It started out simply enough. "Cut the Cord and Go Wireless." We didn't whip out our chainsaw and start hacking down all the utility poles in the neighborhood like on television, but- We mindlessly called in the suspension order to 'Ma Bell' without a second or third thought. Then it happened. Several hours after we cut the cord our DirectTV failed. It appears that the receiver relies on two-way communication with the host for authentication. Go figure?
Ironically, The second set in the back bedroom continues to function without local phone service. At least, as of the moment.


Comments: 5
Nope. but I live in an association community and they are dropping their cable provider, Comcast. They asked us a reedciulous fee for coninuin service. I guess you can do that when you are the only cable in town. As of July first, I am without. We looked into both Dish Nework and Direct TV, but still are not sure.
So far, neither Verizon nor DirectTV will respond to the question, Is DirectTV contingent on a phone line to function. It's quite a simple question afterall, but neither company has an answer. Amazing, Isn't it?
I have Dish, if I want to use my smart card to buy a Pay Per View movie the box must be connected to a working phone line! I use a local company for my highspeed internet, it uses a cell phone tower about 10 miles away! I'm the only one out here with direct line of site to the tower!
We are still awaiting the arrival of a highly-trained specialist to tell us, " Yeah, You have to have a 'twisted-pair' ( copper ) phone line to the DirectTV receiver for it to function ... ".
It's been as frustrating as hell that's for sure.