Does any one know how to get local channels on dish network from a distant market.?

Question

I live in California and I want to get Wisconsin local channels. I don't mind if I loose my California channels as I can pick them up on my antenna. Is there any way to convince dish network I moved to Wisconsin and have them switch me over to the Wisconsin networks? Has anyone ever attempted this? The reason I want to do this is I want to watch Wisconsin sports teams and I would have to get dish and direct tv and spend an extra $3000 or more a year to do it the right way.

Answer 1

To some extent, it's not about "convincing" Dish Network (or any other cable / satellite company).  There are legal and technical reasons that get in the way.

Legal: "Distant signal" is an FCC designation.  The law states that a cable or satellite company must supply the local version of a signal if it is available.  They have technical definitions of "available".  If the subscriber (that's you) wants a non local version (a.k.a. Distant signal), then they must show that the local signal is not receivable and have the local station give permission to supply the distant signal.  In essence, the local station has to give up the viewer.  If you are in a strong signal area for the local affiliates, good luck!

Technical: the satellite carriers use "spot beams" on their satellites to increase reliability and allow for reuse of the satellite channels.  The Wisconsin locals are probably transmitted in a confined "spot" over Wisconsin and may not even receivable in California.

Please come back and choose an answer from all of those submitted.

Answer 2

It's not worth the trouble because the locals are sent by spot beam and if you are out of the "Footprint" you will receive nothing .

Answer 3

Two solutions for you – Sling Box and My Distant Networks

Sling Box would allow you to watch a Wisconsin friend or relatives TV on your computer.  A onetime purchase price around $200 and no monthly fees.

http://www.slingmedia.com/

My Distant Networks will provide the Atlanta Networks (Not Wisconsin – but East Coast & three hours earlier) to anyone who enters a "white" area address on their website. No bills mailed to the address provided and your credit card is charged $11 monthly. Shouldn’t have to make it any clearer for you.

https://www.mydistantnetworks.com/