Sprint offers DirecTV customers free year of phone service in challenge to new owner AT&T

Sprint is offering DirecTV customers one free year of cellphone service in a bold move aimed at the satellite TV company's new owner, AT&T.

AT&T, which bought DirecTV for $48.5 billion in July, has been promoting a video-wireless package that knocks $10 a month off a combined bill. For a single line, the value of Sprint's promotion is about $50 a month.

The offer is good for up to five lines on a single account. Each line gets 2 gigabytes of data each month and unlimited calls and texts.

It begins Friday and runs through Sept. 30.

Customers must buy or lease a new phone through Sprint and pay a one-time activation fee of $36, plus monthly taxes and surcharges. Existing Sprint customers must add a new line of service.