Battle of Satellite TV Providers: Dish Network Vs. DirecTV

Dish Network and DirecTv are basically the only two companies left that offer satellite service. For those of us who live in the country and do not have access to cable, our only option is satellite television. Well, either that, or buy an antenna and attempt to get the signal of local stations.

DirecTV and Dish Network offer essentially the same service. The quality of the service is comparable. The number of channels is about the same. On the surface there does not appear to be much difference in the two.

Until recently, DirecTV was the only company offering high-speed internet via satellite dish. Dish Network has joined the ranks offering Wild Blue. DirecTV's satellite internet service, called HughesNet and Wild Blue also are very comparable. The cost for equipment is about the same, the service is about the same. The monthly subscription price is about the same as well. Overall, there is not much difference in the two.

Dish Network offers many programming packages, some starting as low as $19.99, their over all programming packages are a much better deal than DirecTV. Dish Network, I have noticed with Dish Network, weather is less of a factor in reception. Rain and clouds have a noticeable effect on satellite television reception. However, Dish Network has fewer instances of outages than its competition, DirecTV.

DirecTV customer service is not as efficient and friendly as Dish Network. Both offer great customer service but in comparison, Dish Network wins out. A few years back there were talks of a merger of the two companies. The merger never came to fruition, and in my opinion, this was an excellent choice. If the two companies had merged, consumers would have little choice in their options for satellite television. The company's would have become a monopoly with little to no competition.

Dish Network allows customers more of an ala carte selection. If there are channels you wish to have without purchasing a much more expensive package, Dish Network offers many channels in their ala carte selection. We chose to have the Outdoor Channel and the Encore package. We do not currently subscribe to any of the movie channels.

DirecTV also offers ala carte selections, however they cost more in general. They only offer the Encore channels if your purchase a much more expensive movie channel package. To get the channels you want you often need to subscribe to a much more expensive package.

Both companies are extremely successful, and I have used both of them at different times. Since Dish Network has jumped on the satellite internet bandwagon, Dish Network is by far, the best company for your satellite needs. The prices are lower, the service is great, and the quality of service is exceptional!

Dish Network an offer free equipment, free installation, and has an excellent referral program. You can earn as much as $50 for each person you refer. DirecTV offers free installation and equipment as well, at certain times. Both companies are excellent choices, but if you must choose one, go with Dish Network, you will be glad you did!

Dish Network offers at least one feature that is not available from its rival. On channel 101, you can play interactive games using your remote control. Some games require a subscription and cost money, but others are totally free and they are great for kids and adults alike.

So, when doing your satellite dish shopping, let price, quality, service, convenience, and technology be your guide and choose Dish Network over the competition. The service you receive will make your choice worth it! Packages and pricing can be found on the Dish Network website.