by
dane » Mon Mar 07, 2016 10:29 pm
ichristie wrote:Requires a credit check? sigh.
Okay, I've got some details on the options for DISH service if you prefer not to provide an SSN and allow a credit check. Here's an overview of some of the details, to give you an idea of how it works. For any specific questions, please contact Sonic sales.
For customers that are looking to get set up with TV Service without a credit check or having to commit for a certain amount of years, DISH offers a packaged called "Flex TV". Flex TV is also a good fit for customers who need the freedom of stopping and restarting service whenever you need to. (For example, seasonal workers who are only in the US DISH service area for a portion of the year.)
Benefits of going with Flex TV:
No SSN or credit check required
No credit card required
No contract or commitment period
Own your equipment
More channel package options available
Other offers included with Flex TV:
HBO Free for 3 Months
Protection Plan Free for 6 months
HD Free for life
Free Standard Professional Installation
Programming packages start at $29.99 per month for DISH Latino, or $36.99 for English language packages. Equipment is purchased up-front and is yours to keep. Upfront cost for equipment would depend on what receiver you select. Examples: Hopper 3 is $350, Hopper 2 is $250.
An activation fee is also required and varies depending on the type of equipment that is selected. The activation fee can be anywhere from $50-$200. For example, a customer who got a Hopper would pay $200 to activate that. Someone who just got a non-DVR HD receiver would pay $50 to activate that.
Oh, and one last gotcha: because Flex TV requires no specific term duration, it wouldn't be eligible for the Sonic+DISH bundle discount which provides a $10/mo credit.
Looking at this all objectively, the $49.99 standard offer is a better value in all but the most exceptional cases. It provides a three year price guarantee, but only a two year agreement, and is eligible for both the year of free Netflix credit and the $10/mo off Sonic credit. This results in a very low cost.