Several times prior to making the appt. For installation I was told a price of $34.99 for 12 mos. Not one of the 6 cust. Service reps. Said anything about rebate forms. I am 53, disabled and live in the rural area because this was the only housing I could afford. I have a choice of DirecTV, DISH. Since we are going all digital not even an antenna will pick up local stations.
DirecTV promised written and stated:
Spec. Pkg. Price of $34.99 for 12 months on the Choice Xtra Package. (a) This was to include up to a 4 room installation free (b) A free upgrade of either DVR or HD services (c) 3 months free Showtime, Starz, HBO (d) Free local channels.
What I received was:
(1) A 2 room installation. (2) Free Showtime for 3 months and not Starz or HBO. (3) Free local channels. (4) A DVR upgrade. (5) A total bill of $164.74 for services from 01/12/09 to 03/09/09. (6) I was promised twice that the rebate would be 'automatic'.
No one could explain why my $34.99 plus tax was actually $130.90 for less than one month of service. I actually had 3 reps. Tell me my billing started the DAY I called to set up the appt. For installation.
The last supervisor I spoke to asked me what I would like to have done to 'correct' the situation. I told him the price I was promised of $34.99 per month for 12 months because I am on a fixed income. He very rudely told me, 'that won't happen' & if I didn't like it I could cancel, however I was still liable for the '2 yr. Contract' at full price 'plus any extras'. He said if I didn't get all the options with the package I should have 'called'—I DID call, 17 times in less than 2 months. Also, if I paid even one time with a credit or debit card they have every right to use the numbers to 'get' the cancelation fees and any other 'extra' expenses.
People in the city areas have choices of tv reception. We don't. It appears that DirecTV and DISH have monopolized the rural areas. Is there any difference between DirecTV services in the city as opposed to the majority of people that live in the rural areas and outside the abilities to receive local channels?
It does not appear they are held accountable for their: (1) written/verbal sales contracts on advertised packaging prices as agreed; (2) misleading or deceptive conduct and sales tactics, (3) false representations and unfair billing and sales practices.
I have filed complaints with the FCC, FTC, Maines Atty. Gen. Office, MANY consumer complaints and the BBB. Surprisingly when I tried to file with the area BBB through the internet they would NOT accept complaints against DirecTV. Their website directed me to the LA website, which directed me to the National BBB.
How can DirecTV get away with doing this to so many people? If you read the back of your first billing, in essence it says that the first bill is the contract and the monies you agree to per month? What happened to them having to adhere to the Fair Trade Act?
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