SD-DVR40 can't get dvr service activated

I have gotten another sd-dvr40 upgraded with ptv net and instantcake 6.4 on a brand new 160 gb maxtor. I don't have a landline so I did setup then brought to my fathers house it makes its calls without satellite hook up and then when I bring it home it won't allow me to record it says dvr service isn't active call dtv. Am I missing something I thought I didn't need satellite hooked up while doing phone call but after phone call it says account is closed because it gets no satellite signal.