What are some disadvantages of choosing satellite over cable?

Question

For example since satellite is somewhat cheaper than cable why don't more people use that instead?

Answer 1

The approximately 18 to 19 inch dish and its DVB (digital video broadcast signal) work fine in good weather.  But in bad weather the signal disappears.  This is why most people choose cable.  But the reality is even cable companies use these dishes to pick up some of their channels.  Cable keeps the local channels coming in during the thunderstorms unless the distribution system looses power on its way to your neighborhood.

Satellite is best for channels not offered by the free over the air channels in a rural area where cable is not available or in an area not wired for cable yet (cable company would make you possibly pay for the new wiring or not connect you at all until they come to your home).

Answer 2

Cons of satellite.

Poor reception with bad weather in a lot of cases.

You have to purchase your equipment, and if a new version of the equipment comes out, you would have to buy it too.

If something goes wrong with your service, you have to pay to mail the equipment back to them and then wait with no service until they mail it back.

If they do send someone out, there is usually a high repair fee.

No local customer service.

Local cable companies also put money back into the local communites where they are at. Have never heard of satellite doing that.....

Also, they may appear to have more channels, but a lot of them are university or shopping channels that you most likely will never use.....

Also, satellite you have to usually pay more for local channels.

Satellite where i am at doesn't offer the emergency broadcast system that will let me know when severe weather is coming, but cable does......