Going from Direct TV to Dish Need information

wa8yxm wrote:
DISH does not offer Distant Network, so you have to change you "Service address" thankfully I believe you can do that by smartphone app.

Dish told me the smartphone app can only change "local" channels if you have the Interrupted RV Service type of account. If you're using a receiver you pay for service along with the receiver at your house, they won't let you change them on your own. You'll need to call for tech support and give the an address. No matter where I'm at in Arizona, I look up a park address in Mesa and tell them I'm parked there so I'll get the Phoenix local stations. The agent you're talking with has no idea where you're actually parked. The locals are broadcast on "spot beams" that cover an area more or less 200-250 in diameter. As I recall, there are about 120 local markets around the country. I home locals are from St Louis but I don't bother to switch them when we travel in Missouri for a week or so. Last week we were in Sedalia about 200 miles from St Louis and still watched the St Louis local channels. A few years ago, we received them in Madison, WI (only at night). I say all this to let you know you don't need to switch locals as you travel across a state. Sometimes the spot beams overlap and you can make use of that. If you're 500 miles out of a market area, you'll have to switch. Also, the cost of locals may change from one market to another and that will be reflected on your bill.