Introduction

The next evolution in TV entertainment is considered happening now with increasing popularity of satellite TV.

However, things are about to get even better with satellite TV services providing internet access. Like any other internet connection, there are always good and bad side of things. Therefore, we should what the benefits are and vice versa.

Usage of satellite Internet

With the satellite TV internet access, you can get hi speed internet access even if you are located in a remote area. The only criterion that you have to fulfill is to have a clear view of the skies. With satellite internet access, you can have the internet connection whenever you want and you can basically have it on at all times.

Therefore, not only the satellite TV is able to provide you with excellent TV entertainment, you can also get access of information by going online. This is very beneficial for people who are located in under develop places which are secluded from the main cities.

According to the feedbacks from users, the speed of the internet connection provided by the satellite TV system is similar to broadband connection. Hence, there are more and more people changing to this service. A company called Hughes Net has already installed 800,000 orders and has customers in 85 countries. This number is recorded throughout the last 30 years. Therefore, using the satellite TV system to access internet is no longer a new thing.

Drawbacks with satellite Internet

Although feedbacks from users are good, there are still some drawbacks. The problem that lies with the satellite internet connection is the unstable connection and network latency. This problems effects some of the online applications like network gaming and online conference.

For online network gaming, there will be different players connecting from their own computers from their homes. Therefore, each player has to be able to communicate with another in the best way possible. Therefore, network latency as much as 0.5 seconds may affect the game play at a certain level. So, players using satellite internet connection may have disadvantages.

One more factor that will cause the performance of the internet access provided by satellite internet provider sis the weather element. The transmission used by satellite TV providers is in Ku-Band, it is easily affected by heavy storms and this will definitely cause trouble to the internet connection as well. Internet connection will even come to a complete halt when the weather gets bad.

Bottom line: Is satellite Internet recommended?

Being able to provide internet access definitely added one more feature to the satellite TV service. Although it may not be 100% satisfactory but it is an additional service that may benefit the users and also the satellite provider. The service will need to be improved in many ways before it is able to compete with the internet access provided by DSL or cable internet connection.

However, to those living in a remote area, the satellite internet access will definitely be useful because they can get internet access. Even if it does have drawbacks, it is better to have some internet than no internet at all.

Satellite TV has emerged in becoming a more popular choice amongst consumer in these few years. It has becoming the choice that most people will go for instead of getting a cable TV service.

Why is this happening?

According the surveys that were carried out, a large number of consumers gave feedback that they were able to enjoy better picture quality, more choices in channels selection and better value for money. One of the most popular providers in satellite TV, Dish Network has been getting more and more customers their way because of their fantastic deals.

A brief on Dish Network

If you are wondering about the background of the company, Dish Network was founded and owned by Echostar Communication Cooperation which got their license for Dish Network in the year 1996. Currently, they already have 11 million customers. This is due their ability to over hundreds channels in their all famous packages. They are the Dish Network All American top 100s, 200 and 250. All 3 have their qualities and preferences where customers can easily find what they like. (More about Dish Network programming.)

Free satellite TV system with Dish Network?

Yes, Dish Network provides free satellite TV systems for first time subscribers.

This is a great strategy taken by them to encourage customers to try out satellite TV. As long as you are a first time customer that chooses a 12 months contract, you can get your free satellite system that provides you up to 4 receivers, remote controls, access cards and a satellite dish. In addition to that, some of the dealers out there also throw in free gifts like DVD players, DVR system and so on. Therefore, you want to make sure you are choosing the right dealer before you make your purchase. Getting you Dish Network packages online is a very good option. This is because online retailers are able to provide you with better bargains.

We strongly recommend online dealers because they have a relatively low operating cost for their business. This is why they can provide low prices compared to real shops. They also provide great customer support to assess to any problems that you may face with your satellite TV system. All you need is to do a little search on Dish Network’s online dealers and you will have a big list of dealers.

Ordering Dish Network system

To get your Dish Network satellite TV system efficiently, you need to visit a dealer so that you can choose the number of programming packages, upgrading options, HDTV upgrading and other options that you need to decide on. Then, you need to set the schedule for the shipping and installation after you place your order. Bear in mind that there will be a $50 deposit when you place your order. Fear not, this deposit will be credited back to your month bills. So, starting your package with them is actually free.

