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DirecTV investing $53M in network, tripling HD channels, services

DirecTV will improve its infrastructure and enhance programming offered to island customers this year.

Satellite television provider DirecTV is looking to strengthen its leadership position in Puerto Rico through a $53 million investment in new projects during 2012 that include tripling its High-Definition channel lineup.

The company, which has a 32 percent market share in the local satellite television market, will also expand its services infrastructure as part of its initiatives to increase its existing 220,000 subscriber base by 10 percent this year, company officials said Thursday.

Recently appointed General Manager Thelma López, who is the first woman to fill the position since the company began its operations on the island in 1999, said “the key to our company’s success has been its advanced technology, innovative services and top-notch customer services.”

The executive added that the company will focus on several infrastructure projects that are already underway that include new technology, the opening of five new points of sale, customer service offices remodeling and enhancements to its vehicle fleet.

New platform on the way
One of DirecTV’s flagship projects for this year will be the implementation of the new “Nexus” technology, which will enable subscribers to enjoy their favorite programming at any time in any room of the house, since it allows them to pause and start it again in a different room. That service will be launched in October.

The company will be investing $14.2 million in a new advanced platform, which will provide clients a better entertainment experience as they will have access to more channels, both standard and High Definition (HD), as well as to more advanced technology and additional functions. In October, DirecTV will add 30 new HD channels to its current lineup of 15, thus tripling the offer, López told News is my Business.

The additional channels, plus the launching of a new feature for pre-paid customers that allows them to add a second box to catch the signal in a different room, will take up most of the planned investment, she said.

During 2011, DirecTV reinforced its customer service infrastructure through a series of projects that will continue on throughout 2012, including the remodeling of its Mayaguez regional office. The company will also add five new points of sales that will be located at the facilities of Sam’s Club in Kennedy Avenue in San Juan, in Santurce’s commercial area, in Río Grande and Trujillo Alto.

The company will invest more than $1 million dollars in these projects that will create some 84 new jobs, which represents a 14.8 percent increase in its workforce.

Author Details
Author Details
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
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6 Comments

  1. Aa February 9, 2012

    “the already superior DirecTV experience”? what a bias!

    Reply
    1. Anonymous February 9, 2012

      Thank you for pointing that out. It slipped by in the editing. Our priority is objectivity, but sometimes, we make mistakes. Thanks again!

      Reply
      1. disqustang September 20, 2012

        Yeah, objectivity. That’s why you removed my comment yesterday, weasel.

        Reply
        1. Michelle Kantrow September 20, 2012

          We will not tolerate insulting comments on our website. We will not expose ourselves to libel, which is why your comment was removed. Have a good day.

          Reply
  2. Sadie Heldberg February 21, 2012

    Developing innovative technology to fit what I need as a
    customer alerts me to a company initially. What I observe as a customer makes
    all the difference in my future with that company. When I had DirecTV it felt
    like they were always trying to play catch-up. I did not get a good feeling
    about being a valued customer, which is huge in my eyes. I am not home to deal
    with bad customer service I travel frequently for Dish so the concept of having
    a company working for me is critical. I have seen more innovative technology
    coming from Dish than any other provider in the industry. This desire to meet
    the consumers need does not appear to be ending anytime soon either. A perfect
    example is Dish TV Everywhere™ where I can access all my programming without limit.
    I feel comfortable with my service and know that anything I need will be taken
    care of with a quick phone or online chat with a representative. That means so
    much!
     

    Reply
  3. disqustang September 19, 2012

    I know Comcast is operated by Obama-ites, so it’s understandable that they resent us one-percenters in Pebble Beach California. Maybe DirecTV is run by liberals, too, because they keep putting off carrying HD local nets here while catering to illegal immigrants and all their Spanish language channels. I can go into gangsta neighborhoods and buy a card that opens all channels on my receiver, so the Spanish speakers aren’t benefitting by this PC policy. If only Douche Network wasn’t so incompetent, I’d trade in my magic card and get another service.

    Reply

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