Satellite Virgin with Some Questions

[Erin311]

I have never had satellite TV before, but after comparing the prices to cable I'm pretty convinced it's the better deal. I'm wanting to hear from other DTV users that my bill will be as quoted (the lady on the phone said 39.99 including the DVR surcharge) each and every month. I'm scared I'll be hit with tons of fees and no way "out" of a 24-month contract I can't afford. I only get paid monthly, so money is tight sometimes. Is free installation really free? Call me cynical, but all this seems to good to be true.

Also, is it true I don't need a phone line? I don't have one and don't want one, but the DTV website says I do.

Thanks y'all, I appreciate the help.

 

[JosephB]

Some states charge taxes, but if you do the dish builder at dish network or the create a new order at directv, they'll list all charges outside of taxes (lease fees, dvr fees, etc). Just be sure you note any 3 month or 12 month special promo discounts.

As for a phone line, dish network will charge you $5 if you don't have one, but I believe directv will let you have a few receivers without a phone line before they complain. IIRC Directv also lets you use your broadband connection instead of a phone line. Not sure about dish network.

 

[Erin311]

Some states charge taxes, but if you do the dish builder at dish network or the create a new order at directv, they'll list all charges outside of taxes (lease fees, dvr fees, etc). Just be sure you note any 3 month or 12 month special promo discounts.

As for a phone line, dish network will charge you $5 if you don't have one, but I believe directv will let you have a few receivers without a phone line before they complain. IIRC Directv also lets you use your broadband connection instead of a phone line. Not sure about dish network.

Oh, so when I sign up online I'll get to see all the fees? That's nice. The DTV employee over the phone assured me the only extra fees I'll see is the 7% sales tax, but I guess I'm hard to convince. Thanks for the help!

 

[ChrisK114]

Oh, so when I sign up online I'll get to see all the fees? That's nice. The DTV employee over the phone assured me the only extra fees I'll see is the 7% sales tax, but I guess I'm hard to convince. Thanks for the help!

How many receivers will you be getting? There is a lease fee for each receiver beyond your primary receiver. It's 5.99. If you get the protection plan, it will be 5.99 a month. If you live in an area that gets lots of lightning, I suggest you get it. Besides that I don't know of any.

 

[harshness]

I second the motion on using the system builder at the respective carriers website. It does cover the fees, but it doesn't cover the taxes. Taxes vary widely by jurisdiction.

Select "Order Now" on the DIRECTV home page and/or "ORDER DISH NOW" on the DISH Network home page.

Watch out for the promotional deals from either company. DIRECTV is currently pushing prices that are discounted by $23/month off of the regular price.

Finally, understand that DIRECTV's early termination fee is $20/month and DISH Network's is at least $10/month.