For example, AT&T wireless internet could favor HBO content over Netflix programming with faster streaming.Ĭarrier and content mergers could also make competition much harder for small content production companies. With net neutrality gone, at least for now, carriers can give preference to their own content by slowing or throttling programming supplied by others. So we want to participate in this.”Īs Digital Trends wrote last week following the merger approval, the precedent for additional content and carrier deals raises questions. “There’s going to be opportunities to distribute premium video like we never imagined,” Stephenson said. “The tech companies are just demonstrating that to us. Going forward, AT&T intends to emulate Netflix and Amazon to deliver original programming to online subscribers. Stephenson also said the company will pursue previously unforeseen opportunities to distribute “premium video.”Īfter federal Judge Richard Leon ruled against the government’s effort to stop AT&T’s merger with Time Warner last week, Stephenson told CNBC “the system worked.” The company intends to announce a serious of additional acquisitions in the next few weeks that will enable it to build its advertising platform. Drawing on those media properties could fill broadcast calendars with proven content.ĪT&T WatchTV will make money from ad sales. With the acquisition of Time Warner, which is now called WarnerMedia, AT&T owns Warner Bros., HBO, CNN, and Turner Broadcasting System, including their respective existing media content catalogs. He also said more information about the streaming service and launch details will be available this week. Stephenson described AT&T WatchTV as a “very, very skinny bundle” of free television programming with no sports. So if your wireless carrier is Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, or any other company, for 15 bucks a month you’ll be able to stream AT&T WatchTV. No hard news yet on content, but don’t expect live Olympics or World Cup coverage. Stephenson told CNBC AT&T’s unlimited wireless customers will get the new service at no charge, “or you can buy it for $15 a month on any platform.” The significance of “everyone else” is that it extends beyond AT&T wireless customers. AT&T wireless customers with unlimited data plans will get the streaming service for free. On the heels of AT&T finalizing its $85.4 billion Time Warner purchase, AT&T chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson announced the launch of a new product called “AT&T WatchTV” in an interview with CNBC.

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