Satellite TV: Free satellite TV system

Satellite TV providers, dealers, and retailers are all vying for the business of potential satellite TV subscribers. The result is a selection of very attractive "free" promotions. Satellite TV systems can be expensive purchases, often costing as much as $300. However, there is no reason a new subscriber should have to pay for a satellite TV system with the array of free satellite TV system promotions now available.

Free Satellite TV Systems
Independent satellite TV dealers and retailers regularly contract with major satellite television providers such as Dish Network and DirecTV to sell service and/or equipment. With the increasing popularity of satellite TV, the number of independent dealers and retailers continue to grow, which means each dealer must offer attractive incentives in order to stay competitive in the highly competitive satellite TV market.

One such incentive is the free satellite system promotion. Several online dealers and retailers offer a variation of this promotion, and some satellite TV providers do as well. With this offer, subscribers have the opportunity of subscribing to satellite TV with a major provider and receiving their satellite TV system-satellite dish, receiver, and other equipment-for free. With so many reliable promotions such as these available to consumers, there is no reason to pay for satellite equipment anymore.
When potential subscribers are looking at free satellite TV system deals, it is important to keep in mind several points:

• What is being offered?
• What is "free"?
• Is a monthly subscription required?
• What is the fine print?

Here are two satellite TV providers offering free satellite TV systems, compared side by side:

Rapidsatellite.com offer: Fine Print
"Free DirecTV DVR System"For new customers only. A monthly
Free satellite systems for up to 4 roomssubscription fee applies. System is
Free installationfree only after the use of a mail-in
rebate. Only 1 DVR system is
provided; additional rooms receive
a basic satellite receiver system.
Installation was included on one
page, then stated installation was not
included on the next.

Allsat.com offers: Fine Print
"Digital Home Advantage" Requires a minimum Dish Network
Free satellite systems for up to 4 roomscommitment of 18 months and a
Free upgrades to DVR equipmentminimum monthly subscription fee
Free standard professional installation of $29.99. Receiver rental fees may
Free activationapply. The $49.99 activation fee is
Free movie channels for 3 monthspaid and a credit in that amount is
given with the first satellite TV bill.
For first time customers only.

Additional websites offer similar deals, some with DirecTV services and some with Dish Network. Consumers should make sure the free satellite TV system promotion they wish to take advantage of is with a satisfactory satellite TV provider. Major satellite TV providers normally do not offer free satellite TV systems, but may include free standard installation for first time customers, and free equipment upgrades for first time customers.

Buyer Beware
Potential satellite TV subscribers looking to take advantage of "free satellite TV system" offers should use caution and common sense. Because of the gradually increasing popularity of satellite TV, some satellite TV system dealers are using scams to lure customers rather than true free satellite TV system promotions. These scams usually have hidden costs and offer shoddy installation and non-existent customer service.
Whenever a company or satellite TV system retailer advertises a system using the word "free", potential subscribers should proceed with caution. Authorized dealers with proven track records and good customer service, such as the above companies, provide up-front information on costs and complete details concerning "free" deals. These can be good and trusted sources for free system deals.