I'm new to Dish Network, and I want to try to qualify for Distant Locals or Dishnets. What should I do first?

Check your qualification at the Dish Network address qualification web site.
See: http://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customernetqual/nqCustomerLocalsCheck.jsp. This web site uses the same data base as the CSR's computers. If you qualify, you can call Dish Network and order any package that is allowed from the results page. Existing customers who have had Dishnets since before SHVIA was passed, may be "grandfathered", and not subject to the results from the address broker data base.
 

I have read and heard that some customers' distant net feeds are "grandfathered" for some undisclosed period of time. Does anyone know absolutely for sure what the detailed rules are on grandfathering in this context, and where a copy of the rules can be found?

Supposedly, viewers who had distant nets before November 1999, in the grade B contour of the broadcasters signal contour map, are grandfathered. For information on contours at your location consult the web based application at http://www.bsexton.com. More information is available from the FCC at http://www.fcc.gov/csb/shva/shviafac.html.
 

I may not be "grandfathered", I've heard that if I make changes in my account, I may lose my Dishnets. Is this true?

There is a distinct possibility that you might. See: Will my Dishnets be Cut off?
 

My Dishnets were cut off already. What can I do?

Your best bet is to request waivers. See: If your DishNets have been cut off.
 

I noticed that my status on the address broker has changed. I'm about ready to have my Dish 500 installed next week. If I had a signal test done and was found incapable of receiving OTA signals, should I be worried about losing my distant networks?

The only signal test that counts anymore has to be agreed upon by your provider, and the broadcaster that will not provide waivers to your provider.
Since SHVIA, I have not heard of anyone who has regained their networks via a signal test. Although the language of the law say that you can request one, both broadcasters and the satellite companies have systematically ignored all requests. The FCC is taking comments from concerned parties to develop a procedure to designate an impartial signal testing agency.

06/23/00 Flash The FCC has announced that the ARRL will be involved in selecting an impartial tester in the event of a dispute which requires a signal test. Procedures for signal testing have still not been established yet, and several more months may go by before some of the language of the law is put to the test. The bottom line right now is that you probably still can't get a signal test yet.