DIRECTV Ends Free Access to HBO Max for Legacy Plan Customers
In a disappointing move for many subscribed customers, DIRECTV has decided to discontinue the free access to HBO Max, which was previously a perk for certain legacy plans. Reports have emerged of customers receiving notices informing them that their plan would no longer include access to Max, the recently rebranded version of HBO Max.
According to DIRECTV, only customers who are no longer on an AT&T wireless or internet plan that includes HBO are affected by this change. However, some individuals have expressed grievances, claiming that they have not made any recent alterations to their plans and are still being denied access to Max.
Unfortunately, a spokesperson from DIRECTV was not available for immediate comment regarding the concerns of these affected customers.
This development signifies the final stage of the complex relationship between AT&T and HBO. Previously, when AT&T owned both DIRECTV and Warner Media, they bundled together access to HBO Max with home internet, video, and cellular plans. However, AT&T has since separated from Warner, which has merged with Discovery to form Warner Bros. Discovery. Moreover, AT&T has now spun off DIRECTV as a standalone private business in which it still holds a stake.
With these connections fraying or being severed altogether, maintaining the promotional offer of free HBO Max access holds less appeal for DIRECTV. However, it’s important to note that customers are primarily concerned about access to the streaming service rather than the intricate internal dynamics between these multi-billion dollar corporations.
In the past, providing free access to streaming services like HBO Max had been a popular trend amongst carriers. Verizon had partnered with Disney+ and T-Mobile had established connections with Netflix. However, in the last year, these carriers have shifted away from offering such freebies and now either provide them at a discounted rate or exclusively include them in their high-priced phone plans.
Following this pattern, DIRECTV seems to be following suit, leaving many of its subscribers disappointed by the discontinuation of free access to HBO Max.
