Does AT&T offer Netflix?
Internet-based media internet services have grown popular in the recent past given that many customers are canceling their cable subscriptions to adopt streaming services. Two of the most significant providers are AT&T and Netflix – but which of them provides the other? Now, let’s look at these concepts more closely.
AT&T's Streaming Options
Currently, AT&T has been trying to shift towards the streaming service industry to challenge streaming giants like Netflix or Hulu. They offer several different services.
- AT&T TV: This is a live TV streaming service that belongs to AT&T Internet and allows customers to watch live channels and some programs on-demand without subscribing to cable. Like traditional cable, packaging, and pricing are very much similar.
- HBO Max: HBO Max is a streaming service owned by AT&T being a direct continuation of the HBO brand. It streams HBO shows, movies, and original content but does not need a traditional HBO cable package.
- AT&T TV Now: Originally launched as DirecTV Now, AT&T TV Now is a live-streaming service with packages and pricing from 45+ channels to 125+.
Thus, it can be stated that AT&T does provide some streaming options to the traditional cable with a focus on HBO Max. However, how does the above assessment apply to Netflix access in particular?
Currently, there is no direct connection with Netflix for Native users through AT&T.
As of this current time, the Netflix option is not available as a bonus with any AT&T service or media streamer. The cable TV streaming services like HBO Max and AT&T TV/TV Now do not offer any kind of Netflix subscription as part of their basic package.
The possible reasons might be competition and differentiation as to why there has not been a direct strategic partnership. As with HBO Max, AT&T appears to be targeting Netflix as a direct competitor in the premium streaming market. Providing bundled access would distort that competitive positioning. The live TV options that AT&T provides do not have much in common with Netflix’s exclusive on-demand catalog to offer a potential collaboration.
Therefore, unlike what many consumers might desire in a bundled deal scenario, AT&T and Netflix do not offer mutual access to each other across any of the platforms to date.
Watching Netflix with ATT Internet
However, there is still an indirect route through which AT&T provides a way to access Netflix, that is, through the provision of internet services. AT&T Fiber is a broadband fiber optic Internet service that is currently available to over fourteen million customer locations. Similar to other ISPs, AT&T offers physical connectivity through which one can access other streaming services such as Netflix.
Therefore, consumers with an AT&T internet connection, whether fiber broadband or mobile data, can indeed use that connection to stream Netflix on their devices. It is important to note that there are no such limitations or restrictions that would hinder or even throttle the Netflix content only.
However, this internet access is but the means to streaming – AT&T does not offer any special partnership, package deal, or even subscription rate for Netflix. Even when watching movies or shows using your AT&T internet connection, you would have to pay for a Netflix subscription. The same would apply to other services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, etc.
I know that there are different Netflix plans, but are there any mobile-specific plans like with the mobile carrier AT&T? At the moment, there are no promotional offers by major US carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile that include mobile service plans with Netflix plans. However, normal data bundles can be used to watch Netflix on your smartphone or tablet.
How to Package AT&T and Netflix?
It is important to note that although AT&T does not offer Netflix as a service, some third-party resellers are starting to offer streaming video as an extension of mobile/internet service packages.
For instance, digital MVNOs like Ting Mobile do offer the option to bundle Netflix and wireless plans but often at the full Netflix retail price. On the internet side, regional providers such as Greenlight, now offer entertainment bonuses that can compensate cost of Netflix and so on.
Perhaps it will help to start perceiving more imagination in placing services such as AT&T connectivity and Netflix streaming into harmony. However, until now, the only choices seem to be to continue with the separately subscribed services or look into some third-party offers that encompass wireless data or internet service and streaming reimbursements.
The Bottom Line
As mentioned, AT&T has heavily invested in their proprietary HBO Max streaming solution, but the company does not directly partner or provide Netflix as part of their video, Internet, or mobile service portfolios.
Currently, consumers can watch Netflix via their AT&T internet connection on an a la carte basis; however, Netflix is a separate service that customers must pay for even if there are AT&T partner deals. Thus, those who want to achieve the best combination of connectivity and entertainment may have to consider some newer resellers. However, the trends we observe in areas such as mobile indicate that there are still great opportunities for more inventive collaboration between telecommunication companies like AT&T and streaming services in the future.
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