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AT&T Will Offer a Lower-Quality Video Option But Without a Discount (fortune.com)

Posted by msmash on from the dvd-quality-in-2016 dept.

After T-Mobile and Sprint introduced lower-cost wireless plans in return for customers accepting lower quality video streaming, AT&T is following suit. An anonymous reader shares a Fortune report:The second-largest wireless carrier said it would introduce a feature starting next year called "Stream Saver" to let customers voluntarily downgrade streaming video from any service -- including YouTube and Netflix -- to DVD quality. But AT&T will not lower prices or give a discount to customers activating the lower-quality stream, which would use much less data than watching a typical high-definition video stream. The data used will also still count against a customer's monthly data allowance. AT&T emphasized that the optional feature was intended to help customers use less data, essentially stretching their monthly allowance to go further. "Stream saver lets them enjoy more of what they love," David Christopher, chief marketing officer in AT&T's entertainment group, said in a statement. "And, they are in control -- it's their choice on how to use this innovative feature."

5 of 48 comments (clear)

  1. Big "win" for crappy-service areas by davidwr · · Score: 2

    When I'm in an area with low-bandwidth, I'd rather have lower-resolution with smooth video than high-resolution choppy video.

    Ditto if I'm in an area with high-speed-but-crappy/dropout-prone service, as I can buffer enough to not notice if I'm watching at low-resolution.

    I put "win" in quotes because while this seems like a win for the customer, it's really a way for AT&T to not have to spend money as fast improving their network. So it's a real win for them and a "win" for customers.

    --
    Knowledge is how to play a game, intelligence is how to win, wisdom is knowing what game to play.
  2. Innovative by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 5, Informative

    You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

    --
    #DeleteChrome
  3. Why would AT&T offer a discount? by JoeyRox · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Not sure why the mention of no discount is even relevant. You're still using AT&T's data, at the same rate you agreed to in your contract. You'd just be using less of it while watching video, meaning you'd have more data available for other usage.

    1. Re:Why would AT&T offer a discount? by MightyYar · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Agreed - it seems like an unfair criticism of a useful feature.

      --
      W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
  4. As far as AT&T is concerned ... by PPH · · Score: 2

    ... it's raw data. If I want to reduce the resolution, I'll do so via my client settings. AT&T has no business inspecting those packets.

    --
    Have gnu, will travel.