AT&T CEO uses witness stand to announce new streaming service

AT&T is currently embroiled in an anti-trust trial over the carrier’s bid to purchase Time Warner. But that didn’t stop CEO Randall Stephenson from using the court to announce AT&T Watch, a $15 a month streaming service.

According to CNN, Stephenson used AT&T Watch as evidence that innovation wouldn’t be stifled as a result of the purchase. The service offers a small bouquet of channels, but ditches sport channels in order to come in at a cheaper price tag.

The carrier’s spokespeople present in court didn’t know the announcement was coming, CNN added. But the company later confirmed that the service was launching in the coming weeks.

The firm added that anyone will be able to purchase the streaming service for $15 a month, regardless of their cellular or broadband network. “It’s free for people with AT&T unlimited wireless service,” a spokesperson reportedly said.

A new wave of cheap plans

It wouldn’t be the first so-called skinny cable TV offering on the market, as DirecTV Now already offers a similar solution — albeit for $35 a month. The DirectTV package also offers sports channels however, such as ESPN, ESPN 2 and NBCSN.

Nevertheless, people interested in AT&T Watch could probably get their sports fix with the new ESPN Plus service. The sports plan comes in at $5 a month or $50 a year, delivering MLB, NHL, college sports, PGA Tour Golf, and several other sporting disciplines.