DISH Network Telecom Review: Services Evaluated

I’ve spent quite some time examining the ins and outs of DISH Network’s telecom services. And let me tell you, there’s a lot to unpack!

DISH Network Telecom, known for satellite TV services, has expanded into the telecom industry, offering DSL, cable, fiber optic, and satellite services.

Their services encompass satellite TV, high-speed internet, smart home technology, and tailored commercial solutions. DISH Network seems to have a pretty solid reputation. J.D. Power has awarded them the top TV service provider for six years.

Review Platform	Average Rating	Total Reviews
Switchful	⭐⭐⭐⭐4.3 (Expert), 3.9 (Customer)	49
ConsumerAffairs	⭐⭐⭐2.5	6,937
Reviews.com	⭐⭐⭐3.4	Not specified
SiteJabber	⭐1.28	397

In this article, I’ll dive deeply into what DISH offers beyond just television. From internet services to smart solutions, we’re going on a journey through all things DISH Telecom-related.

Overview of DISH Network Telecom

I’ve spent some time delving into the world of DISH Network Telecom, and there’s quite some information you need to know. Known for their satellite TV services, it’s no surprise they’ve ventured into the telecom sector.

• Satellite TV dominance. They offer this service across various platforms, including DSL, cable, fiber optic, and satellite.
• Internet offerings. Their reach isn’t limited to urban areas; they also provide coverage in rural places, where options are often scarce.
• Commitment to customer satisfaction. They’ve earned recognition from J.D Power for multiple years running for top-notch customer experience within the industry. That’s not an easy accolade to achieve!
• Home phone service advantages. They shine with their home phone plans, which give you unlimited nationwide calling at affordable rates. Plus, those who love international calls get access to low per-minute rates.
• Commercial solutions. Tailored specifically towards businesses of all sizes – restaurants, offices, or healthcare facilities! So whether you need TV packages or music solutions for your workspace – they’ve got it covered.

Customer Feedback and Satisfaction

Let’s dive straight in and talk about one of the most crucial elements when considering any service: customer feedback.

In 2023, DISH Network snagged the #1 spot with J.D. Power for Cable or Satellite TV Customer Satisfaction. They’re on a mission to serve up high-quality TV packed with features and genuinely tuned into their customers’ feedback.

Here is an overview that highlights customer satisfaction:

Aspect	Satisfaction Rating
Technical Support	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Service	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing Clarity	⭐⭐⭐

Large Reviewer Opinions Of Dish Network

I found reviews for DISH Network Telecom from various review platforms. Here’s a summary of what I found:

1. Switchful:
   • Average Rating: 4.3/5 (Expert Rating), 3.9/5 (Customer Rating)
   • Total Reviews: 49​¹​.
2. ConsumerAffairs:
   • Average Rating: 2.5/5
   • Total Reviews: 6,937​²​.
3. Reviews.com:
   • Average Rating: 3.4/5 (based on available channels, price, and more)
   • Note: The site also mentioned that the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power​3 highly rate DISH Network’s television service​.
4. SiteJabber:
   • Average Rating: 1.28/5 (based on 397 reviews)
   • Total Reviews: 397
   • Note: Most customers seemed generally dissatisfied, frequently mentioning issues with customer service, contract terms, and local channel availability​⁴​.

The reviews from different platforms vary significantly, ranging from 1.28/5 to 4.3/5, and the total number of reviews also varies widely from 49 to 6,937. It’s important to note that different review platforms may have different methodologies and user bases, which can significantly affect the ratings and reviews.

Positive Reviews

Stellar Customer Support

• A customer had connection issues for six months, but DISH was persistent and professional in resolving the issue.
• Long-time loyal customers were over the moon with a technician. He was professional and polite and went the extra mile to demonstrate and sell Polk Systems for their TV.
• A newbie to DISH, initially apprehensive, found their fears unfounded. Even in bad weather, the reception was spot on. Their only interaction with customer service was exceptional.
• A customer, DISH, had an outstanding experience and offered insightful information about updated equipment. The conversation was so productive that the customer set up DISH service at two other properties.

