DirecTV in the News

DIRECTV Begins Home Service Plan

Service Plan Administered by NEW Covers All DIRECTV System Components

El Segundo, CA and Dulles, VA, May 16, 2001 -- DIRECTV, Inc., the nation's leading digital satellite television service provider, and N.E.W. Customer Service Companies, Inc. (NEW ), the nation's leading provider of extended service contracts and buyer protection programs, announced today the mid-June rollout of an extended service plan for DIRECTV customers. The NEW -administered DIRECTV Protection Plan will cover all components of the DIRECTV System, including the receiver, dish (including alignment), remote and wiring, and will be available for $5.99 per month - or in one-year installments for $59.90. The service fee will cover all receivers in the household.

"Our agreement with NEW to offer a seamless, all-inclusive, in-home customer service program is part of our commitment to continually raise the bar on our level of customer service," said John McKee, senior vice president and general manager, Home Services, for DIRECTV, Inc. "The DIRECTV Protection Plan provides a new level of support for DIRECTV customers, as well as the confidence that we'll handle any problem quickly, leaving them more time to enjoy their DIRECTV® programming."

The DIRECTV Protection Plan can be purchased by new customers at activation, and will also be available to existing customers. DIRECTV customers who subscribe to the service plan can call NEW's toll-free customer service center - staffed by fully trained customer service representatives 24-hours a day - to troubleshoot technical problems or schedule service if the problem can't be resolved by phone. NEW will either authorize service by DIRECTV Home Service Providers or initiate an equipment exchange program that provides next-day delivery of replacement equipment for the customer.

"Both DIRECTV and NEW share a strong commitment to customer service, and we're delighted DIRECTV has selected NEW to provide its service plan," said Tony Nader, president and COO of NEW. "The program is designed to provide added value to the customer after the sale and increase their satisfaction and loyalty."

The DIRECTV HOME SERVICES network, which manages all home service and installation needs for the company, will provide support through its nationwide network of more than 2,800 authorized technicians.