Contributor
Has Anyone else been held Hostage by Directv
Writing this to see if I’m the only person who has been held hostage by Directv. I am currently moving to a home which currently had Directv service. I disconnected my boxes and packed them up. Thinking this would be a quick transfer of services.
When I called to make the transfer, I was told I would have to reup my existing contract to move my family. Why? I already have a contract with 4 months left and don’t want to be tied to another contract.
I spent well over an hour speaking to 5 departments. To no resolution other than pay them out for the contract or re-up with them.
It is looking like I will have no option other than report these horrible business practices to the better business bureau.
As anyone else had these issues?
shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
6 years ago
Move orders have always come with a 1yr contact to pay for the tech labor fuel etc.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
6 years ago
@Directv_hostage
Move order comes with 12 month agreement has been the way for about a couple decades. Value of sending tech out for install and making sure everything works. There is no option to have a Movers order without an agreement. If you do an upgrade of equipment it would be a 24 month agreement instead of course. The report to the BBB is unlikely to do anything as this has been the business model for many years.
You waited until you packed up the boxes to call? That risks having to wait a couple weeks or so before installed at the new place depending on available appointments. Traditionally they can schedule up to 30 days out, so suggested to call once you know when you and your TVs will be there ready for install, so that you can get the soonest appointment that works for you.
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Directv_hostage
Contributor
6 years ago
How is this Fair?
What will a tech do to a already installed aimed directv satellite dish?
This professional install will be hooking up a co axle cable.
FYI the competition DISH TV doesn’t do such horrible practices. They understand people move and they want to retain the customer by service.... not shady practices.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
6 years ago
@Directv_hostage
It is the model for about a "couple decades" as in close to 20 years. I fully understand DirecTV didn't exist until 1994. Myself, friends and family, have experienced the 12 month agreement. Good thing is it does not tack onto the end of the current one, just from day of install. So if you have 4 months left, that would only push it back 8 months.
DirecTV verifies that the dish is current, as MPEG-2 is being shutdown, and that the cabling supports SWM as the old setup has been replaced. Without tech on site they don't know if the setup is in good condition, if anything must be modified for your equipment, or that there is a fully compliant and active connection that reaches every spot you would have a TV.
Over 12 months since your last move and the order should have the $199 waived, provided your account is in good standing. Since DirecTV is investing into tech's time, fuel, and equipment, they are simply requesting you stay with them for 12 months to make it worth it for them. If that doesn't work for you, then close the account and pay the ECF on your final bill. Just because you don't like it, doesn't make it a shady practice.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
6 years ago
DTV went to the lease only plan in 2006 so it has been in place for that long.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
6 years ago
Ok fair enough, closer to 13 years then. Bottom line, the Movers order process is not new and has not been a violation of any business regulation.
Movers order or cancel with ECF then. Your choice. Call DirecTV with your decision so they can get it processed.
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Directv_hostage
Contributor
6 years ago
How does that not seem like a scam?
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mdram4x4
ACE - Master
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6.5K Messages
6 years ago
you can self install and try changing the address
you can pay the ETF
or pay them to move you
oh and dish does also do a contract for moving, at least they did when i had them
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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23K Messages
6 years ago
Early cancellation fee is worth $20 for each month remaining which would be $60 for 3 months remaining.
Moving is not guaranteed to be plug and play as the setup must cover the amount of tuners you have, the types of boxes, having the correct receiving dish and properly aligned, installed exactly where you will use it, and all in good active condition. You can try self-install, but getting the service address changed (as is required) seem to have required a Movers order in recent months. Supposedly this is to curb those that would have boxes active at the same time at multiple places in violation of Terms of Service and Federal regulations and just kept requesting an address change too often.
Personally I say do the Movers order, keep with what you are accustomed to just for that year. Certainly consider options in that time and by the end you can leave as is or switch without penalty if you feel it is not working out at the new place.
To make sure you don't get any other surprises, what are the models of each box you have now? Old setups are becoming obsolete and unusable with the MPEG-2 shutdown, but some agents might push optional upgrades a bit hard on top of this. Want to make sure you are informed and know your options before you callback.
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