Phone Line Hookup Needed?

[ErictheMidget]

Guys I tried the search function and looked through the D* general discussion and installation threads and could not find what I was looking for.

Anyway, here is my question....does the D* receiver have to be hooked up to a phone line? I understand that if the receiver is not hooked up to a phone jack, I will not be able to use the caller ID function or purchase PPV. Neither of these features really matter to me. I just want to make sure that D* is not going to charge me some additional fee for the lack of a phone hookup.

By the way, I have my HR20 hooked up to my router, so I am able to use OnDemand if I want. I performed a system test last night to verify and my network connection worked, but I failed the phone line test.

Thanks in advance.

[dodge boy]

You do not need the phone connection. I have an R22 that is only connected to my network. I have heard that if it is connected to On Demand it can download PPV info to D* so that should not even be a problem. My HR22 is connected to both a phone line (Too lazy to disconnect) and my network.

[JLucPicard]

No phone line needed. And since your unit is connected to your internet, I believe you could also order PPV using your remote if you wanted to.

[RobertSeattle]

I messed up the line 3 years ago and never got around to fixing it, but since DirecTV really doesn't care, I never got around to fixing it.

[gcvt]

I haven't had a phone line hooked up to my bedroom receiver for 8 years...and no network connection on receivers that old, of course.

Oddly enough, they say I ordered a PPV movie 2 weeks ago. That call to customer service should be interesting.

[JenB]

Question: I am a non techie so bear with me.. I am a former Dish customer who is moving and now signing up for Directv because I want NFL Ticket. I am not planning on activating a phone line. I have always had a phone line plus ATT DSL plus Dish so I am not sure now how to set up No phone line + Internet? + Direct. Can I get Internet Service without a phone line through AT&T or Verizon? Or do I call Comcast and get cable internet without cable to use with the DirectTV? Any suggestions? Thanks very much!!

[Mike Bertelson]

Question: I am a non techie so bear with me.. I am a former Dish customer who is moving and now signing up for Directv because I want NFL Ticket. I am not planning on activating a phone line. I have always had a phone line plus ATT DSL plus Dish so I am not sure now how to set up No phone line + Internet? + Direct. Can I get Internet Service without a phone line through AT&T or Verizon? Or do I call Comcast and get cable internet without cable to use with the DirectTV? Any suggestions? Thanks very much!!I don't know what's available in your area but your receiver doesn’t care which provider you use.

The Ethernet capable receivers have an Ethernet jack and will connect to your router.

You’ll need some kind of router/modem and you’re all set. :)

Mike

[evan_s]

Question: I am a non techie so bear with me.. I am a former Dish customer who is moving and now signing up for Directv because I want NFL Ticket. I am not planning on activating a phone line. I have always had a phone line plus ATT DSL plus Dish so I am not sure now how to set up No phone line + Internet? + Direct. Can I get Internet Service without a phone line through AT&T or Verizon? Or do I call Comcast and get cable internet without cable to use with the DirectTV? Any suggestions? Thanks very much!!

It is possible to get DSL with out a phone line. Last time I looked at it I ended up going with comcast for cable modem just because DSL was going to be 3 weeks to get it setup and turned on and cable could be out that weekend. Not to mention the DSL prices with out phone service didn't compare well to cable internet prices.

[BattleZone]

Question: I am a non techie so bear with me.. I am a former Dish customer who is moving and now signing up for Directv because I want NFL Ticket. I am not planning on activating a phone line. I have always had a phone line plus ATT DSL plus Dish so I am not sure now how to set up No phone line + Internet? + Direct. Can I get Internet Service without a phone line through AT&T or Verizon? Or do I call Comcast and get cable internet without cable to use with the DirectTV? Any suggestions? Thanks very much!!

You can get both a "dry-loop" DSL (no phone) or cable modem (no TV) from your providers, as you wish.

You do not need a phone line for DirecTV, though they'd prefer that you had either phone or Internet so that your receiver can communicate back to them.

[GBFAN]

Question: I am a non techie so bear with me.. I am a former Dish customer who is moving and now signing up for Directv because I want NFL Ticket. I am not planning on activating a phone line. I have always had a phone line plus ATT DSL plus Dish so I am not sure now how to set up No phone line + Internet? + Direct. Can I get Internet Service without a phone line through AT&T or Verizon? Or do I call Comcast and get cable internet without cable to use with the DirectTV? Any suggestions? Thanks very much!!

You can get DSL without phone service in some areas. If you got to ATT.COM you can check availability. In my area it is $35 to $45 dollars.

[JenB]

Thanks, I will check AT&T and Verizon DSL pricing (no phone) and Comcast cablemodem (no tv).. Their websites don't make it clear that you can order one without the other since I know they prefer to sell you the bundles. Thanks again! Jenifer

[coldsteel]

Dunno if it's the rule now, but D* employee accounts were the only ones that required phone connections. That was 3 years ago...

[baratono]

Thanks, I will check AT&T and Verizon DSL pricing (no phone) and Comcast cablemodem (no tv).. Their websites don't make it clear that you can order one without the other since I know they prefer to sell you the bundles. Thanks again! Jenifer

Ask about a "Broadband only" account. That will get you DSL,...but no phone service.

HOWEVER,....and this is the good part,....they have to provide a "dialtone" to carrier in the DSL. That also means they have to assign a phone number to that line. It should appear on your bill. When you get it,...have a friend try to CALL that number. If it works like it does in my area,....you will be able to RECEIVE calls,...ANY call,.....but not make outgoing calls. The only exception to that are 911 emergency calls.

It's worked great for several years here. :D