DIRECTV is in an on-going dispute with Disney which blocks ESPN, ABC and other channels for millions of is subscribers. This has happened periodically with the provider, but this time seems to be the worst yet. Additionally, it happened to coincide with the beginning of college football season. And oh yea; 2024 is the first season with the Southeastern Conference is exclusively tied to the ESPN family of networks for all of its games.
With that being said, social media is ablaze right now with 11 million DIRECTV subscribers irate and looking to jump ship wondering where to go to next.
Hey @DIRECTV if I wake up tomorrow without ESPN…I’m gone. It’s just that simple.
— Mike Baxter (@mike_baxter22) September 1, 2024
Cord cutting has been an option for years now, and from the responses in this thread on X (Formerly known as Twitter), it appears this may be the breaking point for many to switch to streaming services. While cable provider options like Dish Network are available, the benefits of streaming services typically outweigh what any cable provider can offer, whether they have an on-going dispute or not.
What streaming services are available to purchase?
Some streaming service options are FuboTV, YouTubeTV, SlingTV, and Hulu Live TV. While each platform has their own price points and nuances, there are many commonalities of each that could easily persuade you to cut the cord with cable and make the switch if you are affected currently by the dispute with DIRECTV.
What are the perks of signing up for a streaming service?
1. No contract
The multi-year contracts that cable providers obligate you to do not exist with streaming services. Additionally, you can typically sign up for a free seven-day trial before being charged monthly. And without any contract you can cancel at any time if you prefer to switch to something else.
2. Cheaper than cable
While each streaming service has their own price points, all are substantially cheaper than cable service. Specifically with DIRECTV, a constant complaint of many customers throughout the years is that their bill will frequently increase without notice. While price increase happens with any product or service you buy, it is a lot less frequent and substantial of an increase with streaming services.
3. Phone app interface is much cleaner
Having been a previous DIRECTV customer myself, I would personally describe the app as clunky at best. Experiencing multiple streaming service apps since I cut the cord a few years ago, all of these apps are much cleaner. And with many folks wanting to access games on the go, this is a definite value add.
4. Split households to make it more affordable
The ability to split costs amongst several households may be the best value add of all compared to cable. With DIRECTV, you are confined to one household using your subscription. Like many other network streaming apps, the streaming services mentioned above allow you to share your credentials across multiple households and in turn at least halving the cost of an already cheaper service than cable.
5. Paying for individual apps is still cheaper
Let's say you have done the math, but you streaming service as an example does not include a network like MLB TV, Bally's or another channel you need to watch your favorite team. If you cut the cord on cable and switch to streaming, you most likely be saving at least $50 per month on your bill. Therefore, paying for an individual app such as MLB TV or Bally's individually as a supplement to your streaming is still going to be far cheaper than cable.
While DirecTV will probably be quick to rectify this issue, even if they are there is a strong possibility given their history that it will return. And on top of that, you also have a more expensive product, contract, and several other detractors. With football season in full swing, cut the cord and start streaming now. It is the only way to go.