Dish Network Prepaid Question

[Sadoun]

I have to agree with R10fret Sadoun. That "cheaper overall" comment is like a slap in the face to us who know, and understand the current prepaid setup.

Not looking for a battle, as you(Sadoun) have always been straight forward and forthright here about setup's/systems/product/etc... for Dish and other systems.

But we all know that FlexTV and DHATOO is no where near the cost of the current system. Not even close. Dish added all their ridiculous fees, activation costs, plus other crap($5.00 each time you start and stop. Come on) which makes either rpomotion useless to current prepaid customers.

Might as well just become a regular Dish customer if that is the case. This will never, ever be me though.

Hi Steelersrule,

Thanks for your kind comments about my contribution to this forum.

As far as "Cheaper Overall", I might have jumped to this conclusion too fast without clarifying or analyzing it further. I was thinking of the ability to have the 322 receiver (no extra cost) on the FlexTV offer, or having 2x 381 receivers on the same account. The 2nd receiver will cost an extra $5/month.

I remember getting a lot of calls and inquires from customers during the DISHNow period on whether DN will have a 322 receiver available for DishNow customers. DN have considered the idea, but never got a 322 receiver out.

As for the $149 activation for FlexTV, this includes the 1st receiver and a Dish 500 antenna installation. Basically, this makes it the responsibility of the dealer to install the receiver. Most people on this forum do not need the installation service as most are DIY type and would rather have the freedom to do their own installation. I guess FlexTV is more tailored to local customers in the dealer's vicinity.

Here is a link to FlexTV terms and conditions:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/downloads/pdf/legal/FlexTVFinal.pdf

So far, DishNow is more flexible in terms of number of days you can purchase, and the type of programming.

What I really hope is that DN decides to keep current DishNow customers and receivers active and grandfathered in. That way, it is up to the customer to decide to switch, but not forced to.

 

[Sadoun]

Sadoun

Not to start an argument but how did you sign up so smoothly and with ease like you mentioned above before everyone else??? I have gone to the dishnetwork website and they are NOT saying anything about Flex yet nor how to join???
Maybe Dish will drop it all like a bomb on us on a specific date or maybe they are hoping all of us are still running out and purchasing Dishnow cards and GreenDot moneypaks that will not be any good in the near future?
Anyway! Sadoun? What was necessary for you to sign up to the flex system?

1) Was the shell account information established with the prepaid account enough for Dish or did they need your Social Security Number, CreditCard information etc????
2) Where do you buy the equipment? OR can we use the prepaid receiver (s)we already have and they will just update the firmware to make them run with the new flex system???
3) Whom do we buy programming from and how? creditcard,moneyorder ,paypal etc????


All of us on the board would appreciate it if you could help and answer these questions to put our minds at ease Thanks much Mikil

Hi mikil321

Sorry for not clarifying. I am a Dish Network dealer. I was referring to a customer who I helped with the FlexTV offer. I can do that now through the retailer website where I enter customer's information to create a shill account. Social Security number is not needed. DN however, requires 1st month programming fees paid in advance prior to activating the receiver. So a credit card or debit card is required for the payment.

The customer wanted a 322 receiver for two rooms and opted for the basic Family plan for $19.99 per month plus locals at $5/mon. His monthly bill came to $27.50 (tax included) for two TV setup.

2) Where do you buy the equipment? OR can we use the prepaid receiver (s)we already have and they will just update the firmware to make them run with the new flex system???

You can buy the equipment from any authorized Dish Network dealer like Sadoun or other sponsors on this board. I don't know if you can convert your DishNow receiver to a FlexTV receiver. I will check on that and get back to you.

3) Whom do we buy programming from and how? creditcard,moneyorder ,paypal etc????

You order all of that from an authorized DN dealer. The dealer enters the order and installs the system. You can pay for programming using a CC, Check, or Money Order. Or you can put it on auto pay by credit card. Remember, with FlextV you can cancel anytime as there is no contract or long term commitment.

 

[STEELERSRULE]

Hi mikil321
You can buy the equipment from any authorized Dish Network dealer like Sadoun or other sponsors on this board. I don't know if you can convert your DishNow receiver to a FlexTV receiver. I will check on that and get back to you.

Now, I am in no way going to change and go with FlexTV, but this seems like an interesting question.

