So the other day, I was talking to a longtime contributor to this blog. We were talking about the legality of streaming in the office, based on this article. In that article I talk about how satellite TV is a much better option for businesses, and they asked me, is that just because you can have satellite TV in your business and they won’t find out? Or are there programs for satellite TV designed specifically for business?
It’s an interesting question, and since I’d never really answered it head-on, I thought it might be good fodder for an article. Really there are two ways to get cable or satellite TV in your business.
The right way of doing it
Most cable and satellite companies have some sort of business packages. Where necessary, they are designed to allow you the right to “public performance” as it’s defined by copyright law. That way the pay-TV company doesn’t run afoul of their contracts, and neither do you. Generally speaking, there are two sorts of business packages:
Public Viewing packages
Public viewing is what you’ll get if you have a bar or restaurant, anywhere open to the public where people are expected to walk in off the street. It’s what you’ll find in waiting rooms, too. With public viewing packages, the amount you pay is based partly on the size of your space. Fire Code Occupancy is used to determine this, so it’s not about how many people are in your restaurant. It’s about how many could be in your restaurant. You’re always paying for that maximum number.
In some cases, you’ll pay more in larger spaces. A space like a waiting room probably won’t cost you more than you’d pay for a comparable home package, but a huge sports bar will probably cost a bit more for what you’ll get.
Private Viewing packages
These are TV packages designed for places the public doesn’t go. Want a TV in the boss’s office? What about the lunchroom? Do you want your warehouse workers to have a chance to see and hear the game when they work on weekends? This is all considered “private viewing.” Generally, private viewing packages are priced almost the same as regular home pay-TV packages. In some cases you can even get DVR and limited on-demand programming.
The wrong way of doing it
If you have satellite TV at home, there’s no technical barrier stopping you from putting a dish up on the roof at your workplace and connecting a receiver. I’ll be honest — it’s not hard to do and it doesn’t take a lot of time. But it is not only against your customer agreement, it’s technically illegal. And they will find out, no matter what you do. I’ve heard enough cases where well-meaning businesses got huge fines. Trust me, it’s not worth it. There isn’t any loophole where this is legal. So, just don’t do it. If your business is that strapped for cash, get an antenna instead.
The best choice for pay TV for your business
Chances are, you can choose several providers for pay TV for your business. If you get internet from the same company that provides cable TV, they can probably give you TV as well. But is that the right choice? I’ll argue that it isn’t. The right choice is DIRECTV for Business. As I said, you’ll pay about the same amount you pay at home, and you’ll get hundreds of channels. You’ll also get dozens of music channels for free, all licensed for your use. (Technically, playing the radio in the office isn’t legal. No one’s going to arrest you for it, but if you do it you should know.) DIRECTV for Business gives you the best experience and keeps you on the right side of the law.
When you decide on DIRECTV for Business, don’t call 1-800-DIRECTV. Why? Because they can’t help you. They’ll refer you to a qualified dealer who serves your area. So why not just skip them? Call Signal Connect. We’re a DIRECTV for Business National Accounts dealer. That means there’s practically no business we can’t help. We’re here for bars, restaurants, shops, hotels, industrial locations… all of it. Best of all you can get the help you need just by dialing one number.
Call us at 888-233-7563. We’re here for you. We specialize in white glove service. We ask that the first call be during East Coast business hours. After that you’ll get a specialist who will be available to you 24/7. We know how businesses run and we know that they never stop. That’s why we don’t either.
Call us and find out the Signal Connect difference. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below. We’ll call you back, usually within one business day!
Yes, satellite TV for business is legal, if you do it right. And let’s get this straight… we know how to do it right and we’re ready to show you.
