DirecTV puts away the checkbook, plans to raise rates in 2009
DirecTV already broke our hearts once this week, and it's doing its darnedest to shatter the blood pumper once more. The satcaster, while doing fairly well with all things considered, is still looking to reel in spending and watch profits carefully in 2009. Reportedly, the outfit has decided to freeze hiring and suspend any spending on all "but the most critical capital projects." Clearly, the ill-fated HDPC-20 tuner didn't fall into that "most critical" bucket. Moreover, it's looking to ramp up promotions and raise rates as it barrels into the new year, and even though folks are spending less overall, it still "remains bullish" about the year to come. Verizon, AT&T, et al. -- it's time to mobilize and capitalize.[Image courtesy of CipherLTD]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael R @ Dec 10th 2008 8:14PM
I'll bet DirecTV's "churn" is increasing right now and will increase next month as Christmas bills come due. I pulled the DirecTV plug at my house this week after many years of service. One way I think DirecTV could retain more customers is cut prices, bring back MusicChoice and find a way to let more customers buy east and west coast network feeds.
Jeff @ Dec 10th 2008 9:05PM
Sorry, the ability to get east and west coast network feeds is controlled by the FCC. Not much (other then lobbying for a law change) that DirecTV can do to change this.
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/shva/
jason @ Dec 11th 2008 11:46AM
before i moved to nc i lived in ny and in ny we had both east and westcoast broadcasts.
when we moved to nc i requested to get the westcoast channels also and the directv cust rep placed a request in. 2 weeks later i rcvd a postcard stating i will not get westcoast service. i called dtv and they said the request goes to local stations in my area. the reason for the denial is they want the local customer to see local commercials! hmmmm!
just my 2cents!
Casey @ Dec 10th 2008 8:19PM
Dear Santa,
Please bring Major League Baseball package and a Vista Media Center compatible tuner to DISH Network.
Thanks, God Bless.
Seriously, the only reason I switched from Dish to DIrecTV is the baseball package, the only reason why I have Comcast at the same time is for Cable Card compatibility with Media Center. The HDPC was going to solve all my problems. I really liked Dish.
aaron @ Dec 10th 2008 9:17PM
if the dish media center tuner rumors turn out to be true im gonna jump ship... but then again i dont give a crap about sunday ticket so thats the one big advantage they hold over the other providers.
Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Dec 11th 2008 12:12AM
Verizon FiOS is awesome.
EEL @ Dec 11th 2008 12:47AM
This is sad news.
I find it hard to live without NFL Sunday Ticket (sure I can go to a sports bar, but a) I'm normally just waking up in time for kickoff every Sunday, and b) I'm saving money by not eating and drinking out unnecessarily.
I do need to cut back on some of my services though. Let's just hope I'm not priced out into another carrier that I don't want (Comcast, AT&T U-Verse since '07 and nothing else...yet).
Michael R @ Dec 11th 2008 7:14AM
"We're sorry Verizon doesn't offer FiOS service in your area" (or even your State).
www22.verizon.com/FiOSForHome/channels/OrderFiOS/OutOfFranchise.aspx
Achilles @ Dec 11th 2008 9:36AM
I'd love to have Verizon Fios but it's not available in my apartment complex and I live in Houston. How sad is that? Directv better not get too greedy and raise them to a ridiculous rate.
Richard @ Dec 11th 2008 10:24AM
My contract is allllmost up...
I can not WAIT to dump DirecTV.
They are, without a doubt, one of the most over priced providers of ANYthing.
kevon27 @ Dec 11th 2008 11:57AM
I dumped those basterds over the summer.
I wanted to get the HD DVR (only had the HD receiver). They wanted $200 for the Unit and $100 to install. I begged and pleaded to give me the dvr for free or at least break up the payments in to small amounts over a few months. They would not budge. I had about 5 months left on my contract. It would have cost about $50 in penalties to leave early.
I called Verizon and spoke to the rep and explained to her my situation. She gave me a $50 credit on my fios tv bill because I was leaving Directv.
Now I have better quality HD, not as much channels but who cares, they will come in time.
And, I have 2 HD DVRs and only a 1 year contract (directv want 2 years, and my first born - devils).
Since I left DirectTV, those bastard send me letters every week begging me to come back. I even got calls from reps asking me to comeback. They are giving me every kinda deal under the sun. Where were those deals a few months back when I wanted to get one stinking HD dvr upgrade?
Directv, I hope all of your satellites crash and burn.
Aaron @ Dec 11th 2008 4:40PM
If DirecTV raises rates, doesn't that more or less let you terminate your 2 year contract?
YouFaceTheTick @ Dec 12th 2008 3:16AM
We will suspend our account after football season. Waste of money otherwise. Once the NFL offers games online in HD we can bypass DTV entirely.
GhostDoggy @ Dec 12th 2008 6:25AM
Anyone haven activated a new access card with DirecTV in the last year is committed to some minimal service for a 24-month period. So, raised rates in 2009 will hurt those folks (including myself), but the backlash danger DirecTV must address is that of 'minimal' service.
For instance, I could easily take my $97/month bill that is without Premium Movie or Sports packages and cut that bill in half if I do not feel like its a deserved rate hike. I still find it hard to believe my bill is so high--yet somehow they think their subscribers are thinking, "gosh, I am getting such a fantastic deal with DirecTV."
Idiots