Today I lost all of my local channels. The Programming Alert said "Your current SD equipment no longer supports this channes. But don't worry, we have replacement equipment for you - at no additional cost to you!* (conditions apply)" Well I spent an hour trying to get D* to honor the no additional cost part. At one time they were trying to increase my monthly charges by $40 and charge me for new equipment and installation. Just to keep what I have. I told them I would just cancel my service after 25+ years. To make a long story short they will replace my HD-100 receiver with the latest Genie receiver and replace my dish at no cost and my monthly charges will remain the same and no contract. So I really didn't get anything but, I should be back where I was before I lost all my local channels (I had also lost other channels over the last 6 months).
Last year I reduced my package to just the basics. Over 1 year later, I lost over 10 channels and the cost went up 15%. I do not have access to internet services (and yes I have looked at many options including Hughsnet, Starlink, etc. - but most are not available or just do not work for streaming TV - slow speeds). I am thinking of using my phone as a hot spot and switch to unlimited data. I do not know if that will work for streaming but, I will give it a try. If it works I plan to drop D*. D* was very good for most of my 25 years but, the last few years have not been very good. They keep reducing the channels and increasing the costs. They did give me the Sunday Ticket for free. I can get PA, MD and DC OTA channels so there are only a few NFL games that I get thru the Sunday Ticket that I do not already have access to. But Sunday Ticket is nice and free.
I think the days for satellite services are numbered.