Gentlemen: All of DirecTV is generally a Keystone Cops operation. Do you expect that they would do better with contractors? I don't.
I'm thinking the best thing to do with anything having to do with DirecTV is just to ignore news, rumors, press releases and hysterical internet discussions predicting all sorts of fantabulous things, and to believe any D* development ONLY when it actually appears on your home screen and you can watch it. This will usually occur between one and two years after the first rumor idiot predicted it would happen, if the alleged development ever happens at all, and it will badly planned and implemented, and of lower quality than first hoped.
Relax. DirecTV are idiots. Expect them to behave that way and you will never be disappointed, but sometimes pleasantly surprised.
And now, onward to consider the overall quality (or lack thereof) of Comcast and DISH in my market area...............we are oppressed consumers, my friends!