Confirmed: DIRECTV STREAM to Remove 4 Channels from Entertainment Package for Existing Customers, Unless They Ask to Keep Them

In early March, DIRECTV STREAM announced that it would be removing four channels from its introductory subscription package for new customers. A&E, History, Lifetime, and Vice TV would all be moved off of the Entertainment Package, to help bring the DIRECTV STREAM subscription package more in line with its satellite and DIRECTV via Internet counterparts. Now, the streamer is taking a similar step with existing customers, but with a bit of a catch.

Key Details

• DIRECTV is removing four channels from DIRECTV STREAM’s Entertainment Package for current subscribers.
• Impacted customers have been contacted and provided details on how they can keep the channels.
• The move is aimed get the Entertainment Packages for all three of DIRECTV’s subscription options in line.

A DIRECTV spokesperson told The Streamable that the service is making it easy for existing subscribers signed up for the Entertainment Package to keep the channels. All current customers that will be impacted by this change should have already received an email informing them that they could retain the channels by logging into their online accounts and opting in. However, even if they miss the opportunity to do so before the channels are initially removed, they are able to call DIRECTV customer service and the channels will be restored at no cost.

By exiting the Entertainment Package — which costs $79.99 per month — the cheapest option for new DIRECTV customers to get access to A+E, History, Lifetime, and Vice TV is on the Choice Package, which runs $109.99 monthly. While the prices are different, this move is designed to simplify the channel lineups across DIRECTV’s three different subscription products.

The company’s flagship satellite service, the contract DIRECTV via Internet option, and DIRECTV STREAM all offer four subscription plans known as the Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier Packages. As the company has begun expanding its streaming options, the channel lineups for its various subscription options have been mostly the same, but there have been discrepancies along the way.

The DIRECTV rep told The Streamable that the removal of these four channels from DIRECTV STREAM’s lowest-priced plan was being done simply to get the channel offerings in line with the Entertainment Packages of the other two options.

5-Day Trial

directv.com/stream

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM is a live TV streaming service, which is essentially the streaming version of the DIRECTV service. All packages include local channels and at least 31 of the top 35 cable channels. New subscribers can get a free Gemini streaming device from the company, in which case the service is called “DIRECTV via Internet.”

…

DIRECTV STREAM starts at $79.99 / month for their Entertainment package. You can upgrade to their Choice package, which begins at $108.99 / month, that includes your local RSN and HBO Max for three months. They also have an Ultimate ($119.99) for 130 channels and Premier ($164.99) for 140 channels. In addition to not having a contract, there are no extra RSN fees or Broadcast TV fee.

The service includes an Unlimited DVR on all packages and unlimited simultaneous at-home streams.

The service was previously called AT&T TV.

5-Day Trial

$79.99+ / month

directv.com/stream

Subscribe Now and get Max, Paramount+, STARZ, and MGM+ free for three months

What Is the Cheapest Place for New Customers to Stream A&E, History, Lifetime, and Vice TV?

While current DIRECTV STREAM customers are being provided multiple opportunities to keep A&E, History, Lifetime, and Vice TV as part of their Entertainment Packages plans, the fact that these popular cable networks are not available at DIRECTV STREAM’s lowest pricing plan could be a concern for new customers.

Fortunately, there are a number of different live TV streaming services that let viewers stream the channels on their base subscription tiers, including two of the industry’s most cost-conscious skinny bundles. Philo is the cheapest way to gain access to all four of the channels, as plans for the service begin at just $25 per month. Philo does not offer any local channels or cable news or sports networks, which helps keep the price of the service down, but it does provide access to 18 of the 35 most popular cable channels in addition to a handful of add-ons.

The next cheapest option is Sling TV which begins at $40 per month. Sling has two introductory pricing plans Sling Orange and Sling Blue. While the channel lineups are obviously not identical, they do both come with A&, History, Lifetime, and Vice TV. Currently, Sling is offering new customers $10 off their first month of service, so the initial cost to stream the channels is even cheaper.

Unlike Philo, Sling does carry multiple cable news and sports channels, and depending on your region, local network affiliates as well. The service offers many different add-on packages that include sports, entertainment, and premium channels.

If you are looking for a live streamer more similar to DIRECTV STREAM, then Hulu + Live TV is the best bet. The Disney-owned service not only carries 70 channels on its base package for $76.99 per month, but it is currently offering a three-day free trial so that you can try the service out before committing to the monthly bill. In addition, all Hulu + Live TV subscribers automatically get the Disney Bundle at no extra cost, meaning that they also receive the Hulu on-demand streamer, Disney+, and ESPN+ for free.