DirecTV does not offer its own internet service
DirecTV is a satellite television provider, not an internet service provider. The company delivers TV channels through a satellite dish mounted on your roof, but it does not provide the internet connection itself. If you have DirecTV and want internet, you need a separate provider — cable, fiber, DSL, or fixed wireless — depending on what is available at your address.
This matters because many people assume their TV provider also handles internet. DirecTV bundles its satellite TV with other services, but internet is not one of them. You will see DirecTV advertise "packages" that include phone and streaming, but those are add-ons to the TV service, not replacements for a home internet connection.
Key Takeaways
- DirecTV provides satellite television only and does not operate as an internet service provider in any market.
- You must choose a separate internet provider — cable, fiber, DSL, or fixed wireless — based on what serves your address.
- DirecTV can bundle with some internet providers in certain areas, meaning one bill for both services, but DirecTV itself is not the internet company.
- Satellite internet from Starlink or Viasat is a separate product from DirecTV and requires its own equipment and account.
- If you want to drop DirecTV but keep internet, your internet provider will not be affected because they are separate services.
Why DirecTV does not offer internet
DirecTV's infrastructure is built for one-way satellite transmission — sending TV signals from space to your dish. Internet requires two-way communication: data going up to the provider and coming back down to you. Satellite TV and broadband internet are fundamentally different technologies that need different equipment and networks.
DirecTV's parent company, AT&T, does offer internet through its fiber and DSL networks in some areas under the AT&T brand. But those are separate products with separate accounts and separate equipment. You cannot order internet directly from DirecTV; you would order it from AT&T or another provider that serves your location.
How to find internet if you have DirecTV
Start by checking what internet providers serve your address. Use the FCC's broadband map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov or your state's broadband office website — both let you enter your address and see available options. Common choices are cable (Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Cox), fiber (AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, local providers), DSL (AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink), and fixed wireless (T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home).
Once you know what is available, compare speeds and prices. Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). For basic web browsing and email, 25 Mbps is enough. For streaming video or multiple people online at once, 100 Mbps or higher works better. Check the provider's website or call for current pricing — rates change frequently and vary by location.
If you want one bill for both TV and internet, some cable and fiber providers bundle DirecTV with their internet service. This is not DirecTV offering internet; it is the internet provider offering both services together. AT&T, for example, can bundle AT&T Fiber internet with DirecTV in areas where both are available. Ask your internet provider whether they offer this option.
Satellite internet is different from DirecTV
Starlink and Viasat are satellite internet providers — completely separate from DirecTV. They use satellites to deliver internet, not television. If you see satellite internet advertised, it is not related to your DirecTV service. You would need a separate dish, separate account, and separate monthly bill.
Satellite internet has improved in recent years, especially Starlink, but it still has higher latency (delay) than cable or fiber. This matters for video calls, online gaming, and real-time applications. Satellite internet also has data caps in some cases and can be affected by heavy rain or snow. Check the provider's coverage map and read reviews for your specific area before ordering.
What happens to your internet if you cancel DirecTV
If you cancel DirecTV, your internet service continues without interruption because they are separate services with separate accounts. Your internet provider will not know or care that you dropped your TV service. You will still pay your internet bill each month, and your connection will work the same way.
The reverse is also true: if you cancel internet, DirecTV keeps working. Your satellite TV does not need internet to function — the signal comes directly from the satellite to your dish. However, some DirecTV features like on-demand content and the mobile app do require internet, so losing your connection would affect those specific features.
Bundling DirecTV with internet from another provider
Many internet providers offer discounts when you bundle services. If you have DirecTV and want internet from the same company's bill, look for providers that offer both in your area. AT&T can bundle AT&T Fiber with DirecTV. Charter Spectrum and Comcast Xfinity do not carry DirecTV, but they offer their own TV services bundled with internet.
Bundling usually saves money for the first year or two, but prices often increase after the promotional period ends. Read the contract carefully to see when the discount expires and what the regular price will be. Some people find it cheaper to buy services separately from different providers after the bundle discount ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get internet through my DirecTV account?
No. DirecTV does not provide internet. You must open a separate account with an internet service provider. Some providers bundle their internet with DirecTV on one bill, but the internet service itself comes from a different company.
Does DirecTV internet exist in any area?
DirecTV does not offer internet anywhere. The company only provides satellite television. If you see "DirecTV internet" advertised, it is either a bundle offer from another provider or outdated information.
What if satellite internet is my only option?
If cable, fiber, and DSL are not available at your address, satellite internet from Starlink or Viasat may be your choice. These are separate from DirecTV and require their own equipment and accounts. Check coverage maps and read reviews for your area, as performance varies by location.
Will canceling DirecTV affect my internet?
No. DirecTV and internet are separate services. Canceling one does not affect the other. Your internet will continue working, and you will still pay your internet provider each month.
Can I bundle DirecTV with fiber internet?
Yes, in some areas. AT&T offers both AT&T Fiber internet and DirecTV in certain locations and can combine them on one bill. Check AT&T's website or call to see if both services are available at your address.