Does Direct TV require a phone connection if pay per view option is not used?

from what I understand, the answer is, yes. Apparently, they'll charge you an extra $5.00/mo. if it isn't connected to a phone line.

The Dish and DirecTV receivers call into their system once a week. Not too sure why, maybe to report on your movie purchase history (if any) and maybe updates of the system or the online program schedule.