Wal-Mart Gets DISH, EchoStar Launches Promotion

[Steve Mehs]

As expected, Wal-Mart announced late Thursday that it will support the distribution and marketing of DISH Network satellite TV receivers in 1,900 stores nationwide.

Wal-Mart will carry RCA-branded DISH satellite TV receivers manufactured by Thomson multimedia. Installation of the equipment and antennas will be performed by DISH Network's national installation network, EchoStar said.

Meanwhile, EchoStar's DISH Network took the wraps off its "WOW - Free Satellite TV" fall promotion, an offering that delivers a $22.99 per-month programming package containing 60 channels and free installation.

The marketing campaign will reach consumers with an extensive nationwide schedule of print, radio and television advertising.

The specifics: New customers will be offered a $12.50 equipment credit each month for a year when they purchase a Dish301 satellite TV system for $149 and subscribe to America's Top 50 programming package for $22.99 a month. For those who want TV in two rooms, EchoStar offers new customers a $17 equipment credit per month for a year when they purchase two Dish301 receivers for $199 and subscribe to America's Top 50 programming package. An additional $4.99 monthly fee for programming activation of the second receiver is required.

From SkyReport (http://www.skyreport.com) (Used with Permission)

[Geronimo]

Hasn't DISH been in Wal Mart for awhile now?

[markh]

We've talked about it for awhile, but RCA branded 301s just showed up in stores this week.

[Geronimo]

Ok I get it they had DISh receivers but now they are the RCA branded ones

[Scott Greczkowski]

Boy this comes as a big suprise. (not)

Although for awhile there Dish was denying they were going to be in Wal-Mart stores.

My advice is SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DEALER.

Lets see if Wal-Mart helps you with any problems you have. :)

[EricG]

Saw the same promotion in the Radio Shack ad yesterday.

[SatelliteJeff]

It's hard to compete with Wal Mart.. I expect to see my sales for Directv go up at least!

[Chris Freeland]

I found it interesting that Wal-Mart is selling equipment and Sams is leasing with the DHP plan. I also found it interesting that my local Sams has moved the E* display from the TV section to the cell phone section of the store.

[Tony Ramirez]

RCA receivers, thats good maybe then dish will stop making there horrible recievers and we will get quality receivers like the ones DirecTV has.

[Jacob S]

Yes, support your local retailers, he/she needs the money a lot more than wal-mart, plus can service you if something would go wrong, and hearing of the prices that you get them for at wal-mart, the retailer can put it in for free and sometimes get you a better deal. There is nothing like service after the sale.

[JosephF]

Originally posted by Tony Ramirez
RCA receivers, thats good maybe then dish will stop making there horrible recievers and we will get quality receivers like the ones DirecTV has.

Not initially. All the reports I've seen and heard say that Thomson will be building the existing E* receivers and branding them as RCA.

Hopefully E* will eventually let them do some designs of their own. It would definitely be nice to see some different options.