Obtaining satellite TV in Atlanta may be a daunting task given the numerous companies that offer the services. This informative article categorizes the satellite TV providers by the channels and package offered, equipment and installation charges and contractual terms among others. We will also give some pointers on how to select the proper Satellite TV service to go for.
The Major Satellite TV Providers Available in Atlanta
As of now, there are three big satellite TV providers in Atlanta offering the service and they include DIRECTV, DISH Network, and AT&T TV. Here's an overview of each:
DIRECTV
- Owned by AT&T
- Delivers more than 295 High-Definition channel.
- With the Genie DVR, it is possible to record up to five shows at a time.
- A package begins at $64. 99 per month.
DISH Network
- Provides 190+ High-Definition channels
- Hopper DVR offers users a chance to record as many as 16 programs simultaneously
- The package starts at $59. 99 per month.
AT&T TV
- Live television broadcasts through the internet from AT&T
- Provides more than 190 High-Definition channels
- They offer you 500 hours DVR storage.
- Pricing begins at $69. 99 per month
Channel Lineups and Packages
Cable and satellite television service providers provide various channel bouquets at different prices. Packages group popular channels together so you are not able to pay for unwanted channels. Here are some of the most popular packages available from the major Atlanta satellite companies:
DIRECTV Packages
- CHOICE – price $84. 99/month – more than 150 channels
- ULTIMATE – $94. 99 per month – More than 195 channels
- PREMIER – $139. 99/month – Over 330 channels
DISH Network Packages
- AMERICA’S TOP 120: $69. 99/month: Over 190 channels
- AMERICA’S TOP 200 - $84. 99 – The package offers 240 plus channels.
- AMERICA’S TOP 250 – Price $ 94. 99 / month – Over 290+ channels
AT&T TV Packages
- ENTERTAINMENT - $69. 99/month - 65+ channels
- CHOICE – $84. 99/month– 120+channels
- ULTIMATE – $94. 99 per month – 130+ channels
Other movie channels such as HBO, SHOWTIME, and STARZ are also offered by most providers at an extra monthly cost. There are additional packages offered by satellite TV providers which include NFL Sunday Ticket and MLB Extra Innings which gives viewers more of sports for a fee.
Equipment and Installation
Satellite TV requires the subscriber to have a satellite dish and receive equipment installed at the consumer’s home. Providers frequently run promotions waiving equipment and installation fees, but here are the typical costs if paying outright:
DIRECTV
- Equipment - $199-$299
- Installation - $199
- Leased equipment option is available
DISH Network
- Equipment - $199+
- Installation - $99
- Leased equipment as an option is possible.
AT&T TV
- None needed since the service is delivered over the Internet.
- Equipment supplied without installation costs
With leased options, you do not make an initial payment but you are required to make a monthly equipment rental. This may prove more costly in the long run, albeit inflicting less damage in the short run.
Contracts and Commitments
Satellite television normally requires the client to enter into an agreement to have the services for 12-24 months. If you cancel before your service contract is up, then you will be charged $10-$20 per month until your contract is fulfilled. A few of them have started to offer no-contract options but often at the cost of slightly higher regular monthly rates given the freedom of not being tied to any contract.
That is not the case with AT&T TV, however, which does not have any long-term contract irrespective of the chosen package. However, what you need to know regarding the no-contract option is that there isn’t a fixed monthly tariff and the price can be adjusted from time to time.
Guidelines for Selecting the Most Appropriate Satellite Provider in Atlanta
- With this overview of what satellite companies in Atlanta offer, here are some tips for evaluating which is the right fit:
- Consider the channels and HD available in the packages to ensure you are getting what you will regularly consume.
- Think about the number of TVs to be served. Another important issue that increases with multi-TV homes relates to equipment fees.
- Consider aspects such as storage capacity of DVR and how many recordings the device can perform at once.
- Consider relative importance of promotional pricing and contractual obligations
- Before setting up a dish you need to ensure that your area does not hinder access to satellite.
- Discuss with other Atlanta customers on the experiences with satellite providers
There is nothing wrong with researching a little before you jump in headfirst. It is likely that the search will end with one provider that offers the best value in terms of pricing and contract length and preferred channels and equipment for your household. Having this guide serves as a starting block helps in reviewing what satellite TV has in store for residents across the greater Atlanta region.
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.
