Yup over air signals might be available in some areas but don't count on them. I CG host in the mountains 35 miles from San Diego and cannot receive even one channel.
I am also I investigating satellite. While Dish has that pay as you go plan, you might want to Google reviews on it. Sounds like they are pretty predatory in fee collection. I called them for some pricing info a couple of days ago and they wanted permission to run a credit check BEFORE telling how much the service would cost. Excuse the English but screw them.