Boston is one of the most important cities in America due to its history, sports teams, universities and arts. It is against this backdrop that Bostonians have been demanding quality television programming. However, satellite TV has some unique advantages over cable in Beantown. Specifically, this guide will look into the major satellite television providers in Boston and how to shop for the best promotional offers.
The Major Players
Currently the satellite TV industry has two major players namely DIRECTV and DISH Network. The choice between them depends on the channel preference and promotional price offered. Nonetheless, both typically provide more program choices than cable at an equal or lower price.
DIRECTV
DBS service was introduced in 1994 with the continued service of the initial service provider, the DIRECTV. They now have approximately 18 million subscribers all over the Philippines. DIRECTV claims better sports programming, more international channels, and the 4K Ultra HD picture. Once you have a satellite receiver and dish, you get over 315 channels. CHOICE package and above is offered to local major network affiliates.
DISH Network
DISH began satellite transmission in 1996, expanding to more than 11 million consumers. They position themselves as the cost-leader with programming from around the world and best-in-class DVR technologies. The DISH offers its customers over 330 channels. Your locals are included with the America’s Top 120 package and beyond. For Spanish-speaking people, DISH has live South American stations and a library of more than 10,000 titles.
Getting Your Local Channels
Local channels, such as WBZ (CBS), WCVB (ABC), and WHDH (NBC) are crucial for New England sports and news. Fortunately, both major satellite companies include local channels with their mid-tier packages and beyond. As for the latter, get them with CHOICE and above through DIRECTV. Locals are included in DISH’s America’s Top 120 package and above. Therefore, you need to be prepared to spend more if getting to Boston stations is important to you.
Extra Fees and Commitments
While satellite TV offers superb programming, there are some additional equipment and commitments required:
- Installation/Equipment – This will involve having a satellite dish and receivers installed in your home. Sometimes providers offer free installation or even install at a very low cost if you agree to use their service for at least two years.
- Contracts – Yes, it is a fact that both DIRECTV and DISH have established their new subscriber contracts to be two years long. If you cancel early to this service you will be charged cancelation fees based on monthly charges starting from $10.
- Regional Sports Fees – Besides the basic package prices, most suppliers will charge an extra $5-10 per month for access to the local regional sports such as NESN and NBC Sports Boston.
Simply thought, you can get the lowest promotional rate with the provider which would mean signing up for two more years of the contract and other additional costs. Consider those costs in the long run before subscribing to a particular service.
Saving: Bundling for the Best Deal
The best approach to ensure that you get a good price for satellite TV is if you subscribe to the satellite TV, internet or wireless phone services in one package. The major brands like DIRECTV and DISH make bundling easy and offer special discounts when you do. Verizon Fios also offers quite reasonable satellite TV packages if you choose to bundle it with internet or mobile service.
Subscribing to TV along with another product of the company can enable you to slash your monthly bill by $30 or even more during the contract period. Another advantage that cannot be neglected is that one provider is responsible for many services. They must also consider the costs of installation where it is relevant like in the case of an additional service such as home internet.
Which Satellite TV Plan is Best?
The best way to compare satellite costs is by pricing out the entry-level packages. As of early 2023, here is what the major brands are offering:
DIRECTV CHOICE Package
$89. 99/mo. for the initial 12 months of usage with the new contract plan that lasts for two years. Regular price is $102/month. Over 155+ channels including local networks, 34 thousand On Demand titles, unlimited cloud DVR included.
DISH Flex Pack
From $59. 99/mo. when bundled together, it is offered at a discounted price and is available for the first 12 months only. It should also be noted that a monthly subscription at a regular price is $84. Flex Pack includes over 50 of your favorite networks including local networks. Additional unlimited cloud DVR service is available for $10 per month.
Clearly, DISH has the lower regular pricing while DIRECTV offers more contents (including DVR) with the basic package. However, the offer prices you pay for the first year when signing up for either of these providers will be the cheapest offer price.
Another tip when comparing different plans – look at the sports channels that are included if that matters to you. Some regional networks such as NESN, which broadcasts Boston Red Sox games, may only be available to higher programming packages.
Cutting the Cord? Consider Streaming
It seems that more and more Beantowners have been phasing out satellite and cable services these days, opting to get their television shows from streaming sites instead. There are other streaming services that provide packages with a range of channels starting from $40 up to $75 per month including YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling TV and FuboTV. Many contain DVR, on-demand libraries, local channels, and regional sports.
Just remember that there are no contracts or commitments when it comes to streaming services. Hence it may be easier to cancel but prices can be adjusted more often. Internet-based streaming TV also depends on the bandwidth and quality of your home WiFi network. Thus quality and reliability can be lower than in satellite broadcasts.
Save More on Satellite TV in Boston
In conclusion, DISH and DIRECTV are the most popular satellite services in Beantown, which offer the lowest new subscriber rates when bundled. Pricing for packages with more than 150+ channels, cloud DVR, regional sports networks, and Boston local stations start from $60 and above per month. Whether you’re an avid satellite viewer or transitioning to streaming, don’t pay the full amount by getting TV with wireless or internet. Include the overall cost of fees or charges that one has to pay in two years for a provider, in order to make the most prudent entertainment decision regarding new home in Boston.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
