How DirecTV Fights the Streaming War as Cable Cutting Continues

Published: July 29, 2025

glenn-carstens-peters-EOQhsfFBhRk-unsplash — Photo from Glenn Carstens Peters via Unsplash

By India McCarty

DirecTV increases its efforts to make a mark in the streaming world as customers continue to cut their cable packages.

“According to a recent report from MoffettNathanson, traditional pay-TV providers saw a 12.6% decrease in customers during the second quarter of 2024,” TheStreet reported, explaining that cable providers lost over 1 million subscribers, while satellite services like DirecTV lost almost 500,000.

Now, DirecTV looks to expand its streaming offerings in an effort to lure those lost customers back — and end its satellite programs.

DirecTV customers were confused when they noticed a message on the company’s website that read, “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 the company told Variety this was not a permanent move, stating, “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 also began offering customers access to channels like CourtTV, ABC News Live and Bravo Vault for free through the MyFree DirecTV streaming app last year and experimented with a multiview feature for some select customers.

“We’re always testing new features and enhancements to bring customers more access to the programming they want most,” a spokesperson told The Desk, but did not confirm if the multiview feature will become available to all subscribers.

Many other streamers offer customers this multiview feature, including HBO Max, YouTube TV and Fubo.

DirecTV has started testing new ‘Mix’ multiview channels for sports, news and more, offering the ability to watch multiple channels at the same time. https://t.co/5YvMh9LCne

— Streaming Better (@StreamingBetter) July 18, 2025
Related: DirecTV Cuts Back on Satellite Service to Focus on Streaming

DirecTV’s efforts to make its streaming service more attractive to subscribers makes sense, as these days, more and more people are choosing streaming over traditional TV.

A survey conducted by All About Cookies found that “less than half (46%) of Americans still use traditional cable or satellite TV services,” which “includes just 27% of Gen Z viewers.”

“Only 14% of cord-cutters regret the switch from cable,” the survey continued, pointing to the cost comparison as the main reason for having no regrets — the average monthly cost for streaming services is $58, while the average monthly cost for a cable subscription is $83.

It’s still unclear if DirecTV’s moves to bring subscribers back to the company through these new features will pay off, but, as cable subscriber numbers plummet across the board, it makes sense for DirecTV to pivot to the world of streaming.

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