DirecTV Warns of Growing Rival Amid Customer Exits

In recent years, the popularity of cable TV has been on the decline, thanks to the increasing number of streaming services that offer a more budget-friendly way to enjoy movies and TV shows. This shift has led to a mass exodus of TV customers from cable providers like DirecTV.

According to a recent report from MoffettNathanson, DirecTV lost around 288,000 cable customers in the third quarter of 2025, contributing to a total loss of 988,000 TV customers across cable and satellite companies during that time. The trend of cutting the cord seems to be gaining momentum, with a survey from All About Cookies revealing that many consumers are happy with their decision to ditch traditional TV services.

Less than 30% of Americans now rely on traditional cable or satellite services for their TV needs, with the majority opting for paid streaming services instead. The average person pays about $48 per month for three streaming services, a more cost-effective option compared to the average cable TV bill of $83 per month.

The rise in cable costs and the plethora of content available on streaming platforms are key factors driving this shift. As streaming subscriptions continue to be more affordable for the average household, it’s no surprise that many are making the switch from cable.

DirecTV, like other cable providers, is feeling the heat as more customers opt for streaming services over traditional TV. In response, DirecTV has begun focusing more on developing its streaming business. However, the company has raised concerns about a new threat to its satellite TV service – SpaceX’s Starlink.

SpaceX launched Starlink in 2019, offering satellite internet service to over 9 million customers across 155 countries. The service is particularly popular in rural and underserved areas, making it easier for consumers to transition from cable to streaming services. This poses a significant challenge to satellite TV providers like DirecTV.

With SpaceX’s ambitious plans for Starlink, including the deployment of thousands of satellites and the potential for increased network capacity, DirecTV fears that interference from Starlink’s satellites could impact its service quality and result in further customer losses. The company has raised these concerns with the Federal Communications Commission, highlighting the need to address potential interference issues.

Despite the challenges, SpaceX’s Starlink service has been met with high approval ratings from consumers, outperforming other internet providers in satisfaction scores. The competition is fierce, and it remains to be seen how DirecTV and other traditional TV providers will adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.