It is possible to get satellite TV and radio in Amsterdam but it is not that popular due to the availability and affordability of cable. However, should you choose to get satellite TV you will need to make sure you can fix the dish to your house or apartment. This is legal but there may be some regulations. The satellite dish will need to have an unobstructed view of the southern sky. With satellite TV you will be able to receive a lot of channels, mostly from the US. Most people who choose satellite TV do so for the sports channels although there are several bars throughout the city that show Sky Sports. You can choose between having only free-to-air channels for which you pay no extra, or you can pay an extra monthly amount for a package of sports channels or films. The set up is similar to cable but with cable you don’t need a satellite. You will need a ‘media box’ to enable you to receive the channels. This is free but you will have to pay a deposit. From then on you’ll have digital television - costs depend on which package you have chosen. The basic package from UPC gives you 90 channels for only €5 a month.