Another Streaming Service Hikes Prices

Another Streaming Service Hikes Prices

By Movieguide® Contributor

Amid DirecTV’s ongoing battle with Disney, the company announced that it will be raising prices next month.

“New pricing takes effect on or after October 6, 2024,” DirecTV said, noting that the increase will help the service “remain competitive in the marketplace, while still delivering the best possible programming.”

“TV networks are continuing to increase the fees they charge DirecTV for the right to distribute the content they produce, including movies, shows, and sporting events,” the network continued. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring you the best programming at a fair and reasonable price.”

This price hike comes shortly after DirecTV subscribers lost access to “ESPN, ABC and other Disney-owned channels due to a still-unresolved contract fight,” Variety noted.

Movieguide® reported:

The battle between Disney and DirecTV continues, and Disney’s sports streaming joint venture with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery is only adding fuel to the fire.

“DirecTV’s current public battle with Disney has led to 11 million DirecTV customers losing access to ESPN in the middle of the U.S. Open tennis tournament and a week before the New York Jets are scheduled to meet the San Francisco 49ers on MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL,” Reuters reported of the squabble that arose over the rates DirecTV would pay Disney for its content.

The Wrap broke down how the price increase — which could be up to $10 more each month — will impact various subscription plans:

DirecTV Stream Packages

• Choice package will increase by $6 per month
• Entertainment Optimo Mas package will jump $7 per month
• Ultimate package will climb $10 per month
• Todo Y Mas Live a Little package will increase by $7 per month
• Just Right, Gotta Have It, Go Big, Plus, Plus without HBO Max, Optimo Mas, Xtra, Ultimate, Choice, Premier and Entertainment packages will increase by $10.

DirecTV Satellite Packages

• Basic Choice will increase by $2 per month
• Family Basic will increase by $3 per month
• Preferred Choice will increase by $4 per month
• Select, Select Classic, Select Choice, Mas Latino, Mas Mexico, Basico, Familiar, Opcion Especial, Opcion Extra Especial will increase by $5 per month
• Entertainment, Entertainment Classic, Familiar Ultra, Opcion Ultra Especial, Total Choice, Total Choice Limited Total Choice Mobile will increase by $6 per month
• Optimo Mas will increase by $7 per month
• Choice, Mas Ultra, Mas Ultra Original will increase by $8 per month
• Premier, Ultimate, Xtra, Preferred Xtra, Choice Xtra Classic, Lo Maximo, Opcion Premier will increase by $9 per month
• Max Plus will increase by $10 per month
• Acorn TV will increase by $1 per month

It’s just the latest in a slew of streaming services that have hiked costs this year. Movieguide® reported:

This summer will see price raises from Peacock (a $2 bump per month, following last year’s $1 price hike), Max ($1 more a month) and Spotify (with raises from $1 to $3, depending on the plan).

“The new hikes are also a subtle bit of social engineering, strategic moves meant to push consumers in certain directions or otherwise pay up,” the Hollywood Reporter pointed out.

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