I signed up in August 1998. The only promotion was do it yourself or pay an installer. I think I paid $150 or $200 for a box that contained a dish and receiver plus instructions. It also included some cable, a grounding block and wire, and a small compass.
Me too. It was 1996. I still remember my Dad helping me at my new apartment/condo. Had the Dish down in the parking lot trying to find alignment with a LONG cable as my apartment was on the second floor. Had no idea whee to point the dang thing. thank goodness for the included compass!! ......had to get a letter for the HOA, cuz they gave me grief about having it.