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Understanding service interruptions and signal loss

We work hard to keep you connected, but sometimes you might lose your satellite signal. Here’s how to understand and troubleshoot service interruptions.


First, check the weather. Heavy rain, snow or hail can temporarily disrupt your satellite signal. If the weather looks fine, the issue might be something else.

What's a service interruption?

A service interruption means your TV service isn’t working as expected. This could be bad picture or missing channels or a complete service outage.

What causes unplanned service interruptions?

Several factors can cause service interruptions, including:

  • Equipment issues
  • Power outages
  • Construction in your area
  • Severe weather (like heavy rain or snow
  • Internet congestion (for On Demand content only, if your receiver is connected to WiFi or Ethernet)

Is there a signal interruption in my area?

If the weather isn’t the issue, the next step is to check your equipment. Try the following:

  • Restart your set-top box: Unplug it for 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to refresh and check if the channel appears.
  • Inspect splitters: These can sometimes cause signal dropouts. If you need more lines than your dish supports, contact us for solutions.
  • Check your joiners: Make sure they support frequencies of 2,100 MHz or higher.
  • Check for obstructions: Make sure snow, power lines or other objects don't block your receiver.

What If My Service Doesn’t Come Back?

In most cases, your service will be restored automatically. If not:

  1. Restart your equipment again.
  2. Still having trouble? Visit Shaw Direct Support for 24/7 troubleshooting help.
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