Of the many questions that seniors ask when they are ready to cancel cable and switch to satellite television, one of the most common is, what is the average monthly cost of DISH Network? The answer to that will vary depending on the chosen DISH package, whether the pack is bundled with internet or phone services, and the possibility of a discount or a promotion that the senior qualifies for. In general, DISH is somewhat cheaper compared to other cable/satellite TV providers among the main ones. Here is how senior citizens should be prepared for what they are likely to be charged by the DISH Network on average.
Base Programming Packages
DISH Network offers four primary programming packages for standard definition channels:
- America’s Top 50 – at $59. 99 per month and comes with the 50 most-watched programs such as live sporting events, news, life, and movies. Around 190 channels in total.
- America’s Top 120 - at $69. 99 per month, it comes with all the Top 50 channels, more lifestyle, variety, regional sports, and local channels. Around 290 channels in total.
- AMERICA’S TOP 120+ – This package costs $77. 99/month and includes approximately 310 channels. Subsequently incorporates more variety, an assortment of sports, and specialty interest channels.
- America’s Top 250 – offers 331 channels starting at 87. 99 USD per month. It is their largest package other than premium add-ons, and it focuses on the customer experience.
DISH also has its high-definition packages ready for 4k at even slightly higher rates than the SD packages. Thus, if you are interested in beautiful HD picture quality you are likely to add $10-15 on top of your monthly subscription fees.
Prepaid Tariffs & Pay-TV Networks
There are also additional programming packages that consumers can purchase for a fee, such as The premium movie channels ($15 monthly fee) and The international genre packages. For instance, Chinese-language stations, South Asian shows, and soccer stations such as Gol TV. These premium and international packs come at a premium price of $5 per month to $ 20 per month per pack depending on the package offered.
Therefore, if you desire better programs than the run-of-the-mill English language America channels, then bear this extra cost in mind when budgeting for the probable satellite TV expense.
Internet Bundles
To make their services more affordable and convenient for their customers, DISH offers TV programming packages in cooperation with several top Internet providers in the United States of America, and in most cases, TV and Internet services combine in one package at lower prices. Expect to pay around the following for DISH Network internet bundles:
- DISH TV + Internet 25 – Service offers DISH TV and Internet starting at $52. 99/mo. . Program top 50 with high-speed internet of 25 Mbps.
- DISH TV + Internet 100 – $72. 99/mo. *. High-speed internet of 100 Mbps is provided with a top 120 for programming.
It must be noted that those who are availing of the service with a faster internet connection or more channels will have to pay more every month. However, bundling does hold one major benefit in most cases it is cheaper than making individual purchases from TV and internet service providers.
There are additional fees for the use of the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and another receiver.
99% of the DISH Network Packages include Hopper Duo DVR to allow you to record programs that you cannot catch when transmitted live. However, any additional TV receiver after the first one that is included in your package will leave you paying an extra $7 per month. But if, for example, you switch to a more advanced Hopper variant such as the voice-controlled Hopper with Sling then it is likely that there will be additional charges for this service too.
If you would like to have 3-4 rooms or receivers to be connected to DISH Network, then you would have to multiply $7 by each additional receiver to know how much more would that be per month.
Other features such as; extended DVR space, the ability to jump past commercials, on-demand mobile streaming ability, and the ability to record two or more programs at once may cost about $15 or more if you would wish to subscribe to these premium packages. Bear that in mind if you are a very heavy user of the home DVR system which records several programs simultaneously.
Therefore, the following are common discounts and promotions for seniors
The news is even better because DISH often has some additional offers and promotions including promo rates for new customers. Some of these could be used directly in the advertising campaign, especially for seniors who may be interested in satellite service. For instance, DISH currently has a one-year deal of $10/month off America’s Top packages plus free Amazon & Echo Dot for seniors, but it comes with requirements such as age requirements and access to government programs including but not limited to social security and Medicare.
Before signing up for any DISH promo or offer, always inquire from a DISH sales representative what other offers they have available. Do not just take their word for it and think that the prices given on their web page are the same prices that any subscribing company ends up paying after some time. The teaser rates presented when a card is offered usually have time restrictions even if the fine print is somewhat ambiguous. However, it may perhaps pay you to get a head start during one of those attractive opening membership sale offers.
The senior citizen-specific promotions are generally in the form of ‘get out of paying the following fees,’ free trial of premium services, low installation and equipment costs, and other one or two-week special offers. However, you will be charged the normal standard monthly rates from the second month of subscription to DISH services after the first year apart from getting additional senior customer loyalty promotions in the future which is still possible. As with all current discount offers, compare them with whether the normal costs will still be within reach when it comes to the product’s long-term benefits.
Additionally, the majority of older people in the United States may also be receiving their incomes in monthly checks and hence they may also be eligible for other government-subsidized services that involve participation from some of the TV service providers such as Lifeline Assistance. Lifeline can make a big difference by helping you save $9 monthly or more than $100 per year towards satellite TV services, collectively. State regulations and policies are the key determinants of enrollment rules.
In Summary.
To summarize what a typical DISH Network bill might be for seniors:
- Base Programming: $60-90/month
- Premium Channels: For an additional cost of $5-15/month
- Additional Receivers: For each additional TV, an additional $7 per month will be charged.
- Internet Bundle Packages: Increase the price range by $20-50 per month.
- Potential Discounts: Could subtract $10-20/month at least for some time.
Thus, all-inclusive for most seniors, plan on an average monthly fee of $90-140 reasonable if one has two to three TV receivers and good programming. The only way to overcome this problem is by bundling services to make a little saving. In general, DISH Network falls somewhere in the middle regarding price but is typically closer to the lower price range when it comes to the provided channels and service options. Like everything else, the cost once again depends on your requirements and configuration. But hopefully, this gives seniors a fairly good idea of what the normal pricing range would be to expect for DISH service.
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.
