Locals only package with Dish?

[luvdtv04]

I knew a guy who says he pays Dish $5.99 a month just to get local channels on one receiver. Is this something anyone can get, or do you have to fulfill some contract first? I know I probably couldn't get free installation or equipment, but I don't watch a TON of TV and I live in an area where OTA reception is out of the question. I'm bummed that I have to pay DirecTV (despite my screen name) $36.99 a month just to get "Total Choice Limited" with locals, when the locals are all I really want. Can I do this? Have any of you done this? Thanks!

[retiredTech]

if Locals are available in your area, then the programing is $5.99 per month plus a $5.00 fee (for not having a basic package) so $10.99 per month for locals only
You could buy whatever E* equipment (used or new) you want. (install yourself, whatever)

[luvdtv04]

That doesn't sound too bad. I guess it's paying a lot for just local channels but it would be saving me $26 a month. Thanks!

[TonyM]

I've had locals only for over a year now :)

10.99 + taxes

[airpolgas]

I have a satellite service aimed at Filipinos. Now they signed a 10 year deal with D* and is forcing us to move over. Basically, it's going to be the same price + $9.99 basic DirecTV.

Check with D* again because, apparently, they do have a basic package. It includes locals and some church channel of some sort.

[fhorn]

You can get just locals with DTV also for the same pricing. If you own your equipment and aren't under any 1 year plan.

[larrystotler]

I tried to do that, and was told that D* no longer offers that. The $9.99 is ONLT for international subs now. :(

[airpolgas]

Chalk that up to bad naming conventions. Why the hell would they call it "basic" if they won't let you have it as your "basic" subscription. luvdtv04 is a classic example. He just wants the locals for crying out loud.

By the way, luvdtv04, is cable an option for you? Or do they also charge upwards of $30 for their basic as well?

[Paul Secic]

Chalk that up to bad naming conventions. Why the hell would they call it "basic" if they won't let you have it as your "basic" subscription. luvdtv04 is a classic example. He just wants the locals for crying out loud.

By the way, luvdtv04, is cable an option for you? Or do they also charge upwards of $30 for their basic as well?
When I had cable the locals were included in basic analog. That was six years ago, and I assume it's the same.

[homeskillet]

Sometimes cable companies offer only the locals and the Weather Channel as a "Lifeline" bundle.

[luvdtv04]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Should I try my luck asking for a "basic" package through D* again, or is that in fact an international only option. (Wait a second, local channels for international subs only?)

Anyway, Comcast acquired my system from Mid-Atlantic (I think) a number of years ago and they do not offer a "lifeline" service. $38.99 a month for the crappiest 40 channel analog bundle you can imagine, with no hopes of ever seeing any upgrades. No wonder every house in this county has a dish on its roof.