DIRECTV and DISH Network Not Ready For DTV Switch

The two largest satellite providers in the country are not ready for the DTV switch.

WKRG ran two tests on Tuesday to help viewers know who's ready and who's not. Subscribers of both DIRECTV and DISH Network saw the slate pictured on the right, indicating they are not receiving WKRG's digital signal. That means if the switch happened today, they would only see static.

News 5 contacted both companies to find out why they're not ready.

DISH Network spokesperson Francie Bower told us “we're in the process of converting all the markets, including Mobile." Bower says subscribers don't need to worry. She insists DISH Network will be ready. When asked for a timeline, Bower said "we hope to have everyone done by January."

DIRECTV also promises to be ready. Spokesperson Robert Mercer said "(Mobile) is handled by a third party provider and has not been converted yet." Mercer says they do not have an ETA on when the conversion will happen. But he says the company will be ready.

"We absolutely will have that market ready by the transition date, February 17th,” Mercer said. “So, DirecTV customers do not have to be concerned about their readiness for the digital transition. That I can tell you for sure.”

News 5 will continue to follow this story to make sure both companies make good on their promise.