Top 25 DISH Network General Questions:
1. Could I have an overview of
DISH Network?
- Answer: We at DISH Network have our own full continental U.S. (CONUS)
coverage orbital slot where we house our satellites EchoStar I and EchoStar II.
EchoStar III is parked at another slot and this spring, EchoStar IV will be
launched to a third slot. EchoStar I and II transmit all the core programming
available with DISH Network while EchoStar III and IV provide local channels,
International channels and specialized business and data services.
We also
are the sole designer and developer of the entire DISH Network system,
including the receivers, the 18" satellite dish antenna, the software and
on-screen graphics. This vertical integration enables us to offer lower costs
to the consumer and we will always strive to be the lowest cost provider.
We also provide all DISH Network programming. Our mission is to be the
consumer's one-stop-shop for all their DBS needs. This is not true with the
competition, which makes us so unique. Also, please keep in mind that EchoStar
III and EchoStar IV will greatly add to the already impressive DISH Network
programming lineup. To see a hint of our future, check out this page.
DISH Network's audio and video is the highest standard available. But we
would like to urge you to test this out for yourself. Our programming rates are
very competitive with cable and other DBS services.
- $19.99 a month for America's Top 40SM
channels
- $28.99 a month for America's Top 60 CDSM
channels with over 30 CD-quality audio channels.
2. What number do I call if I
have any further questions?
- Answer: If you don't wish to e-mail us, you
can call 1-800-322-5552 and speak to a Customer Service Representative.
3. What number do I call for
billing issues?
- Answer: Simply call 1-800-322-5552.
4. What number do I call for
technical problems?
- Answer: Simply call 1-800-322-5552.
5. I have some suggestions for
your website. Who can I tell?
- Answer: You can e-mail the Webmaster.
6. I have DIRECTV now, but I want
your service. How do I do that?
- Answer: You would need to purchase a DISH Network receiver. DISH Network
and DSS receivers feature a different architecture. DISH Network is one of the
most technologically advanced, high-quality 18" satellite TV systems
available. Our receivers are fully MPEG-2/DVB compliant, offering you excellent
quality in audio and video. After you plug in the new receiver simply re-aim
your dish antenna toward our satellite.
7. I have PRIMESTAR now, but I
want your service. How do I do that?
- Answer: You would need to purchase a complete DISH Network system. DISH
Network and PRIMESTAR use incompatible technology for their receivers and dish
antenna. DISH Network is one of the most technologically advanced, high-quality
18" satellite TV systems available. Our receivers are fully MPEG-2/DVB
compliant, offering you excellent quality in audio and video.
8. After I make my purchase, how
do I activate my programming?
- Answer: Call 1-800-322-5552 after your installation is completed. A
customer service representative will help you activate all the programming you
would like.
9. Is DISH Network available in
Hawaii and Puerto Rico?
- Answer: We do provide service to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean
communities, but our signal currently cannot be guaranteed in such areas. The
use of larger dishes is usually required and will affect the overall cost of
the system in these areas.
10. Is DISH Network service
available outside of the U.S. (specifically, Canada)?
- Answer: Unfortunately, we are expressly prohibited from distributing our
programming services to anyone outside the U.S., its territories and
possessions as dictated by our programming contracts with the programmers.
However, we are currently working with a Canadian DBS service, ExpressVu of
Canada. ExpressVu the same MPEG2-DVB technology found in DISH Network
receivers. Please visit their website at
http://www.expressvu.com
or call 905-272-9171 for new and timely information on DISH Network - Canada by
ExpressVu!
11. How much is a second
receiver?
- Answer: Second receivers start at $99.
12. When do you plan on providing
Internet access via dish antenna?
- Answer: While DISH Network does have the capability for one-way Internet
access through our high-speed data port and PC adapter cards. At this time,
bi-directional Internet access is not available. We hope to offer some type of
Internet access later this year.
13. When will you provide
receivers with AC-3 (Dolby Digital) capabilities built in?
- Answer: At this time there is no programming available in AC-3 Dolby
Digital. Until programming is available, there is no reason to increase the
cost of standard receivers by adding this capability. When Dolby Digital is
utilized by our programmers you should expect to see all new EchoStar DISH
Network receivers with AC-3 capabilities built in. DISH Network and JVC have
released a new DISH Network receiver with Digital VHS and AC-3 capabilities
built in. This is a top of the line model and employs new digital recording
technologies that are truly amazing!
14. When will you be providing
HDTV signals?
- Answer: As we grow over the next two years, we will have the largest
channel capacity of any satellite or cable television company, which means more
programming choices and data services for you to choose from. We will be
supporting HDTV as it comes into the market. We do not have plans to switch the
whole system over to HDTV overnight. We will support some limited channels and
programs as they arrive to us in HDTV format.
15. Why do I need a phone line
connected to the receiver?
- Answer: The primary reason why the receiver must be connected to the phone
line is to ensure your ability to purchase Pay-Per-View movies and events. If a
phone line is not connected, the receiver memory will fill up with your PPV
movie orders and cause the receiver to lock up until that memory can download
to DISH Network. If you have a second receiver in your home, you must also have
a phone line connected to it.
16. Can we get e-mail through
the satellite?
- Answer: Not at this time, although we are able to send DISH Network
electronic mail messages to you. We do not have a time frame set to implement a
general e-mail service.
17. How do I get my local
networks?
- Answer: EchoStar III, which recently became operational, will be
distributing local broadcast network signals to unserved households in the top
10 or so markets east of Denver. We plan to offer local broadcast networks for
the Central and West Coast regions sometime in the second quarter of 1998. The
cost is $4.99 per month, per local network package. The package will consist of
local ABC, NBC, CBS, a national FOX and PBS feed.
To see if you are
qualified to receive our digital local networks(as these services are available
only in selected areas), simply enter your zip code here (REMEMBER: Our list is
always growing so check OFTEN!). If qualified, congratulations, you may now
receive your local channels right through your satellite system!! Simply order
your network services by calling 1-800-322-5552. If you do not qualify you can
still receive local broadcasts via an off-air antenna (rooftop, attic or rabbit
ears).
18. What is Dominion Sky Angel
and how do I order it?
- Answer: Sky Angel is a programming package of multiple religious channels.
A subscription to the Sky Angel package is currently available for $295 for a
lifetime subscription, or $9.99 a month. Sky Angel programming does require a
second dish antenna if you wish to also receive regular DISH Network
programming. For complete details, please call Sky Angel at 1-888-SKY-ANGEL and
ask them to send you all the details about their service and how to subscribe.
19. What are the programming
charges for a second receiver?
- Answer: There is no "programming" fee for your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
or 6th receivers. Whatever programming you subscribe on your "main"
receiver will automatically be on your "secondary" (extra) receivers.
There is, however, a second receiver Access Fee of $4.99 per month for each
receiver you may have. This fee covers the cost of broadcasting, modem
expenses, billing and satellite transmission fees.
20. I have a lot of tall trees
in the way between my dish antenna and the satellite. What can I do?
- Answer: Trees can cause interference with the satellite signal. If you
cannot find a different location that provides a clear line of sight with the
satellite (your dish-antenna can be mounted as far as 100 feet from the
receiver), you may have to trim your trees.
21. I own a restaurant/bar and
want to start showing DISH Network. How do I do so?
- Answer: We appreciate that you are looking into DISH Network for your
establishment. To activate a commercial account or receive information on
starting one, please contact: "Commercial Services Department."
- Information: 1-800-322-5552
22. Do your retailers lease or
rent DISH Network equipment?
- Answer: Some local retailers do offer a DISH Network lease option. To
locate a retailer near you, push dealer locator button.
23. Does the lease option cover
maintenance?
- Answer: The DISH Network Lease does cover maintenance.
24. I have a problem with my
local retailer. How can you help me?
- Answer: All of our retailers are "independent retailers," and
therefore, the retailer is your primary point of contact for resolution. Please
contact your retailer directly or address your concerns to your retailer in
writing. If you choose to write your retailer or have a complaint about a
retailer, we would appreciate you forwarding a copy of your letter to:
| DISH Network |
| Attn: Customer Service Center |
| P.O. Box 33577 |
| Northglenn, Colorado 80233 |