Comparison of Internet Services From Dish Network and DirecTV

Dish Network and DirecTV both have partnerships with telephone service companies to give customers DSL. You can go on either company's website to see if DSL is offered in your area. If DSL is available, you will need an active land line in your house or apartment. Since the service goes through a phone company, you will be dealing with two companies, but you will receive special bundle pricing from either Dish Network or DirecTV each month.

If you live in an area that doesn't have access to DSL or cable Internet, Dish Network and DirecTV each offer satellite-based Internet in three levels, depending on your household's usage and number of computers. The provider for both companies is the same, so both offer the same service, which includes download speeds up to 1.5 Mbps and a data threshold of up to 17,000 MB. Satellite Internet is more expensive than DSL, requires the installation of a second dish and is offered only to customers who live outside of the DSL service areas.

Whether you choose Dish Network or DirecTV, you will receive 24/7 tech support and standard installation. The equipment will depend on the DSL or satellite service provider, but DSL will include a DSL modem, phone jack filter and wireless option; satellite includes the professional installation of an Internet dish. Satellite installation includes a one-time equipment fee. DSL service usually includes email addresses though the phone company, while satellite service offers email through Google.

When it comes to the monthly fees for Internet, Dish Network and DirectTV offer almost identical rates for DSL and satellite. Satellite rates are significantly higher. Both offer comparable monthly bundle discounts to their primary service with Internet. The rates for primary television service varies for each company, and the two companies are within $5 a month for the first 12 months at the time of this publication. After that time, while both monthly rates increase, DirecTV's regular rates are almost twice as much as Dish Network's regular rates.