In a shift away from its quickly eroding linear satellite segment, AT&T has a new Android TV-powered DirecTV set-top box in the works that abandons satellite connectivity for internet-connected streaming.
Variety uncovered a new FCC filing in which AT&T details the new device, which goes by the model number C71KW-400. In the documents AT&T describes the device as “the new AT&T/DirecTV Wireless 4K OTT Client.” According to the user manual accompanied in the files, the device can’t be used with the DirecTV’s existing Genie Servers.
The manual also shows that a voice remote will be shipped with the set-top box. The device comes equipped with Ethernet connectivity, digital audio, and HDMI and USB ports, but no antenna or satellite connection, so it will connect only to the internet.
The filings also reveal the device is based on Google’s Android TV operating system, and screenshots of YouTube and Google Play running on the device were included in the manual. It appears users will be able to download apps compatible with Android TV such as HBO Now, Hulu, and Netflix.
AT&T is moving toward OTT delivery as its pay-TV satellite business is deteriorating. On Tuesday the operator reported linear satellite customer losses of 251,000 during the third quarter. The DirecTV subscriber base shrunk by 0.8 percent since the end of the third quarter last year, which is notably the first time the platform has ever seen year-over-year subscriber losses.
In its third quarter earnings report, AT&T also revealed it gained 296,000 subscribers for its internet-based DirecTV Now offering, which now has about 787,000 subscribers. More on AT&T’s earnings here.
