How Much Does Satellite Dish Installation Cost?

If you want to access satellite TV through a provider like Sky or Freesat, you'll need a satellite dish. Satellite dishes are different to TV aerials, and they give you access to many more channels. An average satellite dish installation costs around £170, but what factors affect this cost?

How much does it cost to install a satellite dish?

On average, it costs £170 for a standard satellite dish install. However, it depends on the type of dish you need and the amount of connections you want.

What is an LNB?

An LNB is a part at the end of your satellite dish where the cables enter it, and they have different numbers of outputs for TVs and set top boxes. The type of LNB you need depends on how many TVs you want to receive satellite and how many set top boxes you have.

For example, if you wanted two TVs to receive satellite signal, you would need a dual LNB and two cables to connect them. However, if you use a set top box with recording facilities to receive satellite signal, like a Sky+ box or Freesat+ box, these require two cables connected to them to work. That means you'd need a quad LNB for two TVs with set top boxes.

What affects the cost of installing a satellite dish?

The cost of the dish

Image	Name	Cost
	Elliptical Satellite Dish for Sky & Freesat, 43cm	£30.00
	SSL Satellites Freesat HDR Satellite Dish DIY Self Installation Kit, Latest Dish with Quad LNB, Twin Black Coax Cable, All necessary Brackets, Bolts and SATELLITE FINDER (10 Meter Kit, Black)	£47.00
	Steel Satellite Dish, TDS 65A, 65cm	£47.40
	SSL Satellites 80CM Zone 2 Freesat HDR Satellite Dish DIY Self Installation Kit, Latest Dish with Quad LNB, 5 Meter Twin Black Coax Cable, All necessary Brackets, Bolts and SATELLITE FINDER	£63.00
	Sky Freesat Dish LNB and Roof Tile Clamp Kit	£99.00
	CAHORS SMC65 Grey Fibreglass satellite dish	£129.00
	Triax DAP 611 RAL 7016 60cm Satellite Dish	£144.00

Where you want your satellite dish to be installed

The location you want your satellite dish to be installed will make a difference to the price. Most satellite dishes are installed on a wall, ideally a south-facing one, in order to get the best signal. However, sometimes people want their satellite dish installed on their roof attached to their chimney, which will increase the cost.

The aerial installer will need more equipment to keep them safe while they work on your roof, and the installation will take longer. Usually they will attach your satellite dish to your chimney using a wire strap to prevent damage to your chimney.

Since they are generally fragile, it's not a good idea to drill fixings into a chimney as the wind could pull the satellite dish off and bring your chimney with it. Avoid any aerial installer that suggests fitting your satellite dish this way.

Whether it's a new installation or replacement

If you're replacing an old satellite dish, you may save money on installation costs. Cabling will already be there, and old fixings might be able to be used, so your installer won't take as long on the job.

Size of the satellite dish

Most homes will need a standard satellite dish which is 45cm. However, if you live in a remote area or you want to receive foreign TV channels, you'll need a bigger dish. This can add £20-£35 onto the cost, but is well worth it to ensure you get the best signal.

Access

If your installer will have to wade through hedges or move lots of obstructions to fit your satellite dish, expect to pay more. Try to clear the area as much as you can before they arrive to allow them to install your satellite dish quickly.

Where you live

Where you live plays a part in how much your satellite dish installation will cost. If you live in a remote area, installers generally charge more, and prices are usually highest in the south east.

HaMuch has a large database of hourly and daily rates for electricians, so take a look at the tables below to get an idea of how much labour will cost in your area.

How long does it take to install a satellite dish?

How long it takes to install a satellite dish will depend on where you want it to be installed and what access is like. For a straightforward installation, the specialist could finish within an hour to two hours. If you want your satellite dish fitted on the roof, expect it to take longer – up to four hours.

Can I install a satellite dish myself?

We would never recommend installing a satellite dish yourself. You'll be working at height and with electricity – both of which can be dangerous. Satellite dish installers are trained electricians and will have also taken courses in working at height, so they know what to do to keep themselves safe.

Do you need planning permission for a satellite dish?

In general, you don't need planning permission to install a satellite dish, as long as there won't be more than two on your property. The first dish must be less than 100cm, while the second must be less than 60cm.

If your satellite dish is mounted to your chimney stack, it must not be more than 60cm and it shouldn't stick out more than 60cm above the highest part of the roof or above the highest part of the chimney stack – whichever is lower.

Rules for properties in conservation areas and listed buildings will be different. Speak to your local building control if you’re unsure.

Does Sky install satellite dishes for free?

Sky may offer free or discounted installation of a satellite dish if you don’t have one already. However, the installation must fall under what they state is a ‘standard installation’, and they will only fit a standard-size dish. If you want a bigger dish or have it mounted to your chimney, they may charge you their full rate.

Make sure you get a range of quotes for your satellite installation to ensure you're getting the best price. Post your job on HaMuch now and we'll put you in touch with qualified electricians in your area that are available to do the job.

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