2 Year agreement

We're happy to hear you like DIRECTV, @Rockryan. Advance Receiver Services (ARS) gives you access to all the cutting-edge features, like recording, rewind, pause, and more, which are available based on your equipment (DVR, HD, or HD-DVR). The Regional Sports Fee covers the regional sports programming available in your area; it applies to programming packages at Choice and above that include additional regional sports. Visit https://www.directv.com/legal/directv-fee-schedule/ to learn more about the fees. 

"DirecTV Stream" is the original streaming service that has no fees or contract. You provide the streaming device with this service. The DirecTV proprietary streaming device is not available with this service. "DirecTV Via Internet" is a DirecTV service for those who want the experience of tradition satellite service but do not want a dish. The service provides one streaming device that offers the use of channel numbers. This service requires a 2-year contract and fees.

I am using Directv Choice now.

I am thinking about getting the 2 year agreement.

If you have DIRECTV STREAM than you cannot just get a 2 year agreement. You would have to cancel your service and order DirecTV via Internet.

The difference is the other service requires you to have their proprietary box which works more like a traditional TV provider. Your service is a bring your own device (BYOD) such as Roku, Firestick, etc.

You could see about getting a used Gemini for DIRECTV STREAM from something like eBay. This way you keep your service without adding fees and a service agreement and still get the box you want. Just make sure it is a reputable seller that accepts returns (as there are a couple firmware versions for the different services).

With my directv stream with “Choice” I have recording, rewind, pause, which seems like the ARS fee. 
I also have MSG which seems like the Regional Sports fee. So are these fees included in the $108.99 I am paying

while not having the 2 year agreement?

If you don't have a contract, then you have no fees. That means you are a DirecTV Stream subscriber. The DirecTV option of DirecTV Via Internet has the fees and a contract.

@Rockryan, If you've been paying for the ARS, you may have the DIRECTV via Internet. This may need further review, sending you a DM.

Mohammad, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Please explain tv streaming without the internet vs tv streaming with the internet. 

DIRECTV offers 2 types of streaming services. DIRECTV STREAM is a no contract service that lets you watch live TV using your own device. While DIRECTV via Internet requires 24-month agreement, which provides you the ability to watch TV over your existing home internet with our exclusive new device called Gemini. Visit DIRECTV Next Level TV Is Here and Compare DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV STREAM Subscription Plans to learn more of our services. 

Mohammad, DIRECTV Community Specialist

TV without the internet requires either a dish or cable. Where as TV streaming is with a broadband connection.

DirecTV (the company) offers 2 services: DirecTV and DirecTV Stream. They are not the same and requires a subscription to each.

DirecTV (the service) offers 2 flavors: Satellite (Dish)or Via the Internet (No Dish). Both services have a contract and fees and offer a proprietary streaming device that support using channel numbers.

DirecTV Stream (the service) is typical streaming like Sling, FUBU, YouTube TV. DirecTV Stream does not offer the proprietary device. The service has no contract or fees. It's bring your own device streaming.

Both streaming services (DirecTV Via Internet or DirecTV Stream) use the same app but content depends on your subscription.

Credentials are not interchangeable between the services.

Both services stream from the internet, but it is their billing and policies that are a bit different.

DIRECTV STREAM (what you have) is known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). This means you use whatever streaming device you prefer (Roku, Firestick, etc.). You can purchase used DirecTV Streaming boxes (current name Gemini), which has the more traditional remote with channel numbers.

DirecTV via Internet is similar in structure to the satellite service. It comes with a 24 month service agreement, has Advance Receiver Services (ARS) fee, and you are required to use their proprietary streaming box.

So "STREAM" is cheaper and more flexible but up to you to get the 3rd party streaming boxes (at your own cost). With "via Internet" DirecTV provides equipment that is more a traditional TV service from the start, you don't have to mix and match 3rd party equipment yourself, but for that you pay for the additional services and have your 24 month agreement.

As such, I see no benefit canceling DIRECTV STREAM and then getting DirecTV via Internet. If you just want the box with a remote that has channel numbers, get one used that you can activate with your existing service and call it good.

Thank you for that explanation. 

So it seems the only difference with the 2 year agreement is the Gemini Air device

which means fees and the $7 for each Gemini (first one free). 

I just don’t understand how I get MSG

channel without the Regional Sports fee. 

You just need to make sure that you select a package that has regional sports included. Also check channel line up on the website using your home zip code to make sure you get MSG.

Go here for Watching Regional Sports.

I just don’t understand how I get MSG

channel without the Regional Sports fee.

As explained, the billing model is different.

With any DirecTV service, you must be in Choice or higher to get your in-market RSNs. But with your DIRECTV STREAM there is no RSN fee.

I wouldn't fret over not having an extra fee to pay. Not having to pay it is a good thing for you.

Thank you everyone!