Local Channels optional

[pattykay]

Update:
Begins on July 18th and does not apply to Welcome Pack or Dish Latino Basico

The weird thing is that when I log into my mydish account and look at the package options available, it lists that package as "Dish Latino Basico w/Locals" implying that there is a version without locals. Otherwise, there would be no need to make that distinction.

 

[jerryez]

Dish started listing locals separately to point out that the cost of locals is $10 instead of the $5 that it was listed as many years ago. Now as the networks demand more money, Dish can just up the fee to $12 or $15 as required and blame it on the networks. Plus they will only have to pay the networks for actual local subscribers instead of a fee for all the Dish subscribers as they did by not listing them separately.

 

[zippyfrog]

The weird thing is that when I log into my mydish account and look at the package options available, it lists that package as "Dish Latino Basico w/Locals" implying that there is a version without locals. Otherwise, there would be no need to make that distinction.

I actually think that it helps let people know that there are locals included. My guess of what is going to happen on the 18th is that all the packs where locals will be optional, it's going to look like the Flex Pack. Those packages will be renamed back to what they were before the system update to separate locals, so instead of "America's Top 250/w Locals" it's going to say "America's Top 250", and the Locals will be a checkbox underneath it for $10. However, the Dish Latino Basico w/Locals I think will stay the same. When I login to my account right now and click on Dish Latino Basico, there is no Locals Checkbox beneath it for $10 like every other pack, the only packs listed are Heartland and Outdoor Pack.

 

[Tampa8]

The weird thing is that when I log into my mydish account and look at the package options available, it lists that package as "Dish Latino Basico w/Locals" implying that there is a version without locals. Otherwise, there would be no need to make that distinction.

So does all the Top packages."America's Top 200 w/ Locals" DISH did for all packages except Flex. I believe it does two things, make the comparison to Flex clearer and helps to show the $10 locals charge in your bill is part of the package not an additional $10. I would guess the packages where you can drop locals will also drop the "w/locals"

 

[pattykay]

So does all the Top packages."America's Top 200 w/ Locals" DISH did for all packages except Flex. I believe it does two things, make the comparison to Flex clearer and helps to show the $10 locals charge in your bill is part of the package not an additional $10. I would guess the packages where you can drop locals will also drop the "w/locals"

Interestingly though, Welcome Pack has never been listed as "Welcome Pack w/Locals." At least, not since locals stopped being optional last time, in 2011.

 

[Tampa8]

Interestingly though, Welcome Pack has never been listed as "Welcome Pack w/Locals." At least, not since locals stopped being optional last time, in 2011.

It has been shown as with Locals since the Flex Pack just in a little different way
Welcome Pack
$19.99 MONTHLY

• Over 40 channels of essential programming
• Budget priced for the basics you need
• Local channels included

Call 800-333-DISH Compare

 

[pattykay]

It has been shown as with Locals since the Flex Pack just in a little different way
Welcome Pack
$19.99 MONTHLY

• Over 40 channels of essential programming
• Budget priced for the basics you need
• Local channels included

Call 800-333-DISH Compare

Right. I just meant the way it is listed on the actual bill, or when I log into my mydish account. (Or rather, how it is not listed as an option at all if you don't already subscribe to it. Even then, when you do subscribe to Welcome Pack, it is listed as "Package No Longer Sold.")

 

[ralphw]

I managed to drop all my locals just now. I'm on 2-yr price guarantee with the AT120+ package. Monthly bill reduced exactly by $10.

 

[zippyfrog]

I managed to drop all my locals just now. I'm on 2-yr price guarantee with the AT120+ package. Monthly bill reduced exactly by $10.

Do you still have all the guide data for the locals through the antenna?

 

[ralphw]

Do you still have all the guide data for the locals through the antenna?

Yes, all OTA locals still have guide data.

 

[sssouthguy]

Yes, all OTA locals still have guide data.

My local guide data is gone. Was there for a while then disappeared

 

[stardust3]

My locals are gone, hope the guide data remains but if it doesn't it won't be that big of deal.

 

[zippyfrog]

I remember back when I first got Dish, locals weren't required and I didn't get them. All my OTA channels said "Digital Service", even the main ones like ABC, NBC, etc. Once the locals were automatically added, then the guide data populated. Sounds like a mixture so far of what people are seeing.

 

[stardust3]

So far my guide data is staying. Don't know if having the h3 vs VIP makes any difference or not.

 

[dare2be]

Chalk another one up to ViP? I've always had guide data on Flex without locals.

 

[jessshaun]

Same here. I haven’t had locals for a few months now on flex, I have my guide data. Only thing I’m worried about at this point, one of my locals is adding the CW plus August 1st, and I’m hoping I get guide data for WTHI 10.3 when that happens.

 

[dare2be]

Same here. I haven’t had locals for a few months now on flex, I have my guide data. Only thing I’m worried about at this point, one of my locals is adding the CW plus August 1st, and I’m hoping I get guide data for WTHI 10.3 when that happens.

I doubt it. Most of my subchannels do not have guide data, with the exception of MeTV, AntennaTV and PBS. It seems if the subchannel isn't grouped with a major big 4 network (or PBS), then the chance of guide data is slim to none. Even on a major network, it's still a crapshoot.

 

[jessshaun]

I doubt it. Most of my subchannels do not have guide data, with the exception of MeTV, AntennaTV and PBS. It seems if the subchannel isn't grouped with a major big 4 network (or PBS), then the chance of guide data is slim to none. Even on a major network, it's still a crapshoot.

Yea that’s exactly what I’m worried about. Still will be nice to finally have the cw in this market finally.

 

[REB]

Removed locals online and data was gone instantly. I have Tivo, so being able to remove locals was a quick and easy way to save $10.00 .

 

[mrc54]

If someone can confirm dropping locals and having data guide on a 722k. I would drop locals in a minute.