Two year agreement I didn't agree to

Starting with DirecTV always comes with a 24 month service agreement. It is in the fine print of all offers. It is clearly listed on the order confirmation they send you before your service is installed and activated. The handheld you sign with the tech on install also mentions it.

Sorry but there is no way out of the initial service agreement. It applies to everyone.

Yes you can cancel at any time, but you pay an early cancellation fee (ECF) valued at $20 for each month remaining.

Well when you are talking to someone over the phone they should had said something about a two year agreement instead of selling the red zone ticket, but the fact they didn't is the problem I would never put myself into a arrangement

Yes, the agent you spoke with should have mentioned it. To protect themselves and you from a bad agent, or one who simply made an honest mistake, they have the other listings for the agreement. That way you have multiple opportunities to be informed before you are installed. Once that install and activations happens, you have accepted the order as it is.

An initial service agreement is standard in many industries. They are investing a lot for their install and equipment so need to make sure they can earn their money back. If you don't want an agreement for TV, then either look into some streaming services (as there is no equipment or install to recoup for them) or just get a regular over-the-air (OTA) antenna and get whatever locals are within range.

Direct TV is Ma-Bell by another name.  For those of us who remember when they ruled the home phone world, and how they mistreated customers who had no other options, Direct TV uses their contract fine print to keep customers who want to cancel.  Try watching old Lily Thomlin videos from the Rowin and Martin tv show.

@msalazar6400 

The contract is actually completely necessary as that is just how the satellite TV industry works. Customers get free installation (in most cases) as well as free leased equipment so the contract covers that as well as their 

everything to fulfill you as a customer. If you look at DISH for example, they do essentially the same thing. Some cable companies require a contract as well. Therefore, it isn’t exclusive to DIRECTV nor is it something that was purposely set up by them to retain a customer or take advantage of one who wants to cancel.

@msalazar6400 

Direct TV is Ma-Bell by another name.

Not correct. DirecTV was their own entity and only a satellite TV provider. AT&T acquired them a few years ago. As such, DirecTV was never Ma-Bell.

The majority of DirecTV offers include free (or very discounted) equipment and install. With a 24 month-agreement they are making sure they don't lose out on their investment if for some reason someone decides to cancel before money is made back.

Practically all companies have a "fine print" of some sort. If you don't read it, that is on you.

And not only was DirecTV never Ma-Bell, they are not Direct TV either. Only a single 'T' in the brand as one word.