You no longer have to run to the nearest Apple Store the next time your iPhone is in need of a repair. You can now get it serviced anywhere in the U.S., but surprisingly it’s not Apple who will make the house call.
Dish Network, the satellite TV provider, just announced that its technicians will come out to wherever you are to repair your cracked screen or replace the battery on your smartphone. The program falls under Dish Smart Home Services, which already provides various services like setting up a surround sound or new Wi-Fi network in your home.
For starters, Dish can repair the iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6, and 6 Plus. The current iPhone SE, 6S and 6S Plus are not part of the program, but we expect that to change soon.
We are also expecting that popular Android phones will be added soon based on how the website is set up. After choosing your zip code, you are then asked to select a manufacturer before selecting the model and screen color. Apple is currently the only choice under manufacturer, but it’s likely more manufacturers will be added shortly.
There are three options to choose from: battery replacement, screen repair, or a battery/screen combo. It costs $75 to replace the battery on any iPhone, but screen repairs vary. For example, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus costs $155 and $185 respectively to repair the screen. If you need both the battery and the screen repaired, it’ll run you $195 for the iPhone 6 or $225 for the 6 Plus.
All pricing includes a $35 “Drive to Me” fee, which only needs to be paid once per visit. So if there is more than one phone to be repaired at the same location, the fee won’t be included for the additional devices. If for whatever reason your phone cannot be repaired, the “Drive to Me” fee will be reimbursed.
This pricing is a lot higher than a visit to a kiosk at your local mall, but Dish is hoping consumers will be willing to pay extra to have someone come to you. That includes your home, work, gym, or anywhere else. In most cases, you will get same-day service, but there are options for next-day appointments. Once you sign up online, you’ll get a two-hour window and you can track the technician’s whereabouts.
It should be noted that Dish won’t be using official OEM parts since Apple doesn’t make those available to other repair companies. However, Dish claims to use high quality replacement parts and provides a 60-day warranty.
Click here to find out more or to sign up for a house call.
