channels from popular networks. More affordable as compared to DirecTV BASIC but the number of channels available may not be the same for all locations.
AT&T TV Now PLUS – 55 $ per month
More than 50 channels including local and cable stations like ESPN, Disney Channel, MSNBC, and others. Reasonably affordable but does not fit the description of ‘_basic cable’ or ‘extremely cheap.’
DirecTV BASIC is the only package that AT&T is offering that is basic, that is broadcast channels only television. They do have other cheaper plans but include only TV services other than this one.
The Advantages of Package Deals with AT&T
One last thing to note – AT&T has a pretty good promotion when you decide to get a bundle package that includes television service together with other AT&T services such as mobile phone and/or internet. If you bundle multiple services, you can expect to save around $10-$30 per month for your television services. Consumers who are already customers of AT&T cellular or Internet can benefit from the addition of TV service.
Therefore, to answer the original question: yes, AT&T through DirecTV offers a simple TV package with only local broadcast networks for $59 monthly. It may be perfect for those who want to subscribe to the major networks in their region but do not want to purchase unwanted channels. But when the possibility to save more with a bundled package is added, AT&T makes an even better basic TV provider.
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