Dish Network Dish satellite service, Misleading verbal explanations of contract terms; advertised prices increased even after confirmed by the operator Internet, Colorado
In July 2010 we investigated switching to DISH Network because they offered a $24.99/mth pkg. We called talking to Kelly who said she was in Arizona. We told her we wanted local stations & Big Ten.
She took the $24.99 plus the Top 120 for sports($7) and added DVR($6)plus tax and we would pay $40.65 per month for 12 months. For March 2011 our bill increased to $50.28.
Earlier a phone call to Dish told us there was an additional charge to talk to a live person. We opened the live chat with "John" but he would not tell where he was located. "We aren't allowed to say that. But I like football."
John said they had to pay their suppliers. I said we were guaranteed a price for 12 months before it increased. He said no contract guaranteed a price. I opened my contract*. He said they continued to give us the $15/mth discount. He kept saying, "we are competive with other companies".
Finally, he gave the chat to "Zak". Zak began the with the same commercial script. He told me I should read my contract more carefully. >ouch<* I had. When I was talking to Kelly in July we specifically asked if this price would get us the channels we wanted at that price. She said there would be an increase after 12 months for the remaining time of the 2 yr. contract. Since I didn't have her conversation recorded, I don't know precise words but she lead us to believe there was no variable on this quoted price. We agreed and someone from Kokomo, IN, came to install the system and program our remotes.
* The contract states "We reserve the right to change prices, packages, and programming at any time, including without limitation, during any term commitment to which you have agreed....Do not sign this Agreement if you did not receive both pages of this Agreement"
*"By signing this Agreement, you acknowledge and agree that you have received, read and understand and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and that all such terms were disclosed to you prior to activation."
Verbal clarifications must have been carefully worded to create a misunderstanding on our part.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
BDickinson
Colorado,United States of America
Class Action Suit Needed Now in CO
#4Consumer Comment
Mon, February 28, 2011
I switched from Direct TV to Dish last October. I was told I would get $37.99 for the first year. The last couple of my bills were over $50. I called today and spoke to several people. They say they don't have to honor the intro price and in their agreement it says they have the right to raise your price anytime they want. There website is offering a similar promo deal, 1 year at $24.99 and I wonder how many people realize they will not honor that price for the whole year.
This is false advertising. We have to pay an early termination fee for our service but they don't have to abide by the terms of their advertised and spoken agreements? They say it's not illegal I say this is seriously illegal and they must be stopped.
Chris
Iowa,USA
File a complaint wiith your AG
#4Consumer Comment
Mon, February 28, 2011
Contact your state's attorney general. Tell them you were promised a price and they increase it while still holding you to a contract, that is dirty business. Don't take it lying down. File complaints with the FTC and BBB as well.
These companies need to be sued until it really hurts. These one way contracts need to be stopped.
BeckiB@Dish Network
Englewood,Colorado,
USA
Price Increase
#4UPDATE Employee
Fri, February 25, 2011
Hello!! I am really sorry for any misinformation about the price increase. It was something that took affect on 2/1. The increase was to keep up with our networks raising prices so as not to lose the programming that our customer enjoy. I would be happy to take a look at your account and see what we can do to help you out. Please email me at becki.barned@dishnetwork.com.
Becki Barned
DISH Network Customer Service