Cancelling Directv

ACP doesn't get you a TV provider. Think of internet as the road but where you get TV are the stores. The road doesn't mean you get stuff from the store for free. TV is considered entertainment, so is not covered by ACP.

If you choose to cancel DirecTV, be aware cancellation doesn't go through a day you set, but at then end of the bill cycle that you are in. And before you make that decision, find out if you have time left on a service agreement.

This is a public forum of other customers, so you will need to call DirecTV to discuss your account.

My contract has been up for years, I've been with Directv for 13 plus years. I read up on how to cancel Directv you certainly need to read all the fine print. I also understand I'll need to buy something like a firestick to hookup to the internet. It's time to cut the satellite cord and use Att & ACP program for internet service so I can watch/stream shows. I want home internet and not to use the ACP on my wireless. It's a rip off on wireless. PS I just retired & it's time to downsize and  simplify. Thanks for your input.

@Juniper Tv is entertainment, I agree with you and I paid dearly for years, the gaming on my cell among other activities I enjoy are also entertainment, I pay for that too.  If someone  qualifies for ACP & Lifeline then how it is used is their choice. Whether it's free or at a discounted price. And yes, it can be used to stream movies, shows etc.. I know people that retired or disabled already using Att & ACP to watch TV. 

Being with DirecTV for 13+ years doesn't in itself mean your agreement is up. Fair enough if you haven't done anything in years, but if you got a promotion or equipment in the last couple years there might have been an agreement with it. Always best to make sure.

ACP covers the internet. Any TV service you choose to subscribe to is not covered by that program and is fully at your cost. Wasn't saying you were restricted on where you go online, only that ACP will not pay for TV itself. Hence why I made the road analogy as it will get you to the TV store, but you still will buy the TV service itself.

When you call DirecTV and get the voice system say "cancel". Be prepared the agent will try to keep your business (that is their job), but naturally it is your choice if any of the options work for you.

Canceling is a simple process. The only 'fine print' on the matter should be it going through at the end of the bill cycle instead of a day you choose (a change made in 2019).

What are the models of each of your boxes? That will determine if they are returnable or not.

@Juniper Totally understand what your saying. No changes since the first 2 years of my agreement.  Unless they added some channels without my knowledge or agreement. I did catch them once adding something for 3 months and charging me for it. I wasn't even watching what they added. That's a big no, no. I finally made them understand not to add anything to my account or call selling me something. My agreement is up. Thanks for your input.

Sure, you can cancel Directv but that doesn’t mean you will be able to stream everything you want for free.

@Gail_E 

You've had the exact same equipment for over 15 years? No boxes replaced or added? If so the not only is it expected to be non-returnable, but likely MPEG-2/SD-only boxes that would stop working in the near future as those old feeds complete shutting down. Model of each box will confirm.

If it turns out your boxes are non-returnable, you can put them with electronic recycling. I would wait to do so for a couple months after closing your account just to be sure everything finalized okay.

The 3 month free of premium channels (HBO, etc.) is a common offer. Automatic in the intro offer, but might qualify again later. It is a bad agent who adds that later without discussing it with you and getting your permission. You cannot make every employee understand that you don't want something added to your account from talking to one person (they are individual people after all), but glad you didn't have a repeat of it. And at least you were opted out of outbound offers successfully.

@sandblaster I don't expect it to be free but surely it's cheaper than $82.40 for the very few channels I currently watch. 

@Juniper I got to thinking, I got an HDTV about 10yrs ago as a gift it was an upgrade from my 19in b&w....lol  I did have to get an HD box. That's the only upgrade I got. I was happy about that. You sound surprised I only have 1 tv 1 box in 1 room.😂 Just remember this, I don't have to share it with anyone else. So see streaming might get me a smart TV in the near future, now that would be a real upgrade.

@Gail_E 

I am not surprised you only have 1 TV and 1 box. It was more the same equipment for that time. But that turned out not to be the case as you did upgrade to HD equipment to take full advantage of the new TV. But as that is about 10 years ago, that service agreement ended since an upgrade is only 24 months of active service.

What I would say is really surprising is you weren't upgrading simply from SD to HD, but from a black & white TV. I used an old RCA color TV with dials into the millennium, but a B&W holdout beats me out in spades.

I would caution against a 'smart' TV. They tend to have their own issues, and are overboard for more simple users. I would stick with HD (preferably supporting 1080, but 720 is fine) and just get a streaming box of some sort (Firestick, Roku, etc.) if streaming is the route you want to go. Just make sure to check what bandwidth is available for where you live, and the listing will be the up-to/theoretical max not a guaranteed constant so just be aware of that.

AFAIK the low income/lifeline internet/phone services have caps on usage that streaming will soon eat up.

@Gail_E That all depends on what streaming service or services you decide to get. There are dozens to pick from and many people find they end up paying more for streaming than they did with cable or satellite.

@sandblaster If that occurs I do have a backup plan, I have an Indoor Digital Antenna that picks up 9 local channels, sometimes more sometimes less. A girl's got to have a backup plan..lol Thanks for the warning. 

Backup plans are great in this day and age. Internet goes out, antenna still works. If power goes out, well other things to worry about. There are still outdoor antenna options if needed for more channels, or better reception depending on inside signal. And even for those keeping DirecTV