In the satellite TV industry there are satellite TV providers that provide satellite TV programming, and satellite TV dealers that sell that programming and the satellite dish and receivers you need to watch it.
There are currently two major satellite TV providers in the U.S. - Dish Network and DirecTV - plus hundreds of satellite TV dealers who sell their services and systems.
Thanks to the increase in popularity of satellite TV, dealers have sprung up all over the Internet promising the best deals, the best service, and everything else under the sun. But after you sign up with them they may hit you with hidden service fees, give you a shoddy installation, and offer limited or nonexistent customer service.
So how do you know which dealers will give you the best service and will sell you Dish Network or DirecTV's programming at the best possible price?
Dealer Differences
All authorized satellite TV dealers get their reseller's rights from either Dish Network or DirecTV and charge the same price for programming. The difference between dealers is what equipment they offer, how good their installation service is, and how good their customer service is.
Before you sign up for satellite TV service you should find out the following:
* Is the dealer an authorized Dish Network or DirecTV dealer?
* Has the dealer been in business for at least 5 years?
* Will the dealer give you a new satellite TV system and not a used or refurbished system?
* Are there any hidden fees in the fine print on the dealer's website such as activation fees or service charges?
* Can I get 24/7 toll-free telephone and online customer service.
I've spent a number of hours checking out online satellite TV dealers. Here's a rundown on the top Dish Network and DirecTV dealers:
DISH Network Dealers
#1 ClearLink
Founded in 2003, ClearLink was recognized as an INC. 500 company, and was recognized as one of Utah's Top 100 companies. Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.
#2 VMC
VMC is one of most well-known satellite TV dealers in the U.S. They installed the satellite TV system in the United States Capitol building.
Both Dish Network dealers offer the following services and equipment:
* Satellite TV programming packages starting at $9.99 a month
* A free DISH Network satellite TV dish, a four-room receiver system, and free professional installation
* Free HD receivers and free digital video recorders
* 24/7 customer service
DirecTV Dealers
#1 ClearLink
Founded in 2003, ClearLink was recognized as an INC.500. Their prices, reputation, and service are second to none.
#2 Direct Star TV
Direct Star TV is one of the largest DIRECTV dealers in the nation. Founded in 2003, Direct Star TV was recently named Elite Dealer of the Year.
Both DirecTV dealers offer the following:
*Satellite TV programming packages starting at $29.99 a month
* A free DISH Network satellite TV dish, a four-room receiver system, and free professional installation
* Free HD receivers and free digital video recorders
* 24/7 customer service
Visit http://www.thesatellitetvguide.com or click on the following link for more information on
satellite TV dealers, plus where to get the best deal on their satellite TV service. You can also see their latest special offers and order their satellite TV service online.
The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written a number of articles on satellite TV dealers.
