Unbundling Dish Network to Sling TV
Picture this: it’s 2014, Netflix and Hulu are the top two online tv and movie streaming services.
At this time, I was working as a customer service representative at Dish Network. For those unfamiliar, Dish Network is known for satellite television, phone, and internet. They put together multiple programming packages between the three services at different levels. My job duties included trouble shooting, billing, and channel upgrades. To my understanding, Dish was not doing well financially and were looking for other business options.
Multiple big time networks were not resigning contracts due to existing package deals Dish was offering at the time. This caused a fluctuation in customer sign-ups and cancellations.
About a month into my position, it was announced that Dish Network’s Sling cable box will be unbundled into “Sling TV,” an online live streaming service — another to join the competition. However, unlike Dish Network’s prepackaged programming options, Sling TV has over 150 channels for you to choose a la carte.
Online streaming has become significantly popular. People are able to watch their favorite shows on their own time versus pre-recordings on your satellite cable box. Sling TV has created a system where you can personalize your watch experience. Having the capability of choosing your channel networks, gives you control at an affordable cost.
Dish Network’s lowest package price for new customers is $49.99 per month under a 2-year contract not including installation fees. Although you receive over 190 channels, HD options, and online watching — most customers are left with 30 plus channels they might not watch, let alone care about.
Sling TV offers 7 days free and starts at $20 per month for Sling Orange. This membership gives you 28 channels (at your choice) for a single viewer while Sling Blue for $25, gives you 43 channels and up to 3 viewers. This is not in any way a sales pitch, but I would pay $5 more for that deal. Keep in mind internet services are not included with Sling TV.
This is an effective unbundling method for Dish Network to remain a tv satellite service while tending to the massive online presence. The experience is now customized and viewers aren’t left with unwanted channels that are added in your typical cable package. Well done Dish, well done.
