[opendtv] Re: AT&T brings back unlimited data plans for its DirecTV and U-verse subscribers | The Verge
- From: Craig Birkmaier <brewmastercraig@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2016 22:52:17 -0500
On Jan 11, 2016, at 10:01 PM, Manfredi, Albert E <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Craig Birkmaier wrote:
So Bert. Here is great example of how AT&T is "bundling" it's
cellular service with DirecTV and U-Verse video service...
And your point is?
It allow them to capitalize on DirecTV to do the heavy lifting to deliver video
to the big screen in the family room, and the AT&T cellular network to deliver
video to the subscribers mobile devices. Apparently without the resolution
limits of Binge On, although I suspect most servers limit video to 480p for
mobile screens.
Here's the real deal, Craig. AT&T U-verse relies on ADSL plus. They do not
have either FTTH or an HFC plant to depend on, as of now. So they have no
clear path to the same aggregate wired broadband capacity that Verizon and
cable companies have.
And your point is?
First you are wrong. AT&T has gigabit fiber in 18 metro markets and they
announced on December 7th plans to add additional 38 markets by the end of this
year.
This announcement has nothing to do with those long term plans for fiber ISP
service. It leverages the DirecTV acquisition and counters the Binge On
announcement by T-Mobile.
You are too focused on the end game. The important consideration is making
money now as we transition to your Internet utopia over the next decade...
Or two.
So I see a not-so-competitive plan, for bundling traditional MVPD *broadcast*
service, with cellular and wired Internet broadband, which only applies if
you happen to live in a U-verse neighborhood, and happen to be able to
connect a DirecTV dish. If not, then you're just another AT&T cellular
subscriber.
Most people can get DirecTV - they had 20.3 million subscribers in May of 2014
(more now) and there were 5.7 million subscribers to the U-Verse MVPD service.
That's real revenue today.
This article did not talk about bundling wired broadband, although there are
bundles for that with DirecTV as well. The long term play may be fiber to the
home AND wireless data for mobile.
The DBS dimension of this is pretty obviously transitional. It seems clear
that U-verse will be evolving past ADSL, to something more in line with what
Verizon or cable companies are doing.
Yes, that is happening. But it will take years. In the meantime they can bundle
the services they have now, and milk DirecTV as long as they can.
DirecTV is the winner here, in linking up with an Internet provider.
Perhaps AT&T is the winner, as they now can sell video bundles nationwide.
Regards
Craig
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