Complaint Review: Satellite Systems Network

On Sept. 5th, 2007 I was contacted by Ian a sales representative for Dish Network offering a savings on then Direct TV billing by switching to Dish Network. At the time Ian, (the sales representative) and I compared TV by TV service in my home and package by package comparison of Direct TV and Dish Network. I was told if I switched services I would lower my monthly billing and have DVR as well.

The package he sold me was the Top 200 with local channels, 2 receivers with DVR on 2 TV locations, the cost would be $49.99 down payment for installation and set up and a monthly bill of $39.99 with a guaranteed priced till Jan 1, 2009. The installation was scheduled for Sept. 14, 2007 and installed on this date.

When we received our first bill there were charges for not having a phone line plugged into the receiver at a rate of $5.00 per month. The receiver was plugged in they had the wrong phone number they showed last 2 digits 97 when it is 99, they corrected their error but continue to bill the $5.00 per month.The package price quoted by Ian was for $39.99 per month with no increases unless I upgraded or changed the plan. I am being billed $59.99 per month.

I called Dish Network and they continue to be zero help on this matter, they say Satellite Systems Networks is not an agent of theirs and they have no control over what they say. I have called Satellite Systems Networks several times at 800-338-3409 Ext 168 for Ian, all I get is voice mail with out ever getting a call back. Dish Network has given me a number of 800-338-3409 which isn't answered and then call disconnected. I have tried to zero out when calling Ian and have spent over an hour on hold with no response from Satellite Systems Networks.

When I was first contacted by Satellite Systems Networks I was led to believe by Ian he was an employee of Dish Network. I have since found the firm he works for sells services for both Dish Network and Direct TV. Both of these companies continue to allow Satellite Systems Networks to sell their products by lying to the customer and neither company cares to clean up the practice.

When I talked to Dish Network their attitude was I have a contract for the full amount which they will not send me a copy of said contract and which I have no record of ever seeing or signing such contract. They say I am locked into an 18 month contract and I can't cancell without paying the full amount.

I find it very odd the local states have not gone after the Satellite Systems Network, LLC and stopped them from placing solicitation calls and selling bogus deals over the telephone. This practice is so blatant, the two major satellite companies must be in colusion with Satellite Systems Networks, LLC.

Steven
Boring, Oregon
U.S.A.