Understanding the Amish ways i not easy. Amish have telephones. They don't have them in the house though, for it may be a disruption of their life. For example, if you are eating, the phone rings and you answer it. It is a distraction. When the Amish phone rings, it's out of the house so it doesn't get answered. Some Amish have cars. They are stored elsewhere. They are used when needed.
Amish did our kitchen cabinets. When we went to order them, we were invited into a modern showroom that had every imaginable appliance on display within their kitchen samples. But there was no electricity. The lights were all gas. However, they did have a copier to make a copy of my plans, operated by a generator on site. It's all about what they interpret as being too worldly. They will use other's phones, ride in cars, and take vacations like everyone else. And yes, you will see the Amish at our local Wal-Marts often. Bargains, you know.
I know many farmers in this area use satellite dishes to get their crop and weather reports. Perhaps this is the reason for the dish. It fits within my understanding of the Amish.
There are old order Mennonites who are much like Amish in lifestyle, but there are also Mennonites who appear no different from everyone else. Within 100 miles of here there are more than 50 different sects of Mennonites, from the extremely conservative to those who you wouldn't know were.
It's an interesting study. Strangely, once you understand where they are coming from, there is a real consistency and simplicity that is appealing.