Product Reliability

• Despite worries, a user had no reception problems even during bad weather after using DISH for six months.

Above and Beyond Service

• When a user couldn’t use the DISH service for their RV, Sierra from DISH took the initiative and provided a solution to ensure the customer could enjoy their service on the go.

Negative Reviews

Billing Concerns

• A customer reported a sudden increase in their monthly bill with no apparent explanation.
• Another user felt extorted with a penalty of $900 when trying to cancel, feeling that the company wasn’t honoring their service agreement.

Service Outages & Technical Glitches:

• One user faces the daily inconvenience of unplugging and re-plugging their receiver. They also faced a signal loss on a clear day and found the chat option non-responsive.
• Another user points out that DISH has removed channels without any replacement, yet their bill remained unchanged.

Service Value & Offerings

• A customer feels that DISH is straying away from its TV roots and focusing too much on other services like cell service.
• Another customer plans to switch to YouTube TV, feeling that DISH doesn’t provide value for the channels they’re paying for.

Core Telecom Services Offered

Diving straight into DISH Network’s core telecom services, I was truly struck by the variety. With a broad range of channels to choose from, they’re catering to every kind of viewer out there.

• Satellite Television: Not many providers can say they’ve been in the game as long as DISH Network. And with experience comes quality – customers love the wide array of channels and packages.

• Broadband Internet: This high-speed internet service wins hearts among users who need reliable connectivity all day.

• Smart Home Technology: Through OnTech Smart Services, DISH is helping customers step into the future with various smart home solutions.

Service Quality Assessment

Diving right into it, I can’t help but notice the impressive service quality that DISH Network brings. It’s not just about offering a wide range of channels – although they do that well, too. It’s more than just quantity; it’s also about quality.

• Signal reliability. You know what I’m talking about – those frustrating moments when your favorite show freezes or pixelates? With DISH Network, those instances are dramatically reduced. Their advanced tech ensures a stable and consistent signal even during inclement weather conditions.
• Customer service. We’ve all had our fair share of bad experiences with unresponsive or unhelpful customer service departments. But DISH seems to be doing things differently. They’ve received awards for their customer service, which shows how quickly and professionally they handle queries and complaints.
• Installation and Setup. Remember when you’d have to take a day off work waiting for the cable guy? Well, not with DISH Network! They offer convenient appointment windows and professional installation services, so you’ll be up and running quickly.
• Picture quality. Because who doesn’t love crisp, clear images on screen? DISH Network supports 4K resolution broadcasts, so you get some of the best picture quality available today!

Technology and Innovation

Let’s dive into the technological side of things, shall we? Regarding tech and innovation, DISH Network isn’t a company that’s shy about pushing boundaries. I’ll tell you one thing – they’ve got their finger on the pulse in this department.

• Sling TV. That game-changing streaming service is the brainchild of DISH. It revolutionized how we consume television by allowing us to “cut the cord.” Now, that’s what I call innovation!

• DISH Hopper 3. This DVR system isn’t just any run-of-the-mill recording device; it has capabilities far beyond its peers. We’re talking 16 simultaneous recordings and support for up to seven TVs. Plus, it can tuck away 2,000 hours of content – no more heartbreaking decisions over which beloved shows must go.

Now, how about some numbers? Let’s check out these stats on DISH’s broadband internet service:

Broadband Type	Average Download Speed	Average Upload Speed
Satellite Internet (Via HughesNet)	25 Mbps	3 Mbps

• Impressive portfolio. From automatic commercial skipping technology to mobile viewing features, they’re making waves in industry innovation.

Price Evaluation

Let’s talk numbers, shall we? Pricing is a major factor when it comes to choosing a telecom provider. And in this respect, DISH Network does not disappoint with its fairly competitive pricing structure.

