Q. I read your column on how the Charter subscribers couldn’t get the ACC Network. But I’m having the same problem with DIRECTV. I thought DIRECTV was supposed to carry it, but I can’t find it anywhere in my lineup. What’s up with that? — Franklin, Portland.
Franklin, you’re right. Many Charter subscribers are upset that they can’t watch the ACC Network since its launch on Thursday night. (To find out why they can’t watch, click here.)
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But there are a significant number of angry DIRECTV subscribers as well. AT&T, the owner of DIRECTV, and ESPN, the owner of ACC Network, both said prior to the launch that the channel would be available on the satellite TV service. But many DIRECTV customers can’t find it in their on-screen guides.
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What’s the deal?
If you’re a DIRECTV subscriber who doesn’t live in what is considered an ‘ACC market,’ you can not get the ACC Network unless you subscribe to the satcaster’s ‘Sports Pack,’ which costs an additional $13.99 a month. The Sports Pack includes roughly 35 channels, including ESPN Classic, TVG, CBS Sports Network and the Outdoor Channel.
What is considered an ‘ACC market?’
Basically, it’s any state that’s home to an ACC college, or is near one: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
So if you’re a DIRECTV subscriber who lives in one of those markets, the ACC Network is available to you on channel 612 — if you have DIRECTV’s Choice plan and above. That means Select plan subscribers can’t get it.
Final note: Some Choice subscribers in ACC markets have told me that channel 612 has displayed a message saying the ACC Network must be purchased separately. However, after calling DIRECTV’s customer service, the satcaster added the channel without an additional fee. So if you see that message, call DIRECTV.
Franklin, hope that helps. Happy viewing!
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— Phillip Swann
Ive had Direct TV for 19 years, and I must say since the partnered up with at&t they are complete garbage. My bill went up,,.never get to speak with anyone I can understand. I’m extremely disappointed cause now I have to leave and go to dish where I will not have HBO. Sadly they sold out.
Are AT&T/Directv ever going to get back NBC 8.
I miss this local channel
I agree completely
I total agree I had Direct TV for 19 years also…..and they stink since AT&T took over dropping channels they took away NBC 2 for money just got it back now their trying to take away channel ABC 7 thinking of going with another company can’t put up with all the antics!!!
You need to complain to Disney. They are the ones holding ABC hostage on DirecTv.
I am very upset! I have a 3year contract and over t station bit the dust. I can’t get them now especially Fox.
Am I still bound by this contract?
I am paying for less and less!!!!]
Apparently ESPN and DTV (and maybe all providers) have still not yet worked out the online viewing access through the ESPN app on mobile or desktop, even for viewers like me in the heart of ACC country.
A pop up following log in states “The ACCN and ACCNX is currently unavailable within the ESPN app. We are working diligently with your TV provider to enable access. Please check back and in the meantime you can enjoy ACCN on your TV.”
When will the Tampa Bay area get NBC channel 8 back. It has been down since July 3. Direct TV and Nexstar arguing. Direct TV gives an antenna for local use but it does not work.
I live in NC and have DirecTV we have the ACC channel
I got rid of direct tv because my dish had a issue also when it rains it goes out I have optimum much better service and saving 50 bucks a month direct tv now is pure garbage
What happen to the ACC channel on AT&T TV Now?
Was never supposed to be on that.
Thank you! I was one of those people who could not even see channel 612 until I called. I live in ACC territory and was also told I needed to subscribe to the extra cost package. Now I can cancel once my free three month trial expires.
I’m from the Rochester NY area I can’t get 8 and 13 anymore is DirecTV going to get that back on or do we have to go to another cable network.. mid-september all the fall shows come back on that we watch on those two channels..
I agree with with all of you….Direct TV stinks now since AT&T took over…I can’t get ACC channel either and I went to 621 and all it has is bla bla Bla I’m thinking of changing companies…..
Ann, It’s channel 612, not 621.
I keep trying to tell myself that we aren’t living in a world back in the 70s and 80s. I get upset enough with regular cable/satellite knowing that we pay so much for COMMERCIAL TV. So why should anyone pay for the ACC Network? Is ESPN broke? (saying that facetiously)
If the SEC Network and/or BTN ever follows suit, that’ll be the last straw. But I’m sure they’ll all take that route eventually. Can’t watch the PAC-12 Network nor Longhorn Network without paying.
The least they could do at this point is play the players.
DirecTV is outrageous! Prices keep going up. Do not understand why Clemson – Charlotte game is not being carried on stations we have. We pay around $150 a month. Thinking of dropping. We have been subscribers for years. AT&T keeps sending literature about bundling. We have had AT&T for many yeas but they will not run a line a half mile so we can receive high speed. We are penalized because of this. We know others who are more than a half mile off main line and AT&T has run a line so they can have high speed internet. We are penalized because they will not provide service. Ann H.