In its second quarter financial report released today, the satcaster credited increased sales of High-Definition and Digital Video Recording services for the sub increase.
DIRECTV reported 900,000 gross subscriber additions in the second quarter and an average monthly churn of 1.58 percent.
The satcaster said overall subs have risen five percent since the close of the 2006 second quarter.
DIRECTV also reported that its net income fell slightly in the second quarter ($459 million to $448 million) due to higher costs to attract and maintain premium subscribers, such as HD and DVR customers.
But DIRECTV CEO Chase Carey, who just signed a three-year contract extension with the company, said HD and DVR subscribers are more likely to have higher monthly bills, which he said bodes well for the company's upcoming HD expansion.
"In light of the rapidly growing demand for advanced services in the United States, it is particularly exciting to look ahead a couple of months when we leapfrog the competition by offering up to 100 national HD channels," Carey said. "We believe our HD line-up will provide DIRECTV U.S. with a significant competitive advantage in the rapidly growing market for HD television. Consumers are passionate about HD and DIRECTV will be the clear choice for anyone looking for the best HD television experience."
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