Dish Network and DirecTV are the largest providers of satellite TV service in the United States. While these satellite TV companies don't really offer free satellite TV service, they do provide free satellite TV systems to those who qualify on a credit scale. Many satellite TV guides don't get to the bottom of why free satellite TV systems are offered.

While it's no secret Dish Network and DirecTV both offer free satellite TV systems, it may be of interest to you why they do this. I know, what you're thinking, "they do it so you'll sign a contract", right? Not exactly. Though providing a free satellite TV system does help entice customers into a contract, which helps sustain a steady customer base, this isn't the main reason for the offer.

Think about it. When you move into a new home, you don't call Dish Network for television service, you call the cable company. It's as natural as calling the utility companies to get service connected. Most homes in America are already wired for cable. So how do satellite TV companies compete with cable? That's right, by offering the satellite TV equipment for free. It's all about serviceability.

I cringe each and every time I see published articles stating free satellite TV is a scam. Let's get to the honest truth of the matter. Free satellite TV is a business model, and a very successful one that accomplishes three Important things.

1. Makes Satellite TV service readily available.
   By making satellite TV systems free, satellite TV service is as easily available as cable television.
2. Provides an enticing offer.
   We all love freebies. Who can resist getting hundreds of dollars in equipment just for signing up for programming?
3. Helps maintain a strong customer base.
   When satellite TV companies offer the satellite TV system free, they usually require a service agreement in return.

This satellite TV free systems guide wouldn't be complete without discussing the difference between satellite TV vendors, and providers. The providers are the source of the service like Dish Network or DirecTV, while the vendor's are the resellers and installers. AllSat is a Dish Network vendor, while iSatellite is a DirecTV vendor.

Satellite providers offer a standard package, while individual vendors may offer special incentives to get you to purchase satellite TV service through their company. For example, Dish network vendor "A" might offer additional free equipment such as a home theater system, as opposed to vendor "B" who only provides the standard offering from Dish Network.

DirecTV and Dish Network will sometimes offer discounted or free programming for a specified amount of time as an introductory offer. Dish Network's 19.99 introductory offer was so popular they designed a program package with 19.99 as the every day regular basic programming package. Both providers offer free movie channels with some programming packages.

So what's included in a free satellite TV system? Both Dish Network and DirecTV offer up to four rooms installed for free. The satellite system includes DVR's HDTV receivers, the satellite dish, plus the satellite dish recievers. Both providers charge for extra DVR service and HD service. Both satellite TV providers offer a free introductory period on HD programming.

So there you have it, the true and indisputable satellite TV free systems guide. No scams, no tricks, just good business and a good business model that benefits both the satellite TV companies and you, the consumer. Just remember, if you had to buy the satellite TV system up front to get the service, it could really cost you a pretty penny.