A lot depends on what type of DirecTV box you have. Mine still uses the card and I had to go through the set-up procedure to match my box with the satellite antenna that I have. We have had this box for three years and I never have to contact DirecTV to let them know where I am. When parked at home, the box stays in our RV with the antenna aimed to receive a signal. It never has been hooked up to the internet or phone line and receives all of the updates through the antenna hook-up. The box costs us $10/month since it is the HD box. It is on my Son's Maryland DirecTV account and we are listed, ON HIS ACCOUNT, as the Florida RV, at our Florida address.