DirecTV is experimenting with removing the option to subscribe to its satellite offerings in some markets. Under a trial run, DirecTV is currently experimenting in certain locations with only allowing new subscribers to sign on to its streaming service.
The website Cord Cutters News first reported of the DirecTV experiment. That means in some zip codes, new customers — when attempting to sign up for DirecTV — are only given the option to purchase the company’s streaming service.
A note now appears on DirecTV’s website for customers attempting to sign up for the once-standard satellite dish: “DirecTV Satellite is not currently available in all areas. Check your service address by entering the ZIP code of the address where you want DirecTV service. Want the same package without the satellite? Switch to DirecTV Streaming App now by selecting that option.”
A rep for DirecTV stressed that this was not yet a permanent move. Said the company in a statement: “In select markets this limited-time trial will increase awareness and adoption of our satellite-free streaming service, which has quickly become the preferred solution for new consumer customers.”
DirecTV declined to share how many or which markets are a part of the trial run where streaming with a device is currently the only option for new customers. Outside those trial markets, new customers can still choose between streaming or satellite. Cord Cutters News wrote that “it seems to be mostly large cities with robust high-speed internet access are the primary focus for the streaming-only model. Rural areas with limited broadband availability may still have access to satellite service for new customers, though the company encourages even these users to explore streaming options where feasible.”
The test comes as DirecTV continues to expand in the streaming space, having launched a new FAST streaming service, dubbed “MyFree DirecTV,” in November. That offering includes at least 105 channels, according to DirecTV. Earlier this year, the company also launched a “MySports” streaming package with 40 channels, as part of a move to what it calls “Genre Packs” — smaller collections of channels based on interests like news, sports and entertainment.
DirecTV is available to stream via devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, or the company’s Gemini device. Between satellite and streaming, DirecTV is believed to currently have around 11 million subscribers.
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