This question came through social media and I thought it would be great to clear things up. Apparently a cord cutter with DIRECTV Satellite wanted to know if DIRECTV Stream would be a better match for them. DIRECTV Stream generally offers a free trial period, and even when they don’t, you can use it month-to-month. Worst case scenario you’re paying one month and that’s it.
Yet, when this person called to start DIRECTV Stream (they called someone else, not us) they were told that they couldn’t have DIRECTV Stream unless they canceled DIRECTV Satellite. This didn’t seem fair to them and they wanted to know if this was really true. So, here’s the answer, but first you have to understand why they were told what they were.
AT&T’s account management woes
Before 2015, AT&T and DIRECTV were separate companies. Then, AT&T bought DIRECTV lock, stock, and barrel. This set off a years-long process for trying to combine the two companies’ systems. It still wasn’t done by the time DIRECTV spun off from AT&T in 2021. That attempt to combine systems is partially at the heart of the problem.
Even though DIRECTV is an independent entity today, it is still majority owned by AT&T. It also uses a lot of AT&T’s back end management tools. That’s not likely to change. The two companies use the same servers to manage accounts, and you’re still encouraged to combine it all so you can log into all the services with the same ID.
So, you can have cell service and satellite on the same account, even though you potentially get two separate bills. But, you can’t have DIRECTV Satellite and DIRECTV Stream on the same account. That’s true.
Why is it like this? What can be done?
Really, as far as I can tell, this is sort of an administrative thing. It’s like how, with DIRECTV Satellite, you can’t have two Genies on your account. It’s not like having two Genies will cause a rift in the space-time continuum (I know, I’ve done it) but the system just isn’t built to allow it. There are some minor technical issues with having two Genies and there just isn’t enough demand for that. So the back end computer systems don’t let you do it.
The same is true with DIRECTV Satellite and DIRECTV Stream. There are some technical issues with this as well. The app for both services is the same, and almost all the content available on Satellite is also on Stream. (Satellite still has more locals in many markets, and has a lot more sports.) Mostly, not enough people want to have both for there to be an issue.
In the short term there is something you can do, and it’s easy. When you sign up for DIRECTV Stream, sign up with a different e-mail and phone number. If asked for an address, put “Suite A” or something at the end of your address even if it’s just a regular house or apartment. Make it just different enough that DIRECTV’s systems won’t complain at you. You’ll have to remember two different logins and passwords, but that’s not so bad.
Long-term: won’t be a problem
It’s beginning to look like the line between Stream and Satellite is beginning to blur. As I said, the two now share the same app on phones and tablets. It’s expected that in the future, you’ll be able to use an app on a streaming box as a DIRECTV client. There really won’t be any difference between the two experiences. If you want satellite, for example because you have slower internet, you’ll get satellite. But really, it will be one experience no matter whether you “beam it or stream it.”
That’s the plan I’ve heard, anyway. It’s still in the early phases, and it’s going to take some time to get there. Plans change all the time and this one may not come to pass. But, I have a feeling it will. There are plenty of people in apartments who want DIRECTV service without holes in the walls. There are lots of folks who want to use a single remote and stay on a single box for all their entertainment. Those folks would love a DIRECTV streaming app that accessed their DVR and satellite content. I’m feeling like all those people will get what they want, soon enough.
In the meantime, if you’re ready to sign up for DIRECTV Satellite or DIRECTV Stream, call the experts! We will give you personalized service. Nothing against DIRECTV’s call centers, but they don’t have trained technicians on hand for the really tough questions. We do. Try us! We’re here during East Coast business hours. The number is 888-233-7563. If you prefer to do business over e-mail, fill out the form below! We’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
