Does AT&T streaming include local channels?
Previously, I mentioned some streaming television services provided by AT&T that are trying to challenge cable TV bundles. Their primary streaming services are AT&T Internet TV and AT&T TV Now which were formerly known as DirecTV Now. One of the questions that people ask often is whether the AT&T streaming services that it offers allow for the viewing of local broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. Local channels are the television stations that are aware of their viewers, and several factors determine their accessibility.
The company’s streaming service, AT&T TV, which is a cable and satellite replacement offers local networks as part of the bundles. As for AT&T TV, you receive local affiliate broadcast stations, including ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, depending on your region. If you are a resident of New York City, using AT&T TV service your local network channels would be WABC (ABC), WCBS (CBS), WNBC (NBC), and WNYW (Fox). This places AT&T TV in a similar league with regular cable or satellite as far as getting your local broadcast stations is concerned.
The other AT&T streaming television service offering is AT&T TV Now which also has several local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox stations in its various packages. However, as with other internet services, the availability of local channels may be a little more flexible depending on your location when using AT&T TV Now. Another example from the AT&T site is that while it does not list the local channels up front, it does offer a zip code lookup search to find out which of them may be accessible. So it is advisable to start with your zip code to avoid any misrepresentation of the result.
The ‘Plus’ and ‘Max’ packages are the most fundamental and include the highest availability of local channels. Other packages (Entertainment, Choice, Xtra, Ultimate) restrict local stations to only the owned and operated ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX stations in only about a dozen major markets at this time. However, AT&T has been and will still be striving for the enhancement of local channels in more markets.
In summary:
AT&T TV – Includes Local ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates dependent on your location with all packages
AT&T TV Now:
- Plus & Max Packages – Contain many local ABC/CBS/NBC/Fox affiliates depending on the region.
- Other packages – Currently give owned & operated stations in ~12 major metropolitan areas
Therefore, both of the AT&T streaming TV platforms allow a large number of customers to see their local channels, which is not typical for some streaming counterparts. However, the local channels availability can still differ and this has to be verified beforehand while going for AT&T TV Now.
Advantages of Getting Local Channels with AT&T Streaming
View Local news, sports, and programming – Watching the local stations helps viewers to view local news programs, weather, sports, and even favorite network TV programs based on the home market programming.
Live local sports – Many individuals who are fans of local sports enjoy being able to view live games, and this is well provided for by cable television services.
Emergency broadcasting – Local station connection gives the viewers the ability to receive information about natural disasters, amber alerts, or other important local events shown in the emergency broadcasting alerts.
Reception – The intention of streaming local channels over the internet could offer better reception issues than over the antennas which have signal issues.
Such a service is like cable TV – Including local access to the streaming TV services makes AT&T offer cable alternatives for many customers, with a smooth streaming transition.
Limitations of AT&T Streaming Local Channels
Regional limitations – The local channels that are available on AT&T TV Now depend on the agreements in place within the regions, and hence, some of the channels are limited in specific areas.
No other regional programming while on the go – Since streaming depends on home location, AT&T does not offer the option to watch other regional programs when one is on the go in a different coverage area.
Bandwidth requirements – This involves streaming high bandwidth video content including local channels which would need a fast and reliable internet connection which may be characterized by insufficient bandwidth.
To conclude, local channel availability is an important factor ranked high in terms of preference when choosing streaming TV replacements for cable or satellite. While AT&T TV will work towards the activation and integration of necessary local programming for many of its customers, AT&T TV Now will do the same. The available local channel lineups for them are advisable to check before subscribing to this company. But with the right package, the right region, and the right internet speed, and AT&T has been able to stream a full cable-like channel lineup with local affiliates ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, to their streaming subscribers.
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