Technician won't get on the roof

Per update to OSHA regulations a few years ago, DirecTV techs cannot be on the roof without additional Federally approved safety equipment and training. DirecTV stays within compliance by not letting techs off the ladder.

The 24-72hr timeframe can happen because 3rd party techs may have a separate scheduling system from DirecTV's dispatch. However, I have never known there to be an option to choose between DirecTV operated or contracted tech, it has always been next available, so that part is fishy. Even if a 3rd party were to install the receiving dish, it would never be serviced by DirecTV for repairs or upgrades as it would be outside their access. That is just preparing for future additional costs as you would be negotiating with 3rd parties for all work/repairs down the road.

Alternatively you could discuss with the tech about a custom install where they install on a pole or sled mount. Though it would have some up-front cost, it would be in a serviceable location for DirecTV going forward which would save headache and cost in the long run.

As a side note, landlords cannot forbid DirecTV service. As long as you have space under your exclusive control (such as a patio), not shared space with other tenants apartments, that is allowed by the FCC. Still good to discuss with landlord beforehand so there are no unpleasant discussions later. For more details check OTARD.

It wasn't really an optional thing. The guy told me it had to be third party because they cannot get off their precious ladder and actually get on the roof and do the job lol. So instead of providing additional training did the Saint forget the pupil who need the dish on the roof? That's not cool. AT&T pretend you give a crap about the customers and provide the training. I might need to start a petition. Sorry I'm a first-time customer and I realize why people tell me how annoying DirecTV is. I would still like to actually have the service but I need to actually get the service.

Not going on roof was well before the acquisition by AT&T. DirecTV wasn't going to spend the time and money for training and purchase of all the additional equipment. There is no indication of their decision changing. That is where the pole/sled mounts become an option if needed.

The change in the regulation doesn't interfere with most new installs. Usually only comes up on a much older install where the dish is now in a location that cannot be serviced by the techs. The choice is to have a 3rd party remove the dish so DirecTV can do a relocate order, or to have DirecTV just install a new dish in a approved location.

You could trying getting DirecTV to come back out for a 2nd opinion on dish location. Better to have it in a place that DirecTV will service it, otherwise repairs and upgrades will be fully out-of-pocket.

I went through the entire "can't go on the roof thing" and I was astounded. OSHA simply requires relatively inexpensive fall protection and the "training" is a simple 4 hour classroom session. Terrible customer service. We were also informed that the 101° was not working properly because of its age and may be misaligned. As a result, channels that are not hi def severely pixilate and actually make a squeaking sound... CNN international, CSPAN and CNBC World for example... the technician told us that the problem cannot be fixed! If I had an alternative for satellite reception I would use a different service provider. Note that on Directv streaming not all channels are available and of course using just streaming makes it impossible for the DVR functionality of the Genie. Overall, I am not satisfied, this company needs to get its act together or the cancelation of Directv services through satellite will become more prevalent. I hope anyone who reads this will take heed! 

There has to be anchor points permanently attached to the roof for those fall protection devices to connect to, new homes being built have them old homes don't.  DTV chose not to use fall protection devices, they can use ladders to reach the low point edge of the roof or use a sled or pole mount.  AFAIK there is nothing wrong with the 101 sat and there is more than one sat in that position but it used MPEG2 and DTV is shutting down MPEG2 channels so all local channels where moved to the MPEG4 HD sats 99/103 to allow the 101 to broadcast in MPEG4 most nationwide channels, I assume in SD as some have posted there isn't enough bandwidth for all to be in HD.

@DennisGirard 

How DirecTV deals with the updated OSHA regulation has not changed in the years since this thread started. Is the same as before AT&T acquired them and no change so far after AT&T sold off their share. Perhaps the new owner will change that later, but right now their hands are full with not only taking over complete ownership of DirecTV but also the purchase of Dish (a shocker to many of us).

As for the tech's explanation the issue is an old satellite for those channels sounds like pulled out of their rear. There are no credible reports of such a problem. The only thing regarding the sats is that DirecTV has been shutting down their MPEG-2/SD-only channels. So anything (SD or HD) that comes off the MPEG-4 feed would not be affected just because satellite is "old".

But to the main point of this thread. You want it serviced by DirecTV then it needs to be in an approved location. They comply with OSHA by not leaving the ladder. There is no requirement they do otherwise, as much as it burns your biscuits. Posting to a thread from over 5 years ago doesn't change it.