For almost 20 years, cable television companies like Comcast and Time Warner held a virtual monopoly. If you wanted satellite TV, you had to have a huge yard as the dish needed was usually at least six to eight feet wide. Finally, Primestar and Dish Network began to deploy satellite units that were much smaller, and the satellite TV market was truly born.
Today, satellite television subscribers in America number upwards of 30 million. But millions are still locked out from satellite service – individuals that live in apartment complexes and condominium units. So what options do you have if you live in an apartment or condominium?
Getting Direct TV in an apartment may be difficult, but its not always impossible. The first thing to check is if any of your neighbors have satellite dish units on their patios. If so, you may at least have a chance at getting service from someone other the cable company. The next thing to check is if your personal patio or balcony has a good view of the southern sky. Unfortunately, if your patio faces north you are pretty much out of luck, as most apartment buildings aren’t going to allow the dish to be installed on the roof. The FCC website has some good information and tips for those wanting to get satellite service in an apartment or condo. It may be helpful if you are dealing with a difficult homeowners association (HOA) in a condominium unit situation to consult the FCC.
Now if you are in a high rise apartment, there is another possibility. Direct TV deals are becoming available in some of these buildings as the company is installing multi dwelling unit satellite receivers up on the roof. With this kind of setup, the satellite company strikes a deal with the management of your building, then installs the necessary equipment for all residents to have satellite television access if they so desire.
