Setting up On Demand

Not sure what you are asking as On Demand requires an internet connection.  If you mean PPV you can use the automated phone system or send a text to pay for them or for an additional fee you can call DTV support, there is now a DTV app you can download to your phone.

When we had a landline plugged into the older equipment, an internet connection wasn't needed.  With the newer equipment, evidently, the only way to get On Demand programming is to have an internet connection. 

The only downside to PPV is that you have to watch the scheduled programming. 

OnDemand downloads have always required an internet connection. But, yes, you could record PPV channels with just a phone line to authorize the purchase. New equipment doesn't have a phone line connection, so you will need an internet connection to authorize the purchase/recording. Or you'll need to call DirecTV and pay a slight premium. 

You are incorrect in saying that OnDemand has always required an internet connection. The older equipment with a landline telephone jack didn’t require an internet connection. Ours was like that for years, only until about a year ago when we "upgraded".  When broadband is available in our area, we will dump DTV all together. 

I'm sorry, but I will have to eat my words on this post. I was confusing OnDemand with PPV. Sorry for the confusion. We've never had OD, but we are having a problem ordering PPV. I'm going to talk with neighbors to see if they have the same problem ordering PPV, since we are all in a non-internet area, presently.

Right. There's a difference between "On Demand" and "PPV" channels. But, since newer equipment has no phone jack, the only way to order PPV movies is via an internet connection or by calling DirecTV. And they charge a fee if you call to authorize a PPV purchase. 

If I text to order, are you saying that I still need an internet connection on the tv? 

https://www.directv.com/support/article/000093575

Thanks. I'll have to check my options under the satellite dish category. 

They used to offer it with or without an internet connection. They also encrypt the signal. Fraudsters copy or try to copy the cards to get the signal to unencrypt however using the satellite companies receivers.

they don't fry them (the device used with the receiver that has two sides to unencrypt) they protect their signals also equipment and intellectual trademarked copyrighted material. It also sends a receiver ID and if they are protecting can geo (GPS) locate the device itself similar with electronic camera photos. 

You might want to check starlink or Hughes for internet satellite service. You can use streaming service on both ISP services.

You can lower your bandwidth network setting also playing online games with the latest graphic card and computing device. (It's possible)  
The two companies actually uses encryption in the communication one is lower orbiting satellite technology (no pun intended).