DIRECTV® Service FAQ

Below is a list of common questions about our DIRECTV® Service. If you can’t find an answer to your question, feel free to give us a call at 1.866.984.2001.

Billing

Will my monthly fee be very high?

Dollar for dollar, DIRECTV delivers more entertainment and choice than any other provider. Where else can you get your favorite channels (including local channels1)—all in dazzling digital quality? DIRECTV's low price usually beats the price of digital cable. And you can get so much more with DIRECTV® service.

Will I need to buy expensive equipment

No! Right now, you can get free standard installation of a DIRECTV® System in up to 4 rooms of your home. This includes a satellite dish and up to 4 leased standard receivers. All DIRECTV asks is that you subscribe to 18 months (24 months for advanced products) of any DIRECTV® base programming package ($29.99/mo. or higher). On approved credit. Lease fee $4.99/mo. for 2nd and each additional receiver. Click here for details.

If I get DIRECTV programming on more than one TV, do I pay a full subscription for each TV?

No. There is a $4.99/month lease fee for the second and each additional receiver.

How are customers billed for DIRECTV programming?

Your DIRECTV service charges will appear on your FairPoint bill. You'll be billed for a full month of service beginning on the date you activate DIRECTV service. Your bill comes in the mail and you can pay by check. The name and address must be the same on both accounts and customer must be authorized to make changes to both accounts.

Programming

How many channels do I get with DIRECTV® service?

With DIRECTV, you have access to over 265 of your favorite digital-quality channels, including your local networks,1 over 30 premium movie channels and up to 68 XM Satellite Radio channels and choose from up to 55 Pay-Per-View choices a day. DIRECTV also offers a wide variety of high-definition television, including major HD networks where available, special HD event broadcasts and HD Pay-Per-View movies.2 All in the best possible viewing quality, all at a terrific value. Special equipment required to receive HD programming–see question below. Just add HD Access for only $9.99/mo. (Number of HD channels varies based on package selection.)

What equipment is needed for HD programming?

To access DIRECTV HD programming, HD Access fee ($9.99/mo.), a 5 LNB multi-satellite dish, DIRECTV® HD receiver and HD television are required. In cities where local off-air HD programs are available, an off-air antenna is required; reception may vary based on geographic locations. Programs are not delivered in HD in all markets.

Are specialty sports channels offered?

Sports fans can enjoy exclusive seasonal sports packages, including the exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKETtm subscription, NASCAR HotPasstm and NCAA® MEGA MARCH MADNESS®, not to mention a dedicated SPORTS Pack with over 25 specialty and regional sports networks such as FSN and the Golf Channel. You can follow the action of your favorite teams across the country from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS. With everything from auto racing to fly fishing, you'll find all the action and adventure you're looking for. (Professional and collegiate sports subscriptions sold separately. Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply to sports programming.)

How quickly is local channel service being added to new areas?

Most DIRECTV customers now have access to local channels. Today, local channels are offered to over 130 metropolitan TV markets, covering over 94 percent of television households in the country.

Does DIRECTV offer digital music channels?

Yes! Through an alliance with XM Satellite Radio, up to 68 different audio-only channels (72 with DIRECTV Mástm) featuring America's Largest Playlist of music, news, sports and entertainment are available.

Does DIRECTV offer programming in additional languages?

Yes. DIRECTV is proud to offer Arabic, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Filipino, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, South Asian (Hindi and Tamil), Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese-language programming.

Installation

Where is the DIRECTV® dish installed?

To receive DIRECTV programming, your home needs a clear view of the southern sky, unblocked by trees or buildings. After that, the professional installers mount the DIRECTV dish in the most appealing location for your home, condominium or townhouse.

Can I get DIRECTV® service if I live in a condominium?

Yes! Start by asking your landlord, property manager or homeowners association if you may install a DIRECTV® System on your rooftop.

If you're not authorized to mount the dish on the roof or the side of the building, many condominium residents have the dish installed on a private patio or balcony—a clear view of the southern sky is required.

Your system installation may require structure modifications that may be limited or restricted by the terms of your lease/rental agreement. To avoid delays in your installation, DIRECTV asks that you obtain written or verbal permission from your landlord, homeowners association or property manager (or, alternatively, review your lease/rental agreement/HOA CC&R's to confirm permission is not required) prior to scheduling your installation.

What will I get with standard professional installation?

You'll receive a service call from a highly trained installer, installation of a dish on your roof, balcony or other location, running up to 125 feet of cable, 25 feet of phone line, drilling through one wall, connecting your receiver to your TV and VCR or DVD player, a mini-lesson about your system and activation of your service.

Can I use my existing wiring in my house with the DIRECTV System

In most cases, your existing wiring can be used. Your installer will verify this upon arrival.

Can I use just one DIRECTV dish for the whole house?

Yes. The vast majority of DIRECTV customers need just one dish, no matter how many receivers/rooms are hooked into it. A select few areas of the country may require an additional dish, depending on a customer's programming choices.

How large is the DIRECTV dish?

The DIRECTV dish is small and unobtrusive, about 20" wide and 18" tall, and all are round or oval shaped. The satellite dish required for HD or international programming is slightly larger.

How long will it take to get my equipment?

Equipment comes on your scheduled installation date, and will be delivered by the installer. Installation dates are generally available within 24–72 hours of when the order was placed.

What happens when I move?

Just call DIRECTV before you move and tell them when you'll be moving and where you'll be going. Leave your DIRECTV dish behind, and take your existing receivers and remotes with you when you move. With the DIRECTV MOVERS CONNECTION™, DIRECTV will install a new dish and provide standard professional installation with your commitment renewal to any DIRECTV® programming package. Hassle free. Visit directv.com/move for more information.

Sports blackouts and your ability to receive local channels or broadcast network services may be affected by your new address. Customer must be in good standing as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion.

Service

Can I watch different channels in different rooms?

Yes. Each TV can have its own programming, and each can run independently. So every TV can show a different channel at the same time. There is a $4.99 a month lease fee for the second and each additional receiver.

Will I get poor reception sometimes?

DIRECTV delivers a crystal-clear, digital-quality signal over 99.9% of the time, rain or shine. DIRECTV's state-of-the-art reception is extremely reliable, day and night.

Can I get DIRECTV service if I live in a rural area?

Yes. Unlike cable, DIRECTV satellite programming receives its signal from the sky, and is not dependent on ground lines. With a clear view of the southern sky, DIRECTV programming is available nationwide.

To order DIRECTV® service through FairPoint, call 1.866.984.2001

1Eligibility for local channels based on service address. Not available in all markets

2To access DIRECTV HD programming, HD Access fee ($9.99/mo.), a 5-LNB Multi-Satellite Dish, DIRECTV HD equipment, and HD television equipment required. Number of HD channels varies by package selection.

DIRECTV service provided by DIRECTV and subject to credit approval. Hardware and programming available separately. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Taxes not included. Equipment not transferable and may not be sold. Pricing residential. Receipt of DIRECTV programming is subject to the terms of the DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and mailed to customers in the first month. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE, PLUS DVR, PLUS HD DVR, PREMIER, BÁSICO, FAMILIAR, FAMILIAR ULTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc.; and are used with permission. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of the respective owners.

Not all services available in all areas. Services subject to change.