Product Reviews and Do-It-Yourself Projects
 
 

Uverse vs Dish Network

If both Uverse and Dish Network are available to you and monthly cost is not a concern then I would recommend AT&T Uverse.

Uverse does not require installation of a satellite dish on the roof, is not affected by weather, and offers bundle packages that interlink web, phone and internet. However, if monthly cost is a factor for you, then the Dish Network in my opinion is the better choice.

Currently I have the Uverse U200 package. I would like to switch to the U100 package and give up a few channels to save on my monthly bill. However, the U100 package doesn't include the DVR. To add a DVR to the U100 package costs an additional $15 per month - the same monthly cost as the U200 package with fewer channels. Does AT&T think we are idiots?

The reason I'm going to switch to the Dish Network is simple - MONTHLY PRICE. The Dish Network is currently offering a plan for $24.99 per month for the first year and $39.99 a year for the second - still $10 less per month than the Uverse U100 plan and the Dish Network plan include receivers for three TVs while the Uverse plan only provides one. For an additional $10 per month Dish Network users can add 55 HD channels. For around $6 per month Dish Network users can add a DVR.

So if I add both HD and the DVR to the Dish Network plan I will pay $40.99 the first year and $55.99 the second year - which is still $8 less than I am paying right now for the Uverse U200 package without any HD channels and only one TV connected. For savings such as these I'm willing to take a chance with the Dish Network.

Though the installation was somewhat bumpy, Uverse TV has worked flawlessly since they got it working. I have no complaints in that respect. But back to the installation. I decided to hook-up my computers myself even though free installation of 3 computers in the home was included in the package. When the installer was about to leave I mentioned that I would like the wireless adapters to hook-up my computers. When he gave the adapters to me he made it sound as though he were doing me a favor and to not tell his supervisor that he was giving me the adapters. Whatever, I didn't call him on it though I thought it curious.

Of the three wireless adapters he left two didn't work - at all. The one 2Wire wireless adapter that did work dropped the connection so often that I had to purchase a new Zonet wireless network adapter from Amazon. Since then no problems with dropped connections - no thanks to the worthless wireless adapters left by the Uverse installation technician.

The other problem the Uverse installers had was they could make either the internet and TV work but not the phone, or the phone and the internet but not the TV. To get all three working in perfect harmony took two days, three technicians and several cell phone calls to AT&T support.

If Uverse offered the U100 plan with the DVR for $49.99 per month I would be more inclined to stay with Uverse. But they don't and won't so Dish Network here I come. When I get Dish Network installed I'll tell you all how it went. I'm hoping for the best.

Back to Reviews Menu


Tool Reviews Tech Reviews Other Reviews Projects Troubleshoot

privacyterms

DISCLAIMER: INC8.com makes no guarantee that the information presented on this web page is complete or correct. Always consult a professional when in doubt. Use of this web site and the information within is at your own risk.

Copyright © 2008 - 2010 All Rights Reserved