Dish Internet base plans start at $49.99 per month, with prices rising to $79.99 for faster speeds
Dish Internet offers three main speed tiers. The entry plan runs $49.99 monthly for speeds up to 12 Mbps. The mid-tier plan costs $64.99 monthly for up to 35 Mbps. The fastest plan is $79.99 monthly for up to 150 Mbps. These are the advertised starting prices, but your actual bill depends on what's available at your address, any promotional rates, equipment fees, and taxes.
Dish Internet uses satellite technology, which means availability and speed depend on your location and weather. Unlike cable or fiber providers that charge different rates by region, Dish prices are the same nationwide — but not every address can get service, and speeds may vary. You can check what's available at your specific address on Dish's website or through a representative.
The prices listed above are before taxes and fees. Your final bill will be higher. Installation typically costs $99, though Dish sometimes waives this during promotions. Monthly equipment rental for the modem and router runs $14 per month.
Key Takeaways
- Dish Internet's three plans range from $49.99 to $79.99 per month before taxes and equipment fees.
- A $14 monthly equipment fee for the modem and router is added to your base plan price.
- Promotional rates often reduce the first 12 months of service, but prices increase to the standard rate after the promotion ends.
- Installation costs $99 unless waived as part of a current promotion.
- Your actual speed and availability depend on your location, since Dish uses satellite service.
What gets added to your monthly bill
The advertised price covers internet service only. You will see separate charges on your bill for equipment rental, taxes, and any add-on services. The modem and router rental is $14 per month and is mandatory — you cannot use your own equipment with Dish Internet.
Taxes vary by state and locality. Some areas add 5 to 10 percent to your bill, while others add more. Dish cannot tell you the exact tax amount until you provide your service address, since tax rates depend on your specific city or county.
If you bundle Dish Internet with Dish satellite TV service, you may see a discount on the internet portion. Bundled packages typically cost less than paying for each service separately, but the savings depend on which TV package you choose and current promotions.
How promotional pricing works
Dish frequently offers reduced rates for the first 12 months of service. A common promotion might reduce the $64.99 plan to $39.99 per month for the first year. After 12 months, your rate increases to the standard price. This is not a hidden fee — Dish discloses the standard rate upfront, but many customers are surprised when their bill jumps after the promotional period ends.
Promotional rates explore only to new customers. If you have had Dish Internet before, you may not may have access to for the promotion. The promotion also typically applies only to the internet service itself, not to equipment fees or taxes, which remain the same throughout.
Before signing up, ask Dish what your bill will be after the promotional period ends. This helps you decide whether the service fits your budget long-term. Some people use Dish for the promotional year and then switch to another provider when rates increase.
Comparing Dish Internet to cable and fiber providers
Dish Internet's main competitor in rural areas is Viasat, another satellite provider with similar pricing. In areas where cable internet is available, providers like Comcast Xfinity or Charter Spectrum often charge $50 to $80 per month for comparable speeds, though cable speeds are typically more consistent. Fiber providers like AT&T Fiber or Verizon Fios may cost $60 to $100 monthly but offer faster, more reliable service where available.
The trade-off with Dish is availability. Satellite internet reaches rural areas where cable and fiber do not. However, satellite service has higher latency — the delay between sending and receiving data — which affects video calls, online gaming, and real-time applications. Cable and fiber have lower latency and are generally faster for the same price.
If you have cable or fiber available at your address, compare the speeds, data caps, and equipment fees alongside the monthly price. Dish has no data caps, which is an advantage if you stream video or read large files regularly. Cable and fiber providers often impose data caps or charge overage fees.
Data caps and speed throttling
Dish Internet does not impose data caps, meaning you can use as much data as you want each month without overage charges or speed reductions. This is different from many cable providers, which limit you to 1 to 1.2 terabytes per month and charge $10 to $20 per 50 gigabytes over the limit.
However, Dish's satellite network can experience congestion during peak hours, especially in areas with many users. During these times, your speed may slow even though you have not hit a data limit. This is not the same as a formal data cap, but it can affect your experience during busy times like evenings and weekends.
If you work from home or stream video for several hours daily, the lack of a data cap is a real advantage. If you use the internet lightly — email, web browsing, occasional video — the difference may not matter to you.
Installation and equipment costs
Standard installation costs $99 and includes a technician visiting your home to set up the satellite dish, modem, and router. Dish frequently waives this fee during promotions, so check current offers before committing. Self-installation is not an option with Dish — a technician must position the dish correctly to receive the satellite signal.
The modem and router are rented, not purchased. You pay $14 per month for the equipment and return it if you cancel service. Some providers allow you to buy your own equipment, but Dish does not. This means your equipment costs continue as long as you have service.
If your service is disconnected or you cancel, you must return the equipment within 30 days or face a non-return fee, typically $150 to $200. Keep track of your equipment and return it promptly if you leave.
How to lower your Dish Internet bill
Bundle with Dish TV if you want both services. The combined package usually costs less than paying for internet and TV separately. For example, a bundled package might cost $80 to $100 per month for both services, compared to $65 for internet plus $50 to $70 for a basic TV package.
Ask about current promotions when you contact Dish. Offers change frequently, and the representative may mention discounts not advertised online. Some promotions explore only to specific plan tiers or to customers in certain areas.
After your promotional period ends, call Dish and ask if they have retention offers to keep you as a customer. Some people successfully negotiate a lower rate or an extended promotional period by threatening to switch providers. This does not always work, but it is worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dish Internet have a contract?
Dish Internet requires a two-year service agreement. If you cancel before two years, you pay an early termination fee of $15 per month remaining on the contract. For example, canceling after six months means paying $15 times 18 months, or $270. Some promotions waive or reduce this fee, so check the terms before signing.
Can I use my own modem and router with Dish Internet?
No. Dish requires you to rent their modem and router for $14 per month. You cannot substitute your own equipment. This is different from some cable providers that allow you to purchase your own modem and avoid rental fees.
What happens to my bill if I go over my data limit?
Dish Internet has no data limits, so there are no overage charges. You can use as much data as you want each month. However, your speed may slow during peak hours if the network is congested, though this is not the same as a formal data cap.
Is the advertised speed what I will actually get?
Advertised speeds are maximums, not guarantees. Your actual speed depends on your location, weather, network congestion, and the number of devices connected. Satellite internet is also affected by rain and cloud cover more than cable or fiber. Dish provides a speed test tool on their website to check your connection.
Can I get a discount if I pay my bill annually instead of monthly?
Dish does not offer discounts for annual prepayment. You pay monthly regardless of how you set up your account. Some providers offer small discounts for autopay, so ask Dish if they have this option when you sign up.