DirecTV Hits 12 Million-Customer Mark

Nine years after its debut, DirecTV activated its 12 millionth customer. The digital multi-channel television service provider is the television entertainment service in more than one of every nine TV households in the United States. Roxanne Austin, president and chief operating officer of DirecTV, confirms the redefinition of television viewing by noting that the company added more than 1 million customers in the last year. She said customers are attracted to the programming selection, digital video recording and HD-technology. "If we continue to experience such strong subscriber growth, we could see an upside to our fourth quarter net subscriber guidance and corresponding downward pressure on our operating profit before depreciation and amortization guidance," she said.