When you examine the basic package offerings from DISH Network, they’re quite affordable compared to some competitors in the market. The America’s Top 120 package costs $64.99 monthly, offering over 190 channels! That’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

Package Name	Promotional Price (for first 2 years)	Regular Price
America’s Top 120	$64.99/mo	Varies
America’s Top 120 Plus	$79.99/mo	Varies
America’s Top 200	$89.99/mo	Varies
America’s Top 250	$99.99/mo	Varies

Another key point to consider is additional costs, like installation fees or equipment rental fees, that can add up over time:

• DVR Service fee: $15/month
• Receiver Fee: $7/month per additional TV
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $10

Pros and Cons

Finally, let’s dive into the pros and cons of DISH Network Telecom. I’m going to lay it all out on the table here.

First up, let’s talk about the good stuff – the pros:

• Extensive Channel Lineup: With DISH, you won’t run out of things to watch anytime soon! They’ve got a wide variety for every sort of TV junkie.
• Advanced DVR Technology: Their Hopper 3 Smart DVR is a game changer. It lets you record 16 shows simultaneously and has a 2TB hard drive capacity. That’s pretty rad if you ask me!
• Flexible Packages and Pricing: You get some pretty flexible options with their packages. Tailor-make your viewing experience according to your budget.

Now we need to look at the other side too – the cons:

• Long-term Contract Required: This can feel like being shackled down for some folks. You’ve got to commit for two years with DISH.
• Price Increase After First Year: The pricing isn’t stable either, folks! There’s an increase after the first year that might catch you off guard.
• Limited Availability in Rural Areas: Availability could be an issue if you live somewhere more off-the-grid or rural.

DISH Network vs. Competitors

We’re about to delve into the competitive landscape of the telecom sector. While DISH Network has its strengths, it’s essential to see how it measures up against the other major players in the industry. We’ve lined them up side by side for a comprehensive look, so let’s get started!

Providers	Key Features	Pricing
DISH Network	– Satellite TV Dominance – Broadband Internet	– Competitive, especially with promotional deals for the first two years.
DirecTV	– Satellite TV Masters – Sports Packages with NFL Sunday Ticket	– Similar pricing tiers with potential hikes post-promotional periods.
Comcast Xfinity	– Broad Service Range: TV, internet, mobile, and home security – Fast Internet with cable infrastructure	– Bundled services can provide cost savings, but beware of hidden fees.
Verizon Fios	– 100% Fiber Optic Network – Custom TV for personalized channel choices	– Transparent pricing with often no annual contracts.
Charter Spectrum	– No Contracts – Broad Services: TV, internet, mobile, voice	– Competitive pricing but potential price changes post-promotional periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there any hidden fees to be aware of?
  • Many providers, such as Comcast Xfinity, may have hidden fees even with bundled savings. It’s essential to review any agreement to understand all potential costs thoroughly.
• Is fiber-optic better than satellite or cable for the internet?
  • Fiber-optic, like Verizon Fios, offers faster and more reliable internet speeds than satellite or cable. It’s a newer technology with direct data transmission, resulting in a smoother user experience.
• What are the typical installation fees associated with these services?
  • Installation fees can vary among providers, with some occasionally offering promotions that waive these fees. It’s recommended to discuss all potential charges upfront when signing up.
• How user-friendly are the DVR systems of these providers?
  • DISH Network’s Hopper 3 stands out with its capability to record 16 shows simultaneously. However, other providers also offer robust DVR systems, so it comes down to personal preferences and needs.
• How secure are these services, especially internet and home security offerings?
  • Security is paramount. Providers like Comcast Xfinity, with their home security solutions, prioritize this. However, always ensure you know the security measures, especially for internet services.
• How flexible are the channel packages?
  • Each provider offers a range of packages, from basic to premium. Some, like Verizon Fios with its Custom TV, allow a more tailored channel selection, so you’re not stuck with channels you’ll never watch.

References

Website Resources:

• DISH Network Official Site. https://www.dish.com/
• BroadbandNow. https://broadbandnow.com/
• SatelliteGuys. https://www.satelliteguys.us/xen/
• J.D. Power. https://www.jdpower.com/
• OnTech Official Website. https://www.ontechsmartservices.com/

Video References:

DISH

Sling TV

Company Man