DISH Network is one of the biggest satellite television service providers in America and it provides different packages and deals for its customers. If you want a more basic service with more reasonably priced and you’re interested in DISH America’s Top 120 package. But how many channels would it be possible to get in case you decide on their package at the lowest level? Perhaps, it is high time we make an in-depth analysis of that.
In the DISH network, what is offered under the basic package?
DISH Network's basic programming package is referred to as America’s Top 120. Well, it’s surprisingly over 190 channels which are sorted by categories such as news, sports, movies, family, etc. The exact channel count can vary, but here is an overview of what you typically get:
- There are almost 190 overall channels available.
- Local broadcast stations included in TV stations are ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, etc.
- Among the great chains of câbles including ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, CNN, and otherwise,
- Among the remaining more than twenty sports channels are NFL Network, MLB Network, Golf Channel, and regional sports networks.
- More than fifty music stations with well-known music genres including pop, rock, hip-hop, country, and many more accessible.
- More than forty film channels including names like AMC, Hallmark, Lifetime, Disney Channel, etc.
- Channels include Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney Junior, and others running cartoons for young viewers.
- Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, BBC World News, and other outlets distribute news throughout the country.
- Discovery, History, Animal Planet, and National Geographic are among the most often watched cable and satellite TV channels.
Even though this package is referred to as the ‘basic’ package, the channel selection is quite sizeable and encompasses nearly all sorts of programming. It provides choices for those interested in sports, movies, news, and children and families. The only major thing that is absent as compared to other larger bundles is more specific channels. However, for the majority of households, America’s Top 120 should suffice as it provides basic channels of entertainment.
Compared to other providers’ basic plans, how does this look?
America’s Top 120 is a base package but it should be noted that this package is somewhat comparable to other major cable and satellite providers concerning the number of channels and options offered. For example:
- DirecTV’s “Select” package offers a little more than 150 channels as of the year 2016.
- Spectrum minimum offers are around 125+ channel variety in the basic TV package.
- Xfinity’s Digital Starter pack which costs $ 49.99 per month has more than 140 channels.
Well, 190 + channels in the starter package demonstrate that DISH offers more than, most of their competitors. You receive more in terms of value when you get there initially. Well, of course, channel count should not be the sole deciding aspect – the number of channels, the price, and available add-ons are essential too. However, ‘America’s Top 120’ is not a bad package for an initial tier.
What Add-Ons Are Available?
The advantage of beginning with America's Top 120 is that this package still leaves a lot of room for extension through additional packs or premiums. A few add-on options include:
- International language channels like Russian, Filipino, Hindi, and many more
- In addition, you can watch HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, and EPIX as a premium channel.
- Cable sports packages such as NFL Redzone, MBL Extra Innings, NBA league pass, and Outside TV, among others.
- Some of the regional sports networks that can be mentioned are NESN, Altitude, MASN, and the rest.
- Adult programming packs
But if you feel like you are left wanting further down the line, DISH has made it easy to just add more channels in those bundles that you need with ease to create your package.
How much does the package that includes 120 channels, which is one of the most popular cable packages in the States, cost?
With America’s Top 120 being an entry-level package offered by DISH Network, the company affords it fairly cheaply. Your exact rate will depend on any promotions, your contract length, and add-ons, but in general, you can expect:
- Affordable basic package at $69.99/month
- For local channel broadcast fees, there is an additional $10-$15
- This may sound like a lot, but more could be charged for the extra receiver and/or the DVR.
Whereas prices for the larger packages from the other companies start from more than $100 per month, America’s Top 120 provides more channel options for generally less than $85 per month. And that also means providing our customers with access to DISH’s amazing Hopper DVR system as well. If you wish to spend less but don’t want to lose the option of having many channels to choose from or no DVR then it becomes attractive.
The Bottom Line
It is especially true when comparing this package with the rest of DISH Network's choices and even their competitors’ offers. Packed with more than 190 channels in different genres such as movies, news, sporting events, family programming, and many more available at reasonably low rates. DISH allows you to add other ones as well if you wish to have more later on, it is quite versatile in this sense. In sum, America’s Top 120 suits you whether you prefer a minimalistic basic package or a pre-minuscular base package to add on. In this respect, it is the clearest example of another “basic” plan and even outdoes the concept.
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.