Do you still have to use a phone line to get satellite tv?

Question

I love my digital HD cable, but I'm pondering a move outside the city where satellite will be my only option.

My question is this:

Do the satellite companies still require you to have a phone line connected to your receiver?

While I'm asking a question about satellite tv, your opinion on DISH vs DIRECTV would be appreciated. Keep in mind that getting HD channels (even local channels) is extremely critical to my decision.

Also, I will want to get my Internet connection from whichever company I go with, too.

So I guess there are really three questions in here:

1. Do the satellite companies still require a phone line?
2. Do you prefer DISH or DIRECTV, and why?
3. What about their Internet options?

Thanks for your answers.

Answer 1

There is no requirement, but if you use a DVR, Dish requires to pay $5/month extra if you don't connect it to a phone line.

You can buy a simple wireless phone line extender, about $20. It will pay-off the $5/month in no time. Or skip the PVR/DVR function.

Dish works with Yahoo/ATT (DSL). Direct TV probably offers something similar. There is no true satellite internet since there is no uplink sat. channel. You just combine DSL and Sat service in one account.

Call both and ask for the availability of HD local channels in your area.

Answer 2

1. I'm not sure about Dish, but I've been a DTV subscriber for 7 years and have never had the phone line lugged in. The main reason for the phone was to monitor PPV purchases, etc. If you don't have the phone line plugged in you can still order PPV but after you reach a $$$ limit it will not allow you order more until you pay. You can also order PPV via the internet and phone so it's not an issue.

Also, if HD is critical to your decision now you have no choice. They have already started adding them, but by the end of Oct DTV will have 70+ HD channels for $10 a month excluding the premium channels and 100 by the end of the year. Plus they have the exclusive rights to NFL ticket which offers all the games in HD every Sunday. See more info below:

www.directtv.com

As far as internet goes they have partnered with companies like Earthlink and Bellsouth to provide internet high speed.

weeder

Answer 3

I cannot fully address your questions. But I have some of your answers.

I have DishTV and I'm quite happy with it. They have not required me to hook up a phone line in the past, but recently I discovered that doing so would save me a bit of money -- I could order Pay-per-view with a click of the remote, for instance, instead of online or on the phone.

I also have DSL, separately, but I'm noticing that Dish is now offering a package that includes internet access.

Visit: http://www.dishnetwork.com/ and mouse over "Our Products" for the details.

I have no info on HD, other than a recent glitch at Dish which told me I couldn't access TBS because I didn't have HDCP on my TV set. I learned later from them that I probably just needed to reset my receiver (holding the power button down for 10 seconds).

Answer 4

tv guy is right, it's an optional requirement. the recievers need to be in contact with the satellite company for communications including but not limited to electronic program guide, firmware upgrades, ordering pay per view movies, and even ordering other value-added services or programming options. these services can be had through satellite signal, but of course the satellite companies prefer to have it done through land-based phoneline to save up on bandwidth.