DIRECTV Satellite Television Dealers

There are currently two major satellite TV providers in the U.S. - DISH Network and DIRECTV. And there are hundreds of satellite television dealers who sell their services.

Most of those dealers claim they'll give you the best deal on DIRECT satellite TV equipment and service. But which ones really deliver? And how do you know they won't hit you with hidden service fees, install your system improperly, or give you lousy customer service?

Here's a comparison of the top three online DIRECTV satellite TV dealers so you can make an informed decision as to which dealer to use.

Rapid Satellite (highly recommended)

Established in 1999, Rapid Satellite is one of DIRECTV's highest rated satellite TV dealers. They've installed hundreds of thousands of satellite TV systems in hundreds of cities and towns across the U.S.A. Rapid Satellite has more than 100 customer service and sales reps to help their customers.

Here's what they offer:

* Free 18 satellite TV dish

* Four free receivers

* Free equipment installation

* Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after $99 rebate)

* Free HDTV receiver (after $99 rebate)

* 24-hour customer service

* One-year equipment warranty

* Lowest price guarantee

* Thirty-day money-back guarantee

Expert Satellite

In business since 1998, Expert Satellite has signed up thousands of DIRECTV customers. They were one of DIRECTV's top 10 dealers in 2003 through 2005. Their call center is staffed with expert sales and customer service agents who guarantee 100% customer satisfaction.

* Free 18 satellite TV dish

* Four free receivers

* Free equipment installation

* Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after instant online rebate)

* Free HDTV receiver (after instant online rebate)

* 24-hour customer service

* One-year equipment warranty

* Free $50 gift card, DVD player, or iPod Shuffle

Satellite Solutions

Satellite Solutions has been voted one of DISH Network's Elite (top 10) Dealers.

* Free 18 satellite TV dish

* Four free receivers

* Free equipment installation

* Free DIRECTV DVR receiver (after $100 mail-in rebate)

* Free HDTV receiver (after $100 mail-in rebate)

* 24-hour customer service

* One-year equipment warranty

DIRECTV programming packages start at $29.99 per month for 155 satellite TV program channels, and go up to $96.99 per month for 250 channels. Click on the links below for more dealer, programming, and ordering information.