DirecTV and similar satellite providers commonly offer promotional installation, trial access to premium channels, and targeted discounts for new and existing customers. However, policies about equipment ownership and the details of "free" installation or hardware vary by promotion and over time. Confirm terms in writing, watch trial end-dates, and check subscriber communications for ongoing offers.

Overview

DirecTV has long attracted subscribers with equipment offers, installation options, and periodic promotions for premium channels. If you're comparing satellite TV choices, it helps to know how these offers typically work today and what to watch for in the fine print.

Equipment and ownership

Historically, satellite providers (including DirecTV) have had different policies about whether receivers and dishes are leased or given to the customer. Some customers in the past reported keeping equipment after service ended; policies have changed over time, and terms now often vary by plan and promotion.

Before you sign up, confirm in writing whether any receivers, smart cards, or other hardware are provided as a loan, sold, or transferred to you permanently.

Installation and setup

Promotional bundles frequently include reduced-price or complimentary professional installation during limited-time sign-up offers. Providers may also offer self-install kits as an alternative. Always check whether a "free installation" offer requires a long-term contract or specific plan level. 1

If you value professional setup, ask for the installation details: what the technician will install, whether wall mounting or cable runs cost extra, and whether device programming is included.

Promotional devices and add-ons

In earlier years, sign-up promotions sometimes included free electronics (for example, DVD players or PVR units). That kind of bundled hardware is less common now; current incentives tend to focus on subscription credits, free premium-channel trials, bill credits, or discounted equipment. 2

Read promotion terms carefully. If a device is part of an offer, confirm whether it's yours to keep and whether any early-termination fees or return requirements apply.

Premium channels and trial periods

DirecTV and other TV providers commonly run time-limited trials for premium channels (HBO, STARZ, etc.) and then offer reduced-price introductory rates for a set period. These trial windows are useful to test content before committing, but promotional pricing usually reverts to the regular rate after the introductory period, so mark your calendar to avoid surprise charges. 3

Offers for existing customers

Carriers still target existing subscribers with periodic upgrade offers - through billing inserts, in-app messages, email, or the on-screen guide. These can include discounted channel bundles, temporary premium access, or hardware upgrade deals. Check the subscriber messages channel and your billing communications so you don't miss limited-time offers. 4

Bottom line

DirecTV continues to use a mix of installation deals, promotional trials, and targeted offers to attract and retain customers. The specifics change often, so verify equipment ownership, installation costs, trial durations, and post-promo pricing before you commit.
  1. Confirm current DirecTV policy on equipment ownership (leased vs. given to customer).
  2. Verify whether DirecTV currently includes complimentary professional installation in standard sign-up promotions and any typical conditions.
  3. Check whether DirecTV still offers hardware (DVD players, recorders) as sign-up incentives or now focuses on subscription credits/trials.
  4. Confirm current typical promotional structure for premium-channel trials and post-trial pricing for DirecTV.
  5. Verify the primary channels used to communicate offers to existing DirecTV subscribers (billing inserts, in-app, email, on-screen guide).

FAQs about Directv Offers

Does DirecTV give you the receiver to keep?
It depends on the promotion and the equipment. Policies have changed over time; confirm whether hardware is leased or transferred in the offer terms before you sign up.
Is installation always free?
Not always. Providers often run temporary promotions with free or discounted professional installation, but those offers can require a specific plan or contract length. Verify the installation terms for your deal.
Will I get free premium channels when I sign up?
You may get limited-time trials or discounted introductory rates for premium channels. Promotional pricing typically ends after the trial or introductory period, so check when the regular rate begins.
How do existing subscribers find new offers?
Offers are usually communicated via billing inserts, email, in-app messages, on-screen prompts, or the provider's subscriber channel. Review those channels regularly to catch limited-time deals.