[Mack184]

While it's very reasonable to think that you are comparing apples with apples when it comes to Direct, Dish & ComCast, you are not. All cable companies are treated under federal & state laws as public utilities much in the same way the electric or gas companies are treated. Direct & Dish are in essence broadcasters and different rules, regulations and fees apply. A cable company whether it's ComCast, Cox, TimeWarner and so on, have to bid to your local municipality for a contract. They cannot operate in areas where they do not have a contract with the local government. That's why you can get ComCast in some communities and not in others.

The cable companies must set rates and service agreements and have them made available through governmental public records. Most people don't know this and they have no idea where to locate such records. Agreements are for a fixed amount of time and then have to be rebid. Local citizens are allowed public comment, but again, most people don't know where to find out this information. ComCast MUST tell you if you inquire what government entity they are contracted with. You have the right to make inquiries and attend public meetings when these contracts are voted on.

Dish companies are much like over-the-air TV stations except that they charge for their programming. Rates are more on the market with some input via the FCC and other like entities. They are NOT restricted to what areas that they serve.