We discussed this as well as some other advantages DirecTV enjoys over its competitors in a recent article. (See DirecTV Subscriber Gains Continue.) Marketing campaigns drove subscriber additions in recent quarters and so far it has avoided any large scale blackouts similar to the ones experienced by Dish in pricing disputes with content carriers.

FORBES: DirecTV Gets Payoff In Stock Price For Subscriber Revenue Gains

Today, the best that can be said is that the extent and duration of future EMP-induced blackouts would depend on whether the emitter generates a small or large pulse, and whether it is detonated at ground-level or from high altitudes.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Blackout Next Time