How an AT&T-DirecTV deal might affect your monthly bill

[Commentary] What does the AT&T/DirecTV deal mean for consumers? Details are still rolling in, but here is what we know so far. First, be on the lookout for price increases.

AT&T has said DirecTV customers will continue to pay standard, nationwide prices -- but only for three years. After that, there are no guarantees. AT&T is also committing to offer a stand-alone broadband service, which caters to customers who only watch video content online, for three years after the deal closes.

AT&T and DirecTV don't compete for television customers in most of the country -- U-Verse only reaches about 25 percent of the country. But some consumer advocacy groups are concerned that AT&T could drop one of the services. Getting rid of any option for consumers could drive prices up, or trap customers into service that doesn't serve their needs because they simply don't have other services to run to.