DIRECTV ( DTV ), the largest satellite TV operator in the U.S., has started charging an extra fee of $3 per month from some of its new customers on program packages, which include multiple sports channels. DirecTV follows in the footsteps of rival Time Warner Cable Inc. ( TWC ), which is charging nearly an extra $4 per month for the sports channels. DirecTV' is charging the monthly surcharge in the regions where there are multiple regional sports channels including News Corporation's ( NWS ) Prime Ticket, Fox Sport's West and Time Warner's SportsNet. However, the additional fee structure will only affect 20 percent of the total 210 markets in the U.S. The additional monthly fee of $3 will be levied on all the channel packages above the lowest tier. The lowest tier starts at $30 per month. The next step, called "choice" starts at a promotional price of $35 per month, exclusive of any extra fee and includes 10 more channels including the local sports channels.