There are many ways you can set up your Dish Network your house. You can choose to be set up in 2 rooms or 3 rooms and so on. There is also the HDTV set up that you need to think of. However, you don’t have to crack your brain for this matter because all this depends on the location. In his case, we are referring to your house. Most people will go for the 4 room set up and get the Digital Video Recording for free.

All their equipment comes with a lifetime guarantee. Therefore, you can have 100% assurance that everything you pay for is worth the money. When they break down, you won’t have anything to worry about. With Dish Network, you can enjoy HDTV with their normal receivers which you get for free. You don’t have to upgrade to special receivers to get HDTV. This is absolutely superb for costumers.

The only thing that you need to more for is the additional dish antenna if you want to enjoy international programming. It will cost $99 and it will provide you with the ability to receive international channels if you choose to. Other than that, all the other things we mention do not need you to come out with any extras cost at all.

It’s awful to tell but it’s true that I am seeing more and more DirecTV complaints filed online.

Unprofessional customer supports, hidden charges on installations, suspension on various sports programming, and billing mistakes – some DirecTV users are getting loads of trouble with their satellite TV deals.

Dimitriy’s case: Free DirecTV installation’s not free

A recent post by Alex Jarvis at Consumerist.com revealed one of these nightmare stories with DirecTV. Dimitriy, an ex-DirecTV customer, claims that he was charged extra fees for a ‘free DirecTV installation’. What’s worse – his phone call to customer supports was hung up!

Quoting in his full words at Consumerists, here’s what happened:

DirecTV complaint by Dimitriy

After purchasing HDTV this Black Friday, I have been looking for a good TV service and frankly there is no company with deals such as DirecTV’s. As much as I look, I can’t find another company that would offer over 40 HD channels, plus 5 Russian channels for under $100. So, of course, when I saw the current promotions you’re running, I jumped on the it and signed up momentarily. During online sign up process I was promised “No equipment to buy or startup costs” and “Professional installation included — free”, however when installers arrived, they wanted me to pay additional fees of at least $250.

They explained that additional equipment is required for installation on our apartment building roof (“flat roof”) and that DirecTV was not going to cover it. So I canceled that order and went on to try to find another deal with another company. Well, as I wrote earlier, there are no other companies that offer any deals even remotely similar to DirectTV’s, so I signed up again and decided to call customer service and explain my situation. When I called, I was met with a wall of misunderstanding. I was told that the “Professional installation included — free” was really just a standard installation, and that there were, possibly, many more charges I’ll have to pay in order to get my service installed and whenever I asked the representative to transfer me to their supervisor, they simply hung up on me.

Sure enough, the blog post sparks heated discussion. More than 63 comments had been added since the post was published, revealing more dissatisfying experience with DirecTV. There are, nevertheless, some who defend for the satellite TV company and one of the best I read would be the one by Kevin:

Comment by Kevin

I don’t want to but I feel like I have to somewhat side with DirecTV on this one. There is standard installation and there is extra installation. Working within the confines of a single-family home is pretty standard. Working within the expansive space of an apartment building is more involved.
If you live on the north side of a mountain and the only way to get direcTV signal is to route a line all the way to the top of the mountain and then erect a 40′ pole to get your dish above the treeline would you expect that to be included too?

Sometimes your life just isn’t standard. Unfortunately thats why fine-print exists. At least they didn’t hold you to the contract you committed to.

Sorry, I’m “that guy” today.

Bottom line: Pick the right satellite TV retailer

Well, it’s true that sometimes Americans just like to complain too much but for this case, I believe Dimitriy has his point to be frustrated.

A free installation should be a *free installation*. Don’t get ripped of by unethical retailers “clever” wordplay and fine-print-mining on the part of the CSR. Clever until they hung up on our tipster. Satellite TV shoppers, Dish Network or DirecTV, should always make sure you get what you are paying.

For DirecTV, I suggest my readers to order directly from the officials; and for Dish Network, AllSat is the one I trusted the most. In case online purchase is not for you, call 1-800-680-8671.