Sky Angel Satellite TV

We have had Sky Angel satellite tv for over two years. We have enjoyed it! (Especially the Hallmark channels and HGTV!) We wanted to add the service to the tv in the kid's playroom. Stephenie's grandmother had Sky Angel but she is now living in a nursing home. We were able to get her satellite equipment so that we could add Sky Angel to a second TV.

Last night, I spent several hours running a cable from outside, under the house, and up into the wall in the playroom. Once I got it all hooked up, I wasn't getting a signal. Since it was late, I had to wait till today to call tech support for Sky Angel to make sure I didn't need to activate anything in order to use that second receiver.

When I called tech support, I was informed that Sky Angel was going to be discontinuing their satellite service as of March 31, 2008. Their satellite is nearing the end of its usable life and they do not have plans to replace it. They are moving their service to an internet based delivery system. In other word you will only be able to get Sky Angel's service over the internet. Well, in order to do that, you will need to get a new receiver. (Cost for current subscribes is just $15 for shipping.) You will also need a fast enough broadband internet connection. To recieve Sky Angel's content for one tv you will need at least a 1.5 mpbs (download). Double that (3.0 mpbs) for two tv's and so on. WOW! Although Sky Angel had been promoting this new service I had not read anywhere that they were discontinuing their satellite service. This was definetely news to me!

After my talk with tech support, I did a little more research and found out that Cleawire's internet service is not compatible with Sky Angel's new IP service and, since I'm locked into a 2 year contract with Clearwire, there goes Sky Angel. We'll miss it!

(Note: I have called Clearwire, explained the situation, and have asked for a waiver to be released from my contract. I'll find out in 3-5 business days. If they let me out of my contract, I'll have a few more options.)

I have now investigated signing up for Dish satellite service. Since I already have the equipment (Sky Angel subscribers used Dish Network's equipment.) it would only be a matter of re-positioning our dish in the backyard.) Their most basic package is comparable in content and cost to Sky Angels' new service. I've got some praying and thinking to do about this decision. I've also looked into regular cable.