I've had cable service with Directv for several months with no complaints, until I received their latest bill.
My cable service arrangement with Directv was made via telephone, at which time they quoted me a certain monthly price to remain for the first year of service, and an oral contract between us was made.
Lo and behold, my latest bill from Directv is $3.00 a month more! I phoned them for an explanation and was told this is a "price increase". I stated that my first year contract with Directv is still in effect, with the terms set forth above. Their rep replied, "This increase applies to all customers". He then informed me that their "Customer Agreement" states that Directv has the "unrestricted right to change their prices", among other things. In other words, Directv reserves the right to renege on the contract, while their customers may not, without penalty. I replied that I have a copy of this agreement, but that I received it after the contract was made with them.
This incident reminds me of a certain credit card company which was sued in a class action years ago for reneging on its fixed interest rate promise to customers. I was among the thousands of plaintiffs.
Directv finally offered me a satisfactory solution to this problem, which I accepted. Of course, I would have been stuck with this increase had I done nothing. It's pathetic when customer service reps must endure customer complaints caused by their own employer. When I commit to a contract, it is reasonable that I expect the other party to fulfill their end! Be it known that one's "superior" economic or authority position does not get you off the hook from meeting your obligations, especially those you agreed to.
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