Dish Network resolves local sign-up problem

Dish Network has resolved its technical difficulties so Yuma-area subscribers are now able to sign up for local programming through the satellite TV provider.

"Obviously we had a communication error," Parker McConachie, a Dish Network spokesman, said Monday. "We didn't get the word out to the call centers."

The service was to have begun last Wednesday, but the company experienced some technical problems. As a result, when customers called last week to sign up for the service they were told by customer service representatives that the service was not available in this area.

"They didn't have the answers," McConachie said. "That was frustrating for the representatives and the customers."

To compound the problem, upper management and the public relations team were all at a conference the latter part of the week during the test period for the new service.

The problem has been resolved and the customer service representatives now have the information they need to sign people up to receive local programming through their satellite service, McConachie said.

He said the new service is being offered for the "designated market area," meaning that subscribers throughout Yuma County should be able to receive the service.

Until now, Dish Network subscribers had to use an antenna to receive local broadcast channels.

McConachie said the number of people who called for the service indicates a high level of interest.

"I'm sorry it's taken a little more time than we thought to provide the best service we can."

He said people can call 1-800-333-DISH either to upgrade their existing service or to inquire about subscribing.

There is an additional charge for Dish Network's local package. One woman reported Monday that the service will cost her an additional $5, but she's looking forward to receiving a better signal for the programming.

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Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.

STATION IDENTIFICATION

Local programming will include both analog and digital stations carried by the local TV broadcasters. They are:

• KECY 2, the ABC affiliate, shown on local Channel 5, will be Dish Network Channel 8420.

• KSWT, the CBS affiliate, shown on local Channel 13, will be Dish Network Channel 8421.

• KYMA, the NBC affiliate, shown on local Channel 11, will be Dish Network Channel 8422.

• KECY, the Fox affiliate, shown on local Channel 9, will be Dish Network Channel 8423.

• KSWT 2, the CW affiliate, shown on local Channel 16, will be Dish Network Channel 8424.

• KVYE, the Univision affiliate, shown on local Channel 7, will be Dish Network Channel 8425.

• KECY 3, the Telemundo affiliate, shown on local Channel 3, will be Dish Network Channel 8426.

• KAJB, the Telefutura affiliate, shown on local Channel 54, will be Dish Network Channel 8427.

• KYMA 2, the LATV affiliate, shown on local Channel 41, will be Dish Network Channel 8428.