The new offer will not deduct from AT&T Mobility data allotments when mobile video content is streamed through the DirecTV app
AT&T is moving to zero-rate streaming video content from its DirecTV and U-verse video platforms for its wireless customers.
The move is part of an update to the DirecTV application that includes a new “data free TV” option allowing for the viewing of video content with it not counting against an AT&T Mobility data package. Customers must view the content through the application in order to not have the streamed content apply to their data allotment; be subscribed to a DirecTV “Select” package or higher with at least a Genie HD DVR 44 device; and a home broadband connection.
The move looks to build on the telecom operator’s decision earlier this year to offer an “unlimited” data package for its mobile customers that also select on of its digital TV services, bringing back a feature it stopped offering to new customers in 2011. AT&T has said more than 5 million customers have signed up for the unlimited data package.
AT&T more recently announced plans to launch a trio of new video platforms, including a carrier-agnostic mobile offering. AT&T said the plans will include DirecTV Mobile, DirecTV Now and DirecTV Preview, all of which are set to launch later this year. The platforms are said to come with a “set number of simultaneous sessions” and will not require a service contract, satellite dish or set-top box.
The zero-rating of video content is also being used by rivals Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile US and Sprint.
Verizon Wireless is allowing users of its Go90 video platform to stream content without impacting their data allotments. T-Mobile US offers a similar feature through its Binge On platform and Sprint through a recent move, though both offerings limit the quality of the video transmission unless customers purchase a higher-tiered rate plan.
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