I called to try to get new service with DirecTV (I call them "Dave"). Dave told me I would need a 2 yr contract. I asked what if I bought my own equipment. The answer was yes, no commitment when you buy your own equipment.
So I bought an IRD (receiver) from an online wholesaler and paid 368.00 for an H20 HD IRD. (Dave will sell you this IRD for 99.00 with a 24 month contract.) BUT, before I bought this, I had the seller send me the unit's serial number and access card number. I called the retention department and gave them these numbers. They said it was "off-lease" and I could activate it without a contract, and would I like to activate it now? I said no. I would wait until it got here and verify that it was in fact that SN# and access card #.
About a week later it came, and I called to activate. All the while I stressed that I do not want a contract. I was told again that this was a good IRD and it would be without a contract. It was only then that I opened an account. Then they started with the free 3 months and this and that, and I said "ONLY IF IT REQUIRES NO COMMITMENT!" They said, oh yes, no problem.
All this was a flat lie. I am now told I have a 2 yr contract and would owe 480.00 if I disconnect! If I had wanted the contract, I would have let them send me the 99.99 IRD and saved myself a ton of money and time. They have it set up now so that there is no way to own your own equipment and use it on their service without a 2 yr contract.
The phone company used to do that. I thought they got slapped for doing it. Why can they do it and get away with it?
I wasted 500 to stay off contract, only to be cheated.
Are there others out there who have been cheated like me and want to join a class action suit to make Dave drop its draconian rules regarding access to its HD programming? (It's only HD that requires 2 yrs.) It seems like Dave is trying to finance its move into HD on the backs of its subscribers!
Thanks very much for your support.
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