I would not think that DN would force any prepaid customers to return their DP301's or 3900's(even with the newer G3 Smartcard inserted in them, like mine), since they would esssentially become paperweights if the Dish NOW! Phone #, and automated system go away.

But it would seem that Dish could just FORCE a software/firmware upload(regardless of turning ON or OFF the software upgrade in the Menu) to the DP301's to make them into FlexTV or DHATOO boxes.

I would wonder if that happened(I still think Dish would just let them be bricks/paper weights since Dish NOW! customers own all of the equipment already and would not bother with any of it. The Dish 500 or the equipment), if DN would waive the $149 fee since the customer would already own the equipment, and have it connected already anyway.

If you went out and bought a DP322, I wonder if the fee would be waived since the customer has everything setup anyways, and would just need to run another RG6 line from the other LNB for the second room(plus either the RG6 or composite/RCA out for the second TV). I doubt this, but just wondering.

 

[itsmo]

Still time to sign up for Dish Now?

While I think the new program holds appeal - in that it supports dual-tuner and high definition receivers, I don't care for the minimum programming requirements. I'd rather be able to order just premiums, and by the day/weekend, via GreenDot, as SteelersRule originally described.

I'm betting that Dish will grandfather existing subscribers. I'm willing to pay some coin and take the chance.

That said, where could I get a prepaid kit, fast, and would anyone recommend an installer in Los Angeles?

 

[gillham]

That said, where could I get a prepaid kit, fast, and would anyone recommend an installer in Los Angeles?

You can find the prepaid 301 receiver sometimes on eBay, but I doubt Dish would send you a new G3 card for it if it doesn't have it already. Do not get the prepaid 311, that is the new system. You can't just get a regular 301 either, it has to be one setup for prepaid.

You could check Craigslist also. I think people might be keeping them if they are grandfathered in for some time.

 

[jeffmn]

Don't know why anyone would buy one at this point. But if you google dishnow or prepaid satellite you'll find a few places that claim to have stock.

I spent the last of my green dot cards and turned things on for a couple months.

Now I will just wait and see. Unless they let us continue the way it is now. I'll never spend another dime with DN.

I did not sign up for credit reasons. I only signed up for the flexibility it gave us.

There is no reason to do the new programs unless it's for credit reasons.

Buy new eqiupment and $149 set-up yeah right, everyone offers everything for free with a normal account (I'll never have a regular account).

 

[STEELERSRULE]

I did not sign up for credit reasons. I only signed up for the flexibility it gave us.

There is no reason to do the new programs unless it's for credit reasons.

Buy new eqiupment and $149 set-up yeah right, everyone offers everything for free with a normal account (I'll never have a regular account).

My reasons for signing up initially were 100% the same as yours, and the new models offer none of the current Dish NOW!/YA! model.

But the sad thing is, alot of folks who still do not understand a thing about prepaid, still feel that anyone who signs up for prepaid must be a credit risk/problem/illegal alien with no SS#, which is not true.

I would venture to say that most prepaid customers are like us jeffmn. In fact, I would say that 85-90% are like us.

We wanted it for the flexibility it allowed the customer which no other service in the USA offers. Nothing comes close. Not Free to Air either(Sorry FTA people).

 

[jeffmn]

Steelersrule, I think your right... they have no clue who their Dishnow customers really are.

How I found out about Dishnow was at a "U P Michigan" website where most people own second homes, drive MH and RV's, ride snowmoibles, atvs, etc.

A number of people there have Dishnow for their Second homes, lakehomes, or in RV's.

It was nothing to do with having credit problems. And for people who would rather pay for what we watch than get it illegally.
Cause we all know there are other options out there.

Sadoun, I appreciate you responding to this thread and keeping us up to date.
I bought 2 Dishnow system from you this year and certainly hoped to use them alot longer then 6 months.

One more thought, you almost had to have good credit or at least some credit to get Dishnow. Cause the only way you could find it was online???

 

[Sadoun]

Sadoun, I appreciate you responding to this thread and keeping us up to date.
I bought 2 Dishnow system from you this year and certainly hoped to use them alot longer then 6 months.

Thanks Jeffmn, we appreciate it. I will keep you updated with any new development on the DishNow service.

