Even as cord-cutting has accelerated in recent years, satellite TV has declined even further. The two major satellite companies, DirecTV and Dish Network, have been steadily bleeding subscribers for years. Dish Network lost another 230,000 pay-TV subscribers in the first quarter of 2021.

Will satellite TV become obsolete?

Satellite TV reception is not dead yet, however. ... Two-way satellite TV will likely be the only viable option for those who live in remote areas for the foreseeable future. While satellite is likely to see its TV audience in built-up areas of the world drop off, it is seeing a huge growth in other sectors.

How much longer is satellite TV around?

Each of Dish's satellites are only expected to be useful for 15 years, meaning that in another five and a half years, only one of Dish's satellites will still be within its estimated useful lifespan. He said the situation is similar for DirecTV's fleet and that neither company is building any replacements.