I've had Dish Network for a few years. Now I am considering a DVR, but we only use cell phones, so I have no phone line. It pisses me off that they charge this $5 fee for not having a phone line attached. I asked them why is it needed? Does it affect functionality? They say no, the DVR will work fine without a phone line attached, except for PPV orders.As far as I am concerned I take it up the rear twice. I pay because I do not have a phone line, then I pay AGAIN on every PPV order.So I asked, if the phone line is not needed for functionality, then what is it used for? No intellegent response from any of the 5 or so reps I asked. I can only assume that since it does not affect function, the phone line must be used for another purpose. It seems logical that they must collect info about how many people are watching certain programs, and then they sell that info. Sort of like a nielsons ratings box. Why else would they want a phone line connected? What do you think?Don't tell me to go to cable please. I live out in the sticks.... no cable available.

phone lines are for a few reasons, some you mentioned.
rating, easy ordering of PPV, but also for the billing for PPV, Interactive applications, some down load capibility, interactive games.
However, Dish is the only company that you have a chance to waive additional charges for a 2d tv. all others, including cable, you pay.

the receivers you are referring to are models 625 or 522 receivers. they have two tuners and are designed to run 1 ot 2 tvs depending on whether you want to run it in single mode to record one show or if you want it in dual mode so 2 tvs can operate independently. As far as the phone line it is for ppv but also for fraud. the receiver dials out and lets them know you arent sharing the account with a friend or neighbor. As far as getting around the fee there is a model called a 510 which is a single tuner and does not charge a $5 fee if no phone line is plugged in. Just ask them for this model on an upgrade

That, and it will not display caller ID info on your tv screen. Or let your first born order every pay service under the sun when you aren't looking.

If it's downloaded from the phone line, I could see how the DVR wouldn't know what/when to record. Anybody know where the programming guide gets downloaded from...the antenna or the phone line?