 

[Foxbat]

I almost converted our northern MI vacation getaway to Dish Prepaid since it would give us the option to have satellite if we wanted it for a week. Now, there's no compelling reason to switch from the current DirecTV set up. Too bad, Dish.

 

[tkyoshi]

For sure, I actually have Turbo HD and i use Dish Prepaid for those days I want to watch something on a channel that I dont have. But i dont watch them enough to justify upgrading my package to Classic + HD.

I suspect Dish may also not like the GDMP reload, since they are only getting pennies vs. PIN. But i guess they could have just taken it away though...

 

[mikil321]

Dude! I was being sarcastic! Did i spell that right?

Here's my post: http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-ne...pvr-508-dp301-dish-now-prepaid-pvr-809-a.html

Dude! I have also done this in the past to a two 508 receivers with success.I have noticed however that you must program your G3 card in the 301 the switch it too the 508? I also have noticed that the adult porn channel do NOT work on any of my 508's ??? Channel 488 and 489 (only two pron channles offered on prepaid) do not even show up on my pvrs??? Thanks again Mikil

 

[mikil321]

Anyone Opposed to Dishnetworks decisions heres please email or write!

If anyone is strongly oppsed to the cancellation of the prepaid system or the new flex system please stand up and email these guys.Heres the information! Hope its alright to post this here Thanks Mikil


EchoStar FSS Corporation
Headquarters
9601 S. Meridian Blvd
[COLOR=blue !important][COLOR=blue !important]Englewood[/COLOR][/COLOR], CO 80112
tel: 1.888.624.3474
Fax: 1.720.514.5140
EFSS@echostar.com

 

[STEELERSRULE]

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[mikil321]

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[mikil321]

I have heard that DishNow cards from Radio Shack ($40 and $30 cards) will NO longer be available to purchase anywhere ??? You will ONLY be able to purchase programming with a GreenDot Money Pak from CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens Walmart etc...? Anyone else hear the same rumour???
Also! I have also heard that Dishnetwork is giving people until August 1st/2009 to activate your prepaid receiver (s) Thats the cutoff date and if they are not activated by that date they are a door stop?

 

[jeffmn]

If they let us continue with the gdmp, I can live with that.
I hope that is the case.

 

[mikelib]

I purchased my prepaid system from Sadoum this past April after I read all of this thread. I use it to purchase the movie channel on the weekends using a GDMP. Prepaid with all its limitations is a great service, and a great concept. It seems silly to do away with prepaid.

I will NEVER purchase Dish Network contract or any of the new services that they are offering. I liked buying service when I want it, prepaid is the only way they are going to get any revenue. Here's hoping that we are grandfathered in.

I could live without Dish Network TV services as I have a good library down the road.
Mike Lib

 

[mikil321]

Well said !Here! Here!

I purchased my prepaid system from Sadoum this past April after I read all of this thread. I use it to purchase the movie channel on the weekends using a GDMP. Prepaid with all its limitations is a great service, and a great concept. It seems silly to do away with prepaid.

I will NEVER purchase Dish Network contract or any of the new services that they are offering. I liked buying service when I want it, prepaid is the only way they are going to get any revenue. Here's hoping that we are grandfathered in.

I could live without Dish Network TV services as I have a good library down the road.
Mike Lib

Well said Mike Lib! I agree whole heartedly and am hoping a Dishnetwork Representative reads these threads and sends back the feedback to someone that can make good solid decisions on their pre paid customers ideas????

 

[pgrimes]

DN says my DP301 Receiver is the wrong one for Pre-paid

I purchased the Dish Now from Radio Shack set out in my travel trailer and when I got to the KOA, tried to set it up. I called the automated number and gave them the Pin number for my card, my receiver number and my smart card number. The automated system bumped me to a Customer Service Rep who told me my service needed to be set up. I gave him my home address and zip code information and he set up an account for me. Then he told me the receiver I have is not a pre-paid receiver and he cannot set it up. He advised me to return it back to Radio Shack. I call several more times and talked with two other reps who told me the same thing. I check the receiver and it states it's a remanufactured DP 301, but apparently the Receiver number is coming up as a regular receiver and not a pre-paid receiver. I'm thinking because I gave them my home zip code and not the zip where where the receiver was located, they could not activate it. Has anyone else run into this problem?