How Do I Get TV in a Remote Area?

By Jack Gorman

DirecTV Satellite Dish
i Satellite dish image by Scrivener from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

You want to get television but you live in a remote area. Though much of the world population lives near cities and they have a wide variety of television options, this is simply not the case for those living in remote areas. Over-the-air signals don't make it out that far, and it's simply not cost-effective for cable systems to hook up a handful of customers on a cable hundreds of miles long. The good news is there is a solution: satellite TV.

Step 1

Check your sight-lines. In order to install a DirecTV or Dish Network satellite dish to receive TV signals, you will need a clear view of the southern sky. That means that you can't have any trees or structures in the way. If you do have something blocking your line-of-sight to the satellite, you may need to consider erecting a tower to lift the dish over the blockage.

Step 2

Contact DirecTV and Dish Network, the two largest providers of TV via satellite, and consider your options. However, if you are looking to get networks like FOX, NBC, ABC and CBS, you will need to order a package with local channels and these are not necessarily available on both satellite systems in all areas.

Step 3

Compare the prices and features of the package plans offered by the satellite TV providers. Be sure that they serve your area.

Step 4

Arrange for an installation. If you are a new customer, take advantage of any offers such as free basic installation, which includes a receiver for each of your televisions and an installed satellite dish and wiring. Unless you have an overly complicated installation (fishing wires through walls or building a tower for your dish), you should not have to pay for much, if at all, and you may even receive a few months of free programming.

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