In a surprise move, Dish — known for its satellite television business — on Tuesday announced an iPhone repair service, allowing people in the U.S. to have a technician come out to their location and fix their phone's screen or battery.
The company is charging a minimum $35 "Drive to Me" fee, after which costs vary between about $40 and $190 depending the iPhone model and exact services needed. While a battery replacement costs a flat $74.99 — Drive to Me included — total costs can rise as high as $224.98 for someone getting both the screen and battery fixed on an iPhone 6 Plus.
Currently, only the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, and 6 Plus are supported, not SE or 6s models. More devices are due to be supported sometime in "coming months, " Dish said.
Dish's fees may be higher than some other repair options, but they can potentially be cheaper than what Apple charges, particularly without AppleCare+ accident coverage.
It's not clear why Dish would venture into smartphone repairs. The smartphone industry is a lucrative one however, whereas cable and satellite TV are on the decline, precipitated by people choosing internet services like Netflix, Sling, and/or HBO Now.
