What is Satellite TV?
Satellite TV is a wireless television service that delivers television programming to households using satellite dishes orbiting the Earth. Due to its space technology, satellite TV is available nearly everywhere in the United States – and the world. This type of TV service bounces signals off three separate satellite dishes with receiving antennas. One is located at a TV provider, one is mounted to the roof of a resident, and the third satellite orbits space. We break down everything there is to know about satellite TV below to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Top Satellite TV Providers


How Cable TV Providers Stack Up
DIRECTV
330+
DVR Recordings
5
DISH
290+
DVR Recordings
16
DIRECTV vs DISH
Is DIRECTV or DISH better for you? Well, that depends on your preferences. If you value having a variety of channels and premium packages that include sports and live events, DIRECTV might be the best choice for you. However, if you prefer the flexibility of an advanced DVR system that lets you record more shows at once, DISH might be even better.
Is Satellite TV Right for Me?
Selecting the right TV service all comes down to what you’re looking for. Available nearly anywhere in the U.S., satellite TV is the go-to choice for many households located in rural and suburban areas where a cable network has yet to be built. Satellite providers typically offer more channel options as well, making those that love sports or premium channels top customers. However, satellite TV is not for everyone.
Due to its technology, the only way to receive service is through a satellite dish. While cable TV is protected by grounded cable lines, satellite TV relies on a dish exposed to the elements. Because of this, you may be subject to occasional service interruptions due to inclement weather. This can be a deterrent for anyone living along the coast or in areas where the weather changes quite frequently. We recommend checking what services are available near you and then narrowing down your options.
Satellite TV FAQs
To keep up with the competition, TV providers, program networks, and big brands are starting to offer similar streaming services. NBCUniversal recently released Peacock to compete with the likes of HBO Max, and household brands have invested billions into new platforms such as Apple TV+ and Disney+.