DIRECTV Packages for Seniors (Answers)

Want to cut the cable TV cord but can’t live without your favorite shows? A streaming or satellite TV service is the best substitute for your cable box.

DIRECTV is a rare bird in that it offers both streaming and satellite TV to older Americans, so if you can’t stream because you live off the grid, they have some options for you as well. DIRECTV is also the best option for lifelong sports and movie fans, as its top-tier plans include access to thousands of on-demand titles (including HBO Max), three major regional sports networks, and NFL Sunday Ticket. That is a claim that no other TV provider can make! on local channels. for

DIRECTV Packages for Seniors, is there anything bad about DIRECTV? At $69.99 per month, DIRECTV is more expensive than some of the top-rated senior-friendly cable TV plans we’ve looked at this year. Spectrum TV plans, for example, begin at $49.99 per month, and a Cox starter package costs around $50. However, because DIRECTV is owned by AT&T, there are always bundles available, which are a great way for budget-conscious senior citizens to save money on monthly entertainment fees for the CBS sports network.

Video: How to Navigate DIRECTV’s 6 Packages 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIRECTV (SATELLITE) AND DIRECTV STREAM?

If you live in a rural area or your internet connection isn’t fast enough (DIRECTV recommends at least 24 Mbps for Stream packages), you should look into DIRECTV satellite service. Otherwise, your viewing experience may be jangly, especially if you’re streaming two programs at the same time.

DIRECTV Packages for Seniors

Keep in mind that if you choose the beam (satellite), you must sign a two-year contract. This is due to the fact that they are installing some large equipment dish network on your roof. DIRECTV Stream is a pay-as-you-go service, and you can cancel at any time without incurring any fees. Stream is the way to go if you live in an area where DIRECTV premier Stream is available, your internet is fast, you want to avoid long-term contracts, and it fits your budget.

WHAT IS THE BEST DIRECTV PACKAGE FOR YOU?

When it comes to digital services, price is a major consideration, especially when contracts are involved.

Choosing a TV provider, however, is more complicated than simply going with the cheapest offer. Perhaps you can say no to local sports on demand while keeping your Sopranos reruns? Never. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our top three DIRECTV packages: who they’re for, how much they cost, and how they compare to competitors.

In case you missed it, DIRECTV’s streaming packages have slightly higher base prices than their satellite offerings. There are some semi-hidden costs that are mostly applicable to satellite plans but don’t be concerned about them. I’ll go over them in more detail below.

THE ENTERTAINMENT PLAN FOR SENIORS WHO DO NOT LIKE TO BE PICKY

Are 40,000 programs sufficient for you? Then the Entertainment plan is most likely a good fit. If you choose DIRECTV’s starter package, keep in mind that you will not have access to any regional sports on demand. However, you will have access to ESPN, ESPN2, NBC Sports Network, and TNT, as well as many of your old favorites, including CNBC, CNN, Animal Planet, Discovery, MLB Network, and the Disney Channel, to name a few.

I believe you get the picture – a lot of stuff, but perhaps not what you’re looking for. If you’re addicted to your favorite HBO shows, you should consider upgrading to a Choice or higher plan (see below).

In terms of value for money, DIRECTV’s starter plan starts at $69.99 per month, which is comparable to an equivalent Xfinity TV plan, so there isn’t much of a difference there. There is a significant difference between DIRECTV’s entry-level plan and a basic Cox TV plan that costs around $50 per month or a Spectrum TV package home box that starts at $49.99 per month.

Spectrum’s low-cost plans, on the other hand, will increase after the first year. (Cox’s basic plans will not, but their premium plans will.) When you factor in an Internet + TV bundle (which I’ll discuss below), DIRECTV comes out on top with cheaper and faster service.

THE CHOICE PLAN FOR OLDER SPORTS FANS WHO WANT A VARIETY

Regional sports are a significant benefit of DIRECTV’s Choice plan, which starts at $79.99 per month. This package is designed for serious sports fans who want complete coverage of their local teams as well as a little more variety in channels and on-demand titles. The Choice package also includes three free months of premium channels such as HBO Max and STARZ, as well as one season of NFL Sunday Ticket, but no premium channels will be available after that.

THE ULTIMATE PLAN FOR GOLDEN-AGE CINEPHILES WHO WISH TO HAVE IT ALL

This is the package for those in their golden years who want the television equivalent of a Shoney’s breakfast buffet. With 65,000 on-demand titles, the best RSNs, HBO Max, Fox sports, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ, DirecTV customer service Premier package for $134.99 per month offers a fantastic selection for busy households that want to ensure there’s something for everyone.

If you enjoy sports, the DIRECTV weather channel is the king of regional sports coverage. Since we’re talking about deals, I’ll also recommend DIRECTV’s Choice package + AT&T Fiber 1 GIG bundle if you can live with HBO alone. You’d get lightning-fast internet for roughly the same price as their TV plan. Scroll down to read the full story.

DVR EQUIPMENT FOR DIRECTV AND ON-DEMAND CONTENT

DIRECTV has a plethora of on-demand content, including the big three RSNs (SportsNet, NBC Sports, FFand Bally Sports), as well as a nearly limitless selection of new releases, TV shows, and network offerings in local channels.

Some of the on-demand content will necessitate additional subscriptions. DIRECTV now, for example, includes three free months of HBO Max, Showtime, Epix, and Cinemax with their premium packages, but after that, you’ll have to pay by the month.

Whatever extra entertainment you choose to include with your DIRECTV package, you won’t be able to watch it all at once, which is where DIRECTV’s DVR storage comes in handy.

DIRECTV BUNDLES TO SAVE YOU MONEY

If you enjoy what DIRECTV has to offer, it makes sense to combine it with your internet service and save money. Here’s a rundown of our favorite DIRECTV bundles for seniors. (As you can see, there is no phone service here.) This is due to the fact that AT&T’s “triple” bundle, which includes a phone, is only available for landlines.)

AT&T does have a few reasonable options for the best cell phone plans for seniors. For a complete breakdown of the top AT&T packages for older Americans, see our AT&T senior plan review.

*Satellite bundle prices do not include the Regional Sports Fee (up to $9.99 per month).

IS THERE A SENIOR DISCOUNT ON DIRECTV?

DIRECTV does not currently offer any senior discounts. This can be frustrating for older customers who aren’t looking for handouts but are simply dealing with rising healthcare costs1, property taxes, and the rising costs of quality entertainment.

Nonetheless, there are a few ways to reduce your DIRECTV bill, including a price lock that is valid for at least a year.

1. Use Your Own Streaming Device to Save (for Streaming Plans Only).

By using your own device, you can avoid DIRECTV’s streaming device fee. Remember that leasing a DIRECTV device costs $5 per month. Google Chromecast is about $30 and is fully compatible with DIRECTV. Google TV, which includes a remote control, costs around $50. If you decide to buy your own equipment, you’ll start saving money after a few months in assisted living!

2. Place an order online.

DIRECTV charges a reasonable one-time activation fee of $19.95. If you order online, they will waive the fee. I understand if you prefer to call, but in this case, it makes more sense to use your laptop.

3. Autopay to Save an Additional $5 per Month.

Another way to save money with DIRECTV is to have them automatically deduct your monthly payment. This is a small sacrifice to make for an extra $5 in your wallet at the end of each month.

DIRECTV AND THE FINE PRINT

DIRECTV advertises a “no hidden fees reward card,” and while most of them aren’t technically hidden, it’s better to be aware of even the “mildly camouflaged” ones when it comes to paying fees.

Fees for Activation and Equipment

You must pay a one-time $19.95 activation fee regardless of which DIRECTV service you select (see above for a trick to get that fee waived).

Your satellite subscription includes an HD DVR, but it only covers one TV. If your DVR is in the TV room and you want to watch in the bedroom, you’ll need a second receiver. These will set you back $7 per month.

Fee for Regional Sports (for Satellite Plans Only)

Depending on where you live, DIRECTV’s Regional Sports Fee can range from $9.99 to $19.99 per month. The good news is that this is only a satellite fee. DIRECTV’s premium streaming plans include free local sports streaming. If sports are your thing and you have a strong ATT signal fox sports, this could be a great reason to ditch the dish.

Fees for Cancellation (for Satellite Plans Only)

If you cancel before the end of your two-year contract, there is a $20 per month early cancellation fee for each month remaining on your DIRECTV contract. Please keep this in mind. You can avoid contracts and early termination fees entirely by signing up for a streaming package, but these are slightly more expensive per month.

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DIRECTV’S BOTTOM LINE

Starting at $69.99 per month, DIRECTV is a hard carrot to turn down for sports fans seeking comprehensive local sports coverage. You have even more control over your live viewing with DVR features like Restart and Lookback, as well as a free Genie HD video recorder with 200 hours of storage. You’ll be tempted by premium entertainment channels as you move up the pricing tiers, which will eventually push you into some pricey territory – until you consider those tempting AT&T TV and internet bundles.

AT&T (DIRECTV’s parent company) provides lightning-fast internet access. Even its slower (300 Mbps) connections outperform nearby cable competitors, and they completely outperform competing satellite internet services. So, with DIRECTV, bundling your TV and internet makes sense. When you combine that speed with DIRECTV’s brand-new streaming service, you’ll get crisp, buffer-free programming wherever and whenever you want it.

References:

https://www.directv.com/forbusiness/senior-living/

https://forums.directv.com/conversations/directv-account/does-directv-offer-senior-discounts/610beec0ec3d744e306b74b0

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