DirecTV switching broadband supplier?
February 3, 2012
By Chris Forrester
DirecTV has stopped selling a satellite broadband service from ViaSat’s WildBlue. Reports suggest that DirecTV is advising its subscribers to contact WildBlue themselves if they have questions or queries.
An internal email to staff from DirecTV, quoted by The Morning Bridge web-site, states: “Effective immediately, you should no longer offer WildBlue Internet packages to new or existing customers.” It adds: “While the offers will still be visible in the ordering systems, you should avoid mention of the service.” The letter also says that DirecTV is not keeping its retailers from offering WildBlue service on their own accord.
Importantly, DirecTV stresses that this is a “temporary situation” with considerable speculation that the pay-TV broadcaster is contemplating launching its own tied broadband-by-satellite service.
One potential name firmly in the frame is the rival service from HughesNet. HughesNet is owned by DirecTV’s arch rival Dish Network.
WildBlue claims more than 400,000 subscribers across the continental USA using three key resellers (DirecTV, Dish Network and telco AT&T).