DirectTv vs Dish vs Mediacom

**Cyclonepride** · 07-29-2012, 11:56 AM

I've had all three, and I'd put Mediacom on top for internet and Direct on top for TV. Dish would be last in most categories, just because the other two do each thing a little better.

**peteypie** · 07-29-2012, 12:05 PM

I have had all 3 within the last 6 to 7 years.

Mediacom was the cheapest but the worst.

Dish was ok

Direct will probably be the most expensive once my new customer promotion runs out, but it is worth the cost.

It does seem to go out less in storm, and has more channel options, better sports package. Also, more HD channels.

**stevefrench** · 07-29-2012, 12:21 PM

directv for the win. it's a little more expensive, but it is completely worth it IMO.

I had more service outages in 2 years with mediacom then I have had in 6 years with directv. and i don't think it gets any worse than mediacom's customer service.

dish is not bad, much better than cable. but it isn't near as good as directv

**CycloneNick** · 02-10-2013, 09:30 AM

Does anyone have internet through Dish Network? DISH High Speed Internet & Phone - DISH Bundles | DISH

I see they have bundles now and was curious about the speeds. I currently have mediacom for internet only and no cable. Is 7 mbps enough bandwidth for me to stream netflix?

**Buster28** · 02-10-2013, 12:09 PM

We have MediaCom for internet after using what was Qwest for years. Qwest said they would not be upgrading the lines in our neighborhood (ever, apparently) and the speed was horribly slow. The upgrade has been worth it so far, but am not looking forward to when our price deal runs out. For tv, we have Direct and have been happy with it for over 9 years now. It does go out in bad weather, but it's much less frequent than we ever experienced with MediaCom, which was going out on us nearly every day when we last had it.

**simply1** · 02-10-2013, 12:11 PM

I'd only recommend satellite internet to people who don't have dsl or cable available, ie rural areas. Did you note the data caps?

**Sparkplug** · 02-10-2013, 02:01 PM

We've had Directv since 1994. About once every two years I'll call and act like I'm considering changing and it is amazing what they give me free.

**fwiw** · 02-10-2013, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by simply1

I'd only recommend satellite internet to people who don't have dsl or cable available, ie rural areas. Did you note the data caps?

Exactly, I wouldn't touch satellite internet if I wasn't forced to. Qwest/Century Link now has VDSL which has comparable speeds to cable internet, at least in our area. We have 12mb service, and it's been decent and reliable. 20 and 40mb are also available.

When we had Mediacom, their internet performance was decent, but their DNS and email problems were legendary. If Century Link doesn't have VDSL in your area you might consider Mediacom.

But I wouldn't take their TV service in a thousand years - they're the worst of the worst.

**zwclones51** · 02-10-2013, 05:10 PM

Living in west Des Moines for almost two years, my 2 year promotional with mediacom is almost set to end. I pay around 105 I think for cable and Internet combined. Does anybody know what it'll jump to? I'm debating on switching to dish for cable.

**simply1** · 02-10-2013, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by zwclones51

I'm debating on switching to dish for cable.

Dish is a satellite tv company, but good luck getting them for cable. ;)

**zwclones51** · 02-10-2013, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by simply1

Dish is a satellite tv company, but good luck getting them for cable. ;)

Smartass you know what I mean :)

**acoustimac** · 02-10-2013, 05:57 PM

Been on Mediacomm...it stinks. Had Direct...price always goes up and service is iffy at best. Been with Dish now for 4 years and have yet to see my bill change and their service is exemplary. They even help out when I'm in my RV with my home receiver.

**simply1** · 02-10-2013, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by acoustimac

Been on Mediacomm...it stinks. Had Direct...price always goes up and service is iffy at best. Been with Dish now for 4 years and have yet to see my bill change and their service is exemplary. They even help out when I'm in my RV with my home receiver.

I like dish, but I imagine your bill's gone up there too.

Dish to Raise Rates in January | Cable Television News | Broadcast Syndication | Programming | Multichannel.com

After not changing rates for two years, Dish Network will increase the price of its core TV bundles between 7% and 20% effective January 2013, with most packages rising $5 per month.

**Cyclone5050** · 02-10-2013, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by KnappShack

Roku is even better than Mediacom.

LOL! So true.

**Cyclone5050** · 02-10-2013, 07:44 PM

Just my two, I've had all 3. Mediacom is NOT more reliable than either satellite provider. Dish Network had great customer service, and is cheaper, but less options(no Sunday Ticket). Direct TV is a bit more pricey, but has the Sunday Ticket. Their customer service/sales staff, I have found to be kind of pushy and annoying at times. Again, just my two.