Satellite TV

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

15 Dec 2006 06:28 AM

Does satellite television live up to the hype? For some, the answer is an emphatic yes. My family was thrilled when we first obtained a satellite and over 100 channels to choose from, especially since we had only been able to receive one station with fuzzy reception up until that time. The Ozarks are beautiful, but these hills don't make for great TV, radio, or cell phone signals.

We were very pleased with our programming and service from DISH. We added a package that included the networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc. It cost a few dollars more, but we felt it was well worth it. We opted for Chicago affiliates, since we are originally from there. We could then keep up with news back home as well as following our favorite sports teams. We have to watch our Chicago Bears!

Soon, we learned that selecting distant networks could be a problem, even though we were paying extra for those channels. We had to enter into negotiations with local affiliates and sign a contract in order to continue receiving Chicago programming. We worked it all out and were very happy.

Recently, we learned that the Springfield, Missouri affiliates had negotiated for this region. We were told that we would no longer receive Chicago stations and would now have Springfield channels as they were considered "local" by the FCC.

Local? Springfield is not only over 150 miles away, it also happens to be in another state. Their news isn't local, their weather isn't local, and we were not interested in Springfield programming. We really weren't interested in paying extra for programming that we didn't even want, and we were very unhappy that we would no longer be able to watch Bear's games. They actually have a shot at the Super Bowl!

Unfortunately, we had no choice in the matter, so we decided to cancel the network package. We also decided we would switch satellite providers, not only because of this issue, but also because of the many incentives available to new customers. Our provider offered great stuff to new customers but nothing for loyal customers.

Many others do the same thing, which really doesn't make much sense to me. Apparently, they have no problem with trading customers with other providers every other year and giving away lots of free stuff to entice people back. I think it would make more sense to offer great deals to existing customers in order to keep them, but what do I know?

We're going to change satellite providers and see for ourselves if there is a difference between them. I'll let you know how it works out.

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Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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