AT&T, owner of DirecTV, exempts DirecTV from mobile data caps

AT&T is now exempting DirecTV streaming video from data caps on AT&T's mobile Internet service. AT&T purchased DirecTV in July 2015 and on Sept 7 pushed an update to the DirecTV iPhone app to implement the data cap exemption. "Now you can stream DirecTV on your devices, anywhere—without using your data. Now with AT&T," the app's update notes say under the heading "Data Free TV." This feature requires subscriptions to DirecTV and AT&T wireless data services. It sounds like the data cap exemption may not apply to all data downloaded by the app, as the update notes further say that "Exclusions apply & may incur data usage." The service is also "Subject to network management, including speed reduction." The iPhone update also lets customers download shows from their home DVR to mobile devices. The DirecTV apps for Android and iPad have not yet received the update.

Data cap exemptions—also known as zero-rating—are controversial and are being reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC's network neutrality rules prevent Internet service providers and mobile carriers from speeding up online services in exchange for payment, but they don't include a specific ban on zero-rating. Instead, the net neutrality regime has the FCC review zero-rating on a case-by-case basis to determine whether specific implementations harm customers or competitors.