Direct TV
$440 Early Cancellation Fee After Constant Satellite Signal Loss

I ordered DirecTV by phone. The representative mentioned only that an early cancellation fee existed, without saying how it would be calculated, and I never signed any written contract.

Since switching to this service I have had nothing but trouble. Here are four typical problems, happening three or four times every day. The screen says 'Searching for satellite signal... 277' for a minute or two. A message then says they know I cannot get the channel and I need not call them. While I am watching a show, the picture suddenly freezes, and only changing the channel up or down and then returning to the original one gets it moving again. And when I record from a TV source, the recording sometimes stops before the program is over.

When I phoned to disconnect, I was told the early cancellation fee would be $440. To dispute it, they said I should write a letter to their office in Greenwood, CO. I later learned that the CEO's office is in El Segundo, CA. After two weeks with no reply to my letter, I used the online complaint form at DirectTV.com. I have received three emails about it, the latest one today (02/10/09), and each one merely repeated the $440 cancellation charge. The service was cut off today. As I asked in my letter, I am requesting a 50% reduction because of the poor service, which would bring the disconnect fee down to $220. My credit card was charged the full $440 today.

Company: Direct TV
Country: USA
State: California
City: El Segundo
Address: 2230 East Imperial Highway

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