Having already built the infrastructure, it's odd that they would just abandon all of those users who cannot use DirecTV either because they're in a multi-unit dwelling or otherwise lack clear view to their satellite slots.
What really surprised me, though, was that DirecTV was actually growing. I thought there was a trend towards watching TV shows via the internet and away from traditional cable/satellite.
DirecTV is probably largely cannibalizing other traditional cable/satellite (AT&T has been very heavily promoting it and offering big incentives since they purchased it); there's nothing inconsistent between DirecTV growing while the overall cable/satellite market is shrinking.
> "To realize the many benefits of our DirecTV acquisition, we are leading our video marketing approach with DirecTV," said Brad Burns, an AT&T spokesman. "However, our first priority is to listen to our customers and meet their needs, and if we determine a customer will be better served with the U-verse product, we offer attractive and compelling options."
Plus I bet the future of satellite TV is "satellite" over the internet. I had DirectTV's NFL sunday ticket this past season.
SlingTV is already doing it. IF I were DirectTV I'd get into that game yesterday.
No, we haven't been told it's inevitable, as it is highly evitable with tracking and controlled descent. Eventually we'll be able to shoot down space junk with frickin laser beams ("ablate" it) and it will be a complete nonissue.