Telecommunications giant AT&T has  announced that it will launch an Internet-based cable app in the fourth quarter of this year. The app will function much like Netflix wherein users can subscribe and stream content. Subscribers to the new AT&T service will not need an AT&T wireless phone or an AT&T broadband connection. As long as they have access to the Internet, users can stream the content that they want.

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Reports indicate that the new service will be under DirecTV, a brand which was acquired by AT&T in 2015. Although DirecTV is famous for its satellite cable, the new service will not need a satellite dish. Market analysts believe that this new service will open up a new platform of competition in the television industry.

This new platform, called BYOB (or bring your own broadband), is considered by many analysts as a big step not only for the ramification of Internet service, but also for cable TV, which lost its appeal when broadband Internet started to invade consumer homes.

According to CNN, AT&T's rival Dish Network is already selling a service that works on the same idea. It is called Dish Sling TV.

In a statement acquired by Wired, AT&T entertainment group CEO John Stankey said, "These new video subscription models reflect the flexible content choices, viewing options and simple, transparent pricing that consumers want. These offers will provide a broad range of customers with greater freedom and choice to watch, binge, and even buy premium content, regardless of how and where they enjoy their entertainment."

What AT&T is trying to launch is a sort of cable service that does not require an annual contract, a set-top box or a satellite dish.

AT&T is yet to announce the bundles or packages that will be released as part of this new service. However, it did announce that it will include features like DirecTV Now, DirecTV Preview and DirecTV Mobile on the service.

TagsAT&T, AT&T Plans, AT&T cable, AT&T services, AT&T News, AT&T internet, AT&T cable internet