Ken
Colorado,#2Consumer Comment
Fri, December 30, 2011
"In order to get an HD box from Direct TV I had to agree to extend my "contract" for 24 months."
Then go with somebody else...oh, wait, they'll also "Force" you into a 2 year contract...o-o-o-p-s.
You asked what happens if misfortune befalls you sometime before the contract is up, yet you already know the answer. The penalty is $20/month for the remaining contract term.
Neither DirectTV, nor any of the other providers will just let you cancel the contract for basically, any reason.
If they allowed those claiming to lose their job or have major illness to cancel, guess what reason(s) anyone wanting out of their contract would use?
They have provided you with additional service/equipment and can reasonably expect to earn a return on this. "I would like to be able to cancel my Direct TV service if necessary without penalty."
Then don't allow them to "sucker" you into signing next time.
A disclaimer...I don't work for and have NEVER worked for DirectTV.