The telecommunications providers' initial high rate of new video customers is starting to flatten, according to DirecTV Group Inc. (DTV) Chief Financial Officer Patrick Doyle.

After an early spike in the months after their launch there has been a stabilizing of net new subscriber additions, Doyle told analysts during an investor conference Thursday.

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) sells television service through FiOS, while AT&T Inc. (T) offers its U-Verse TV service.

Both companies, however, partner with DirecTV to provide television service. Doyle said the companies continue to line up well in competition against the cable providers.

On the company's ongoing chief executive search, Doyle said he doesn't expect an announcement for a while. While some progress is made, the board will take its time finding the right candidate, he said.

Despite concern over younger consumers getting away from watching video on their TVs, Doyle said customers are still spending more time in front of the television set than the Internet or a cellphone.

DirecTV has done a good job of maintaining a high bar for quality customers, Doyle said. The company has used credit checks to ensure it is keeping out customers unwilling to pay for the service once the promotional periods end. Likewise, the company is attracting higher-end customers with more advanced services, which he says makes these customers "stickier."

DirecTV is working on reducing costs, and expects the growth in operating expenses to slow below revenue growth, Doyle said. The company is looking to get more efficiencies out of customer care and tighter general expenses, as well as lower set-top box prices.

Doyle said he expects higher average revenue per customer next year, once several "revenue headwinds are removed."

DirecTV shares closed up 50 cents, or 2%, to $25.52.

-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2153; roger.cheng@dowjones.com