Satellite Service Provider DirecTV Joins Forces with FAST Technology
DirecTV is set to launch a new free, ad-supported live streaming TV service called MyFree DirecTV on November 15, 2021. This move is part of a broader strategy being employed by both DirecTV and its main competitor, Dish, to shift towards FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channels.
MyFree DirecTV will feature what DirecTV calls 'the best of the best FAST channels,' offering viewers ad-supported live TV channels and an on-demand library of series, shows, and movies. The service will be available on mobile devices and select smart TVs including Google TV.
The launch of MyFree DirecTV comes at a time when DirecTV has seen a significant decline in subscribers. In 2023 alone, the company is estimated to have lost 1.8 million subscribers. To counter this trend, DirecTV is merging with Echostar, the company that operates the Dish satellite pay TV service, which has approximately 6 million subscribers.
The merger, announced on September 30, 2021, is part of DirecTV's efforts to diversify its programming options. It could also help immunize DirecTV against disruptions to its services, including frequent carriage disputes with major studios.
Viewers of MyFree DirecTV will have the option to upgrade to paid services within the platform. The service will initially launch with a selection of channels, with DirecTV planning to add more channels to MyFree DirecTV in 2025.
Dish offers its own network of FAST channels on its Hopper 3 system and Sling Freestream service. The competitive landscape of the satellite pay TV industry may be affected by the merger between DirecTV and Echostar. However, the exact implications of the merger are yet to be seen.
The move towards FAST channels is a response to the growing demand for free, ad-supported streaming services. With MyFree DirecTV, DirecTV aims to provide an attractive alternative to traditional pay TV services while also offering viewers a taste of its premium content.
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