In a double blow to its customers, DIRECTV has announced price increases across all its streaming packages and most of its satellite customers, effective October 6, 2024. This comes just as the service loses access to all Disney-owned channels, including popular networks like ABC and ESPN, due to a contract dispute.
In a statement to Cord Cutters News, a DIRECTV spokesperson said, “DIRECTV strives to align the content customers receive with the price they pay for their service. We are working aggressively with programmers and content providers to get away from them continuing to saddle TV distributors with higher fees and bundles of multiple channels that customers may not want, and giving customers the channels they want at the price they are willing to pay for them.”
Satellite customers will see their prices go up from $2 to $10 a month plus the Regional Sports Fee will go up as much as $2 a month, although DIRECTV says that some customers won’t see a price hike.
The DIRECTV STREAM price hikes will see the entry-level “Entertainment” package jump from $79.99 to $86.99 per month, a $7 increase. Other packages are also seeing significant price bumps:
- Choice: $114.99/mo (previously $108.99) — $6 increase
- Ultimate: $129.99/mo (previously $119.99) — $10 increase
- Premier: $169.99/mo (previously $164.99) — $5 increase
This is the second price increase DIRECTV has implemented this year, having already raised prices on its satellite TV packages earlier in 2024.
The combination of losing popular channels and facing higher prices is likely to leave many DIRECTV subscribers frustrated and considering other options. With a growing number of streaming services available, competition in the market is fierce, and DIRECTV’s latest moves could push customers toward alternative platforms.