Fate of Sky Angel Channels on Dish Network

[Wescopc]

Just got off of the phone with Dish CSR, after checking with supervisor (2 times), she said the Public Access channels will still work for a current SA customer after the 31st without a subscription! It will be interesting to see how this plays out next week.
Bob

 

[Katybug]

What Public Access Channels are currently on Sky Angel? 3ABN? Any others?

Katybug

 

[Scroll]

Just got off of the phone with Dish CSR, after checking with supervisor (2 times), she said the Public Access channels will still work for a current SA customer after the 31st without a subscription! It will be interesting to see how this plays out next week.
Bob

Indeed! I had a previously subbed receiver that showed the channels in my guide as channels I received but every time I'd try to watch them I got a "you need to subscribe" message.

But along those lines, I suggest everyone makes sure to have the Info Pak now while you can still add it. It doesn't show up on your account page probably because it's free I guess. Who knows? Maybe they will still work from the sound of your post. Problem is that if you have to replace the receiver they'll probably be gone without new paid programming. I know just swapping the access card doesn't work to get them back because I tried for the heck of it.

 

[Mr Tony]

What Public Access Channels are currently on Sky Angel? 3ABN? Any others?

Katybug

http://www.satelliteguys.us/1287134-post15.html'

click on the link in that thread. Its all the channels on 61.5

 

[The Shadow Knows]

Free Public Access Channels

If you have the free access channels now you will still receive them after the 31st. BUT!! if you don't subscribe to another package you will be billed for receiving them, about $8 a month. If you don't pay, they will shut if off and then you will only get the channels Iceberg said as an unsubbed receiver. You can't add them if you don't subscribe to anything, but you won't be cut off if you have them now when SA quits and you will be billed for them, I know because I was charged when SA cut me off when I didn't send my letter back to them. I had to reinstate to get the SA channels back and the FA channels went free again.

 

[Scroll]

Same experience here, essentially. But wasn't the access fee only like $6? Or was that $6 plus tax bringing it to almost $8??

I just wish they'd put the guide info back up instead of that stupid message to call.

 

[BusyMommyof8]

Agreed, the question is what will be the minimum package. i.e. will locals and essentials packages get you the PI channels. We will probably have to wait and see, unless someone knows.
Bob

I'm a SkyAngel Lifetime throwaway. Other than PBS I have all the network programming blocked because I have 8 children and just don't wanna play TV cop all the time. I just subbed to the Dish Essentials Package for $9 and asked if the PI channels were included because my kids really loved KTV. The rep was viewing my account on his computer screen and commented that I had been a DISH customer for 10 years (via SkyAngel) (...pause...), then asked me to hold. When he came back he said he'd arranged for me to get the PIs free.Of course I got the rep number of everyone I talked to and recorded every promise made because I know how that stuff goes.I made a 2 year commitment in exchange for free equipment and programming in 2 rooms. The kids are each giving up a portion of their allowance (they were the ones who were pleading for this so they get to help pay) to pay the bill. After taxes, fees, etc, my total monthly bill will be $11 and some odd cents per month.I'm blocking a number of channels but am pretty satisfied with what's left and see it as a good value.I had to call an account specialist (not regular customer service) to get this package. The number is 888-773-2162.My long term goal is to save up enough to buy the GloryStar two room system (will be available in about June of 2008) and go with fta. It will take awhile to save the money but I think it's the best route for our family.God bless!Cindy

 

[Scroll]

When he came back he said he'd arranged for me to get the PIs free.

LOL they are free to anyone who asks for them as long as you subscribe to something. No special favors there.

Have you considered a free digital tuner for the TV? Here in St. Petersburg, FL you can get a lot of the lost programing (Daystar and WCLF which is most of the old Angel2) and in my market the Worship network plays 24/ 7 on a ION sub channel and Qubo on another sub channel. TBN also, but that's included in the PI Pak.

I also get extra PBS programming from both St. Pete and Tampa (WUSF).

 

[Katybug]

I have been watching the posts to see what everyone ends up doing after SkyAngel DBS ended. It seems to me that a good number of them are going to the DishNetwork Essential Services pack, which has pricing that is similar to SkyAngel.

I have not yet made a decision and have just been using local digital programming, borrowing DVD's from the library and friends, and really not watching much TV at all. I have noticed that since SkyAngel DBS ended that we just don't turn on the TV to see what is on as often, which is a good thing. My kids like QUBO and I like some programming on Ion Life.(Digital Substations of Ion). And I still get 3ABN and Worship Network( sub of Ion).

However, My Dad died two weeks ago, so that kind of makes a decision about what to do for television viewing look like a very small issue in comparison. So, eventually we may go to the Dish Essential Service Package, but for now, when I am awake long after everyone else, I am enjoying my Sister's Quincy Seasons 1 and 2 DVDs.

I hope everyone is enjoying whatever route they have taken!

Katybug

 

[Scroll]

If you no longer sub to Dish I'm not certain if you can get the Essentials Service. But since it's only like $10 a month I'm not sure why you didn't take it.

You might want to check on that soon if you think you might be interested while you might still have a chance at getting it. Otherwise you might have to go with Dish Family, which for my viewing isn't even as good and costs twice as much.

 

[ShaneLinder]

We signed up for DISH Family before S/A DBS ended and we are mostly happy with it. We clocked the Nick channels because we don't like the content of the cartoons. We have left Boomarang for the kids to watch but only let them watch that three days a week so they don't overdose on secular programming. I paid extra at the beginning so I wouldn't have to enter into a commitment.

We also have the GloryStar set up which we are very happy with. My wife and I rarely sit down in front of the TV. Rather we have the TV on while we are doing other things around the house. There is more good programming on the Christian channels than I have time to watch. We subscribe to DISH to get a news network and a movie channel.

 

[Katybug]

Scroll, that is a good point about not currently being a dishnetwork customer, so possibly not being eligible to get the Essential Service package. However, I never really was a Dishnetwork customer, only Sky Angel. From watching the posts, it seems as if SkyAngel customers have been able to get this programming without a problem. So, I guess if I am going to do this I need to do it sooner than later.

My hesitation is not the cost, it is extremely reasonable, but it has been many years since I had secular programming and I have been spoiled by feeling safe when turning on the TV that nothing offensive will be on. Also, as I am cleaning out my Dad's house, he has a few days left in his cable billing cycle, so I just left it on while my sister and I are there most days working. I am just discouraged about the programming and most definately the commercials. I guess I will quickly need to figure out what needs to be blocked and do that and do the same thing I do when watching network tv, mute the commercials. Also, I have not been home during the day to be here for an install, since I have been working on my Dad's house.

On a possitive note, I am excited about Having Hallmark back and in my opinion, having it and the History Channel alone is worth $10/month.

Thanks,
Katybug

 

[Scroll]

If you still have that call Dish message on the SA channels you can perhaps get the Essentials service, but don't call the number on the screen. You have to call that specialist number that many have posted here several times.

As for undesirable channels you probably don't want the Cinemax for a penny deal! LOL

But you can just use a customized program guide and odds are you'll hardly ever even see those undesirable worldly channels like Home Shopping & QVC.