DirecTV in the News

DirecTV Leads the Satellite Television Industry

MOUNTAIN LAKES, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2000--Solomon-Wolff Associates, an independent New Jersey based market research firm released findings from its semi-annual national survey of consumer communications services.

The research indicates a growth in the satellite television industry, which now accounts for more than 19 percent of the combined cable and satellite market. DirecTV, a unit of Hughes Electronics owned by General Motors,  leads the satellite market with 10.8 percent of all cable and satellite television subscribers, as compared to 5.6 percent market share last year -- a 93 percent increase.

``The survey findings indicate that satellite television is becoming a main stream alternative to cable TV and is no longer limited to a market of early adopters,'' said S. Joey Wolff, partner, Solomon-Wolff Associates. ``In addition, satellite customers report much greater satisfaction with their service than do cable television customers.''

According to Wolff, 34.3 percent of satellite television customers reported they were completely satisfied, as compared to only 14.7 percent of cable customers. The two satellite companies leading in customer satisfaction were DirecTV and DishNetwork.

``Satellite television is growing in popularity as consumers want more flexibility and more choices in what they watch. Satellite customers also spend significantly more each month than do cable television customers,'' said Wolff.

The personal communications survey was conducted through Solomon-Wolff's Web site, www.consumerviews.com, in January and February, 2000. A random sample of 5,195 participants was selected from Solomon-Wolff's online database of more than 150,000 Internet users to complete the survey. The sample of Internet users was asked questions related to usage, spending and satisfaction of local and long distance telephone service, wireless service, cable/satellite TV, paging, ISPs, and computer and Internet usage. Solomon-Wolff conducts the survey twice a year to track trends in personal communications services. For detailed information on Solomon-Wolff's research study, contact Joey Wolff at 973/263-1409 or e-mail at SJWolff7@aol.com.

Located in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, Solomon-Wolff is a 17 year-old research company specializing in high tech and communications issues.