Dish Network offers local TV channels

MAT-SU -- Valley residents are now able to view local TV stations by satellite television via the DISH Network. ABC Channel 13 (KIMO), CBS Channel 11 (KTVA), FOX channel 4 (KTBY), PAX Channel 33 (KDMD), UPN Channel 5 (KYES) and PBS Channel 7 (KAKM) are offered.

"DISH Network customers now have a more affordable alternative to cable in Anchorage," said Michael Schwimmer, senior vice president of programming at EchoStar Communications Corporation, which offers the DISH Network. "Dish Network provides local news, weather and sports in 100 percent digital quality to viewers who should not be left with cable services as their only choice for local television."

This is the first time local TV channels are available by satellite TV in the Anchorage, Mat-Su and Kenai Peninsula boroughs. Most companies selling the satellite services will offer the local channels at an additional cost of $4.99 per month until the local NBC station (KTUU Channel 2) is added to the package; the price will then be raised to $5.99.

Complaints about DISH Network in the past have been that the package did not include local channels. Now that the local stations are being offered, minus KTUU, the DISH Network offers many of the same channels as GCI Cable at a lesser cost (GCI charges around $42 a month for all channels provided, including local). There are drawbacks to the DISH, however, including the initial set-up fees, and the logistics of setting up a satellite dish in Southcentral Alaska can make it impossible for some homeowners to receive the satellite signal. GCI Cable also offers long-distance phone services and cable-modem Internet in its package deals. Southcentral Alaska residents also currently have the choice of receiving their TV channels from DirecTV, which offers no local channels. Valley residents will soon be able to receive TV services via digital TV, or DTV, from Matanuska Television Association.

Allen Owens is the owner of Alaska's Best Satellite, a Valley business which offers DISH Network services. Owens said he has decided to offer the local channels at a set rate of $5.99.

"I've been given (from DISH Network) prices of $5.99, $4.99, even a $3.99 special," Owens said. "For us, when Channel 2 comes on, the price will remain the same. I'm doing it this way so I'm not offering a lower price than it really will be."

Owens said he has had dozens of calls inquiring about the local stations package. DISH Network is offering a free preview of the local channels through Sept. 11, though Owens said the viewing period may be extended.

DISH Network charges $24.99 per month for more than 50 TV channels such as ESPN, Discovery and CNN. Local channels and extra channels, such as HBO and Cinemax, are available for additional costs. For more information on DISH Network, call 1-800-333-DISH or visit www.dishnetwork.com.