Is AT&T TV being discontinued?
Some recent changes have happened to the live TV streaming service known as AT&T Internet TV, which leaves some people to ask if it is being phased out. Originally unveiled in January 2020, AT&T TV was poised to be AT&T’s flagship streaming service of live television, succeeding DirecTV Now. Still, in less than two years everything looks quite ambiguous. So, let me show you the latest details about AT&T TV and if it is being phased out.
The confusion around AT&T TV has been a major concern for the company and its shareholders since it hinders growth and development.
AT&T made a significant statement later in the summer of 2021 that they are forming a new worldwide entertainment firm by merging WarnerMedia with Discovery. Particularly for its pay-TV offerings like AT&T TV, this made many people question the future direction AT&T will choose. Following this, AT&T has shifted away from advertising AT&T TV; as of August 2021, the firm is not actively offering the service. However, AT&T said that the relocation did not affect present users, which raised questions about the possible disappearance of AT&T TV not too far off.
At the same time, AT&T also decided it was time to give a name change to their older live TV streaming service AT&T TV Now, and return it to calling it DirecTV Stream. This was an issue AT&T said was confusing the customers since they had two services with such closely related names. However, whereas the original DirecTV Stream platform is still active, it is not clear what will happen to AT&T TV.
What AT&T is AT&T Doing About AT&T TV?
However, we did not find any official statement from AT&T to confirm that they have decided to shut down AT&T TV yet. Currently, the service is available for the users who are still subscribed to the channel. However, since AT&T no longer appears to be pursuing the service as a growth opportunity and signing up new customers, the rosy picture painted by AT&T TV’s second-quarter numbers does not seem sustainable.
Cutting it out completely would be unsuitable to many people who are tied to it in their contracts. Almost every customer had a two-year subscription agreement with AT&T TV, which means AT&T may continue to prop it up like a dodging zombie until those contracts begin to expire. Although, stay tuned for a comment on the fact that AT&T TV has all the signs of being phased out in the future.
Why AT&T might stop streaming TV services?
If AT&T TV does get discontinued outright in 2022 or 2023, there are a few likely reasons behind that decision: If AT&T TV does get discontinued outright in 2022 or 2023, there are a few likely reasons behind that decision:
1. Focus on Wireless Business
After the WarnerMedia/Discovery merger, AT&T is now exiting the entertainment industry by divesting itself of a majority of the businesses it has acquired through WarnerMedia. Pay TV internet services are not part of AT&T’s strategic priorities anymore, which is why promoting and investing in services like AT&T TV is not beneficial for the company.
2. High Content Costs
It is very costly to offer live TV streaming as the listed costs of content providers for channels & regional sports are very expensive. Due to low subscribers, AT&T TV did not have the necessary numbers to be profitable and was merged with the WarnerMedia division.
3. Tough Competition
The live TV streaming spot has become increasingly competitive and now has three major players Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream. As mentioned earlier, competition was stiff and, therefore, difficult to stand out from the many options that were presented to the consumers on the market by AT&T TV.
The point that has been left unaddressed in all of the above discussions is regarding the present AT&T TV subscribers.
Therefore, AT&T will have to manage the phasing out of AT&T TV for those customers who are still bound by contractual obligations in a competent manner. It will also make current subscribers remain with the service given that they have to leave at the end of the contract period. Other streaming providers such as PlayStation Vue normally gave a hint of their shutdown to enable their customers to seek other services.
However, AT&T also has to decide whether they will permit month-to-month AT&T TV users to remain, or whether they will be served notice to evacuate when contracts commence to expire. Perhaps, they offer some good offers to port over existing TV subscribers to DirecTV Stream or other video platforms.
Other Options for People who do not want to Pay for Cable
While the apparent demise of AT&T TV is disappointing for those who subscribed, luckily there are still some great live TV streaming alternatives in the market today including
• YouTube TV
• Also, if you have Hulu + Live TV, you need to consider the impact of your streaming activity on your internet speed.
• DirecTV Stream
• FuboTV
• Sling TV
All of these options give fairly up-to-date stream-based services with reasonably strong channel offerings. That and some of them even offer lower rates to those who are transferring from other similar services. Though there exist various reasons on why people are cutting their cords, they still have many great options on where to get the traditional pay TV substitutes.
The Bottom Line
Although AT&T has not made a formal announcement yet that AT&T TV is going away, the current situation strongly suggests that it will be phased out eventually shortly. It has to be insisted that the shutdown appears to be imminent in light of AT&T’s strategic management decision to move away from the video business. And, a lack of interest of the company in continuing its investment in the service and its promotion. Yet unknown is how AT&T will properly handle the sunset situation for current customers that signed contract with its predecessor. However, the live TV streaming segment continues to be packed with promising solutions for those who decided to get rid of traditional cable and satellite.
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