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Satellite TV is a wireless service that delivers TV programming to households via satellite dishes orbiting around Earth. Satellite TV is available nearly everywhere across the world and provides access to your favorite shows, movies, sports games, and more from the comfort of your home.
Satellite TV is an excellent choice for residents living in rural or suburban areas, especially if those areas have yet to offer cable TV. Satellite TV providers tend to provide more channels, making it great for people who love live sports and other premium channels. You may not be as inclined to purchase satellite TV if you live in a place that has frequent inclement weather since your dish will be exposed to the elements. The last thing you want is for your signal to go out during an important game.
However, satellite TV is going to have much wider availability across the country than cable. We recommend checking what services are available near you to narrow down your options. In the meantime, we broke down the top two satellite TV providers for you so you can assess if either is a fit.
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Channel Count | Find Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV | $64.99/mo.* | 330+ | Check Availability |
| DISH | $69.99/mo.* | 290+ | Check Availability |
| Provider | DIRECTV |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $64.99/mo.* |
| Max Channel Count | 330+ |
| Check Availability | |
| Provider | DISH |
| Starting Price | $69.99/mo.* |
| Max Channel Count | 290+ |
| Check Availability | |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of 05/25/2022.
Best sports access & premium entertainment
DIRECTV, owned by AT&T, is the nation’s leading satellite TV provider today. They’re committed to delivering premium video entertainment through satellite and internet streaming technologies, with deep discounts when you bundle services alongside AT&T internet and phone. DIRECTV’s premium channels include NFL Sunday Ticket, HBO Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ.
Best plans variety & bonus features
DISH is the nation’s leading satellite TV provider that offers four main TV plans packed with bonus features and industry-leading technology to bring you the best in-home entertainment. Customize your channel line-up, record up to 16 shows at once, and access fan-favorite Apps like Netflix®, YouTube®, and Pandora® all in one place.
Satellite TV is an excellent option for those seeking reliable TV service & premium channels in remote areas. While you may be further from the city, you can still access all the programming you want – Sunday kickoff games, SHOWTIME movies, and more. DIRECTV and DISH offer feature-rich plans to give you flexibility and deep discounts at sign-up. Which one you pick will likely come down to what shows you like to watch.
The main difference between satellite and cable TV is how each service is delivered. Satellite TV is a wireless service that uses a dish to transmit signals, while cable TV uses grounded cable lines. Typically, cable TV is more costly than satellite TV, but it’s less likely to be affected by bad weather. Depending on where you live, you may have multiple providers available near you.
Finding the right provider for you depends on what you’re looking for. Since satellite TV is available just about anywhere in the US, it’s often the obvious choice for residents who don’t have cable readily available. Our team of experts evaluates on categories including channel selection, affordability, and customer satisfaction to provide you with the best options near you.
DISH is the cheapest satellite TV provider with plans starting as low as $69.99/mo. Get access to over 190 channels and a 2-year price-lock guarantee.
Yes. Satellite TV is still a thing, although there are other options available now like cable TV and streaming services. Satellite TV is best for those in rural and suburban areas who want access to premium TV channels.
Satellite TV packages run anywhere from $70 to $140 per month. Each plan depends on the number of channels, sports packages, premium channels, and On Demand titles. Plans also increase in price when you combine them with streaming services that require subscriptions of their own.
This depends on your needs, but there are two main satellite TV providers to choose from – DIRECTV and DISH. Similar to cable TV, both satellite TV providers offer a wide range of packages, premium channels, DVR features, On Demand content, and more. To find the best TV provider available near you, enter your zip code here.
It all comes down to the method of transportation. Satellite TV providers use communication satellites and dish antennas to deliver TV service. Cable TV providers use either a coaxial or fiber-optic cable connection and a cable box to deliver TV service. Satellite TV is available to the contiguous U.S. including Alaska and Puerto Rico due to its satellite technology, while cable TV requires a cable network connection and has limited availability in rural areas.
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