I've had Dish for the last 4 years. When I started it they had the similar special. It cost me a dollar to start. I went to Radio Shack and started it. You can do it there or online or I think over the phone. I pay extra for local channels but that it because I don't want to deal with an antennae and it's only 5 bucks a month. I really like Dish. The only time I really have a problem with it is when it is snowing heavily and then I just go out and wipe the snow off. Other than that no real issues. Never had any contract problems and their tech support is really helpful. They will stay on the line with you as long as it takes and if they can't solve it right then then they send someone out asap.