Just be patient. Dish just moved me from 148 to 118 for internationals at NO Charge. 148 people are receiving letters at this time. You just have to wait for them to send you the letter. I'm sure it won't be very long. Once you get the letter informing you that you need an upgrade to continue to receive the internationals you get at 148, Dish will pay for EVERYTHING, even if they have to upgrade your receivers--WITH NO COMMITMENTS--ABSOLUTELY FREE! They switched me out for a brand new Dish 1000 Plus: a single dish solution to my previous 3 dishes, and 129 is nice and strong. I am really happy.
The point is for you to just wait and be patient. You may get your letter next week or next month, but if you try to switch BEFORE receiving the letter, you will have to pay. You are getting ahead of yourself here. Just sit back relax and you will get your letter for the FREE upgrade that you want. Again, all labor and any additional equipment that may be necessary to make it work (new switches, receivers--I got all new cable) is FREE of any charge.
It is FREE because this is a change Dish is making, NOT YOU. Since this is a requirement of Dish (moving internationals from 148 to 118), Dish will pay for it NOT YOU. But, if you can't wait and YOU want to make the change now, then Dish figures YOU can pay for it. They have to run your address and account through the computer, and if it shows that you have not been sent the letter, the system will only make the change if you pay for it. However, if the system shows that the letter has been sent, then you qualify for the FREE upgrade with absolutely no conditions, and the system won't add any charges. That simple.