| For many years, Americans had one choice when | | | | television?his oftentimes depends on the owner of |
| it came to their pay television service - cable TV. | | | | the unit. Satellite TV companies generally require |
| That changed in the early 1990's, when satellite | | | | landlord permission, so check directly with Dish |
| TV became affordable and practical when the size | | | | Network or DIRECTV before scheduling |
| of the satellite dish was greatly reduced. But | | | | installation. Two year contracts are also the |
| today, those that live in condominiums are | | | | general requirement for new satellite customers, |
| oftentimes restricted when it comes to this | | | | so be sure you can fulfill your end of the bargain. |
| choice. | | | | I have heard about new shared satellite systems. |
| So what can the condo dweller do? Recent rulings | | | | How do these work? |
| by the FCC have made it a bit easier for these | | | | Many high rise apartments and condominiums |
| renters and homeowners to get away from high | | | | have begun to allow satellite TV companies |
| cable television prices. Let's consider some of the | | | | access to their buildings. These large scale |
| frequently asked questions in this area. | | | | systems give the complete building access to a |
| I live in a condominium, and my HOA restricts | | | | satellite provider, and give you a choice when |
| satellite TV installation. What can I do? | | | | comparing satellite TV vs. cable. Check with your |
| This is a difficult situation to deal with. | | | | building manager to see if they have installed a |
| Homeowners associations have become | | | | system like this. |
| extremely restrictive over the years when it | | | | 21st century technology is beneficial to renters |
| comes to just about everything. The bottom line | | | | and homeowners alike. With expanded availability |
| is that the FCC has ruled you have the right to | | | | to satellite services, cable companies will have to |
| satellite television, though the dish may have to | | | | hold the line on prices in order to remain |
| be placed in an area considered "exclusive use." | | | | competitive. More importantly, fully evaluate the |
| This means no placement of the dish in common | | | | options available in obtaining satellite TV in your |
| areas. | | | | condo. |
| I rent a condominium unit. Can I get satellite | | | | |