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So I got our bill for Dish Network today. We have subscribed to the Top 120 for about 6 years now.

6 years ago, you still had to BUY your dish and equipment. In the past couple of years, it's become like the cable company where it's included in your bill.

So I open the bill, and SURPRISE, the rates went up $2. I knew that was coming. But they were so kind to include a new channel line-up card.

So I start to read down the list...And count about 5 channels I never noticed before. So I go to turn them on, and can't get them. Hmmm

So I call and ask the lady why. Here was the conversation..

ME: I just got my new bill, and the new channel line-up..How come I can't watch channel 404? HorseRacing TV? (seriously..That is a channel..I want to watch it! I love horses.)

HER: You have the wrong dish. You did not upgrade your dish.

ME: Let me guess, I have to pay for that right?

HER: Yes, if you want to do it today, I can discount the upgrade fee to $59.99 instead of $99.99."

ME: But I've been paying for channels I'm not getting for who knows how long..We BOUGHT our equipment, and were not told that we would have to buy new equipment so that we can watch the channels that we are paying for.

HER: Would you like to downgrade your package?

ME: No..Because then I would not get to watch the Gameshow network. (I really like watching Matchgame)

HER: Well you have to upgrade your dish.

So I hung up. Rude I know, but I was ticked. I don't feel that it's fair that I can't watch the channels that I'm paying for.

So I called back, and asked to cancel my service. I can pay the same amount to the cable company. So of course they transfer me to the "Please don't cancel" department.

The lady asks, "Will you cancel if we could give you a new dish at no charge?"

ME: And will you credit me for this month since i have not been able to watch the channels I'm paying for?

So she says we will get next month for free, and a new dish. They'll be out on saturday to install it.

YAY! I get to watch Horseracing tomorrow night! And Soapnet! YAY! Smile

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:27 pm Subject:

JD, good news is they came through, try that with the cable co. I swithced to sat from cable about 5 years ago and wont go back.

I use to work for DirecTV, and customers calling up to inquire about service could a get a free satellite. OR, they would be calling up with their bought equipment from BestBuy and would want to activate it. I never did cancellations, but do know that as part of "save-retention", that they would offer a new dish, and a (few) month(s) free to keep you on.

Of course, you would now be stuck in a years contract. So even though you think you're getting a deal, if you have even the slightest doubt...remember that you will be charged for a years worth of service apon calling to cancel (after your save retention call).

Mike

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 4:20 pm Subject:

As long as we get what we're paying for, I don't mind staying for another year.

Even if we never would watch the channels, it's not fair that we've been paying for something we weren't getting.

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 5:26 pm Subject:

That's cool that you were able to work it out. Smile

~Mary

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 6:23 pm Subject:

Don't let your guard down yet! These cable and satellite companies can be a little shifty!

Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 9:37 pm Subject:

They did something similar to us and we switched to Direct TV! Laughing

Our receiver went out and while they are giving them away, they wanted us to pay for a new one! Rolling Eyes

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:04 am Subject:

They'll be at our house at noon, so we'll find out.

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 1:36 pm Subject: re

Its rather amusing how our society has changed. I did not get cable until 1996 because I always thought it was a waste of money. Mainly got it because of the Golf channel back then.

Now and for the next 2 weeks I am doing without. Temporarily cancelled my cable to cut costs. Back to 2,4,7 and UHF. Its been kind of like going back in time for me.

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:09 pm Subject:

LOL, that's a good point...I used to never watch TV, and when I did, Adelphia was only like twenty bucks a month. Now it's so expensive!!

~Mary Smile

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 5:01 pm Subject:

I really like to watch Discovery, and TV Land. And Gameshow Network. Smile

I can HANDLE not having it, but am glad to have the good channels. Smile

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 6:24 pm Subject:

We had a few weeks left of the previous tenants' digital cable when we first moved in, the the account cancelled and the service ended. My husband balked at the idea of paying $50 monthly for cable.

Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2006 10:22 pm Subject:

Well, I am quite jealous...all I have is regular tv, and only 3 channels come in very good...we are trying to save money too. I would never get DirectTV again though. We had a big problem with them that led to $400 in bogus charges. They are expensive as it is, don't need the extra garbage along with it. I can't wait to get cable again though.