Satellite Television Reception on Birch Island

John Feltmate

In a recent walk around the island I was surprised by the number of dishes set up for use. This got me to thinking that some comments might be helpful. The following is information and opinion. If you decide to follow along please confirm the information because details change without notice.

There are two companies authorized to provide service in Canada, ExpressView and StarChoice. From a technical perspective StarChoice provides the better service and seems more willing to provide service to a cottage as a second residence. To purchase either service you buy the equipment and arrange the service level you want. StarChoice provides the dish and installation as part of the package.

Neither company permits billing addresses outside of Canada, but StarChoice provides a work around. If you opt for paperless billing the bill will be sent via email. Payment can be made each month or automatically sent to a major credit card. The advantage is you are not locked into a long term contract. StarChoice also allows service south of the border, as far south as Mexico and points in between. To do this StarChoice likes to keep control of the ‘second’ dish which they sell you at a discounted price so you can take the service south or wherever.

StarChoice will only send the second dish to a Canadian address. This could be a problem for US residents with a Canadian cottage, except that they will send it to you in the care of someone else, which eases the frustration. You are responsible for any out-of-Canada set up but StarChoice will provide good telephone technical support.

Set up instructions are straightforward, the most valuable word concerning installation is: “plumb”. When you do the installation make sure the mount is plumb. If you do the rest is easy. And if you prefer a professional installation, installers are available except in isolated rural areas.

Good luck!