Both offer broadcast TV packages and live mobile streaming, but satellite television serves more homes—and when it comes to DISH vs. cable, you may get a better deal.
People often use the term “cable TV” as a blanket term for traditional pay-TV providers that air shows from major networks. But technically speaking, it actually refers to the way a cable company gets your favorite channels onto your TV.
Cable TV operates on a network of primarily copper coaxial cables that run underground from the corporate hub to local nodes, and from local nodes to customer homes. Because you have to live near a node to get service, cable television programming isn’t available everywhere.
Available only in areas with higher population density
Hundreds of channels including national favorites and local networks
Usually offered with internet bundles
Satellite TV service offers the same content as cable TV, but instead of running on an underground wired network, it sends its signal directly to your personal satellite dish via satellites in Earth’s orbit. That makes it available virtually anywhere. Some argue that cable trumps satellite service for reliability—but DISH’s track record for quality service proves that’s an outdated view.
Available in all areas of all 50 states
99.9% signal reliability for superior image quality+
Hundreds of channels including national favorites and local networks
Internet available from partner companies
+99% signal reliability based on data from set-top boxes. Not a guarantee of signal in all weather conditions.
Unless the previous resident of your house had cable, providers charge a pretty penny to connect your home to the nearest node. Satellite TV installation always requires a professional eye, but DISH makes it quick and painless with next-day visits and FREE installs in up to 6 rooms.
Satellite and cable TV prices fall in similar ranges, but DISH offers better value over time than its competitors in both cable and satellite TV. This is mostly due to DISH’s 2-year TV price guarantee and included fees. When deciding on cable or satellite, make sure you look beyond the sticker price.
Because cable relies on underground wiring, companies tend to build only in highly populated areas where it’s cost-effective to invest in a network. Satellite TV service, on the other hand, reaches homes in highly populated areas and areas outside the convenient reach of cable.
If you’re eligible for cable at your address or just want a deeper dive on the differences between cable and satellite, check out our side-by-side analyses of DISH TV vs. cable television providers. Topics include pricing, technology, service, and internet options. Plus, compare DISH against its fellow satellite TV provider, DIRECTV.
