How Much Does DISH Network Cost Monthly?

DISH Network is a satellite television provider in the United States. The total monthly cost of DISH service involves more than just advertised package prices, as additional fees, equipment charges, and contract terms influence the bill. This article clarifies the financial components contributing to a DISH monthly statement.

Base Monthly Package Costs

DISH Network offers several primary programming packages, with costs varying based on the number and type of channels included. The Flex Pack, an entry-level option, typically starts around $67.99 per month for over 50 channels. America’s Top 120 includes approximately 190 channels and often begins at $91.99 per month, featuring entertainment, news, and sports channels.

For more extensive channel lineups, America’s Top 120+ provides over 190 channels, including additional sports networks, for about $106.99 per month. America’s Top 200 expands to over 240 channels, often priced around $111.99 per month. America’s Top 250 offers more than 290 channels for approximately $121.99 per month. The most comprehensive offering, America’s Everything Pack, includes over 330 channels and can cost around $147.99 per month. These base prices represent the starting point for a monthly bill before any supplementary charges are applied.

Additional Costs and Fees

Beyond the base programming package, a DISH Network monthly bill can include several additional costs and fees. Equipment rental fees are common; the primary Hopper DVR or Hopper with Sling is often included, but additional receivers like Joeys typically incur monthly charges. For instance, a Joey receiver can cost around $7 per month, while a Hopper or Hopper 3 might add $15 per month for additional units. Upfront fees for certain advanced DVRs, such as the Hopper 3, might also apply, ranging up to $50 or more.

A local channels fee is a standard charge, typically around $14.99 per month, which helps cover the cost of providing access to local network affiliates such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. A regional sports network (RSN) surcharge may be added, particularly for packages America’s Top 120+ and higher, with this fee potentially reaching up to $3 per month, varying by location.

Applicable taxes and governmental regulatory fees also contribute to the total monthly bill. Sales taxes, which vary by state, are applied to the purchase of goods and services, including satellite television. Regulatory fees, such as those imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), are calculated based on factors like population served and can be passed on to the consumer. Some states may also impose specific excise or gross receipts taxes on video programming services.

Contract Terms and Promotions

DISH Network frequently offers introductory promotions, which typically include a two-year price guarantee for new customers. During this initial 24-month period, the advertised programming package price remains consistent, providing predictable monthly costs for the base service. However, this guarantee generally does not extend to all charges; taxes, surcharges, add-on programming, and certain transactional fees are usually not included and are subject to change.

Upon the expiration of the two-year promotional period, the monthly price for services is subject to increase to the then-current “everyday price.” DISH Network does not always disclose these exact post-promotional prices publicly, but they can be significantly higher than the initial promotional rates. For example, America’s Top 120 might increase from an introductory rate to an everyday price of $98.99 per month.

Signing a service agreement with DISH Network typically involves a two-year commitment. If a customer chooses to cancel service before the contract term concludes, an early termination fee (ETF) is generally applied. This fee is calculated at $20 per month for each remaining month in the contract, with a potential maximum ETF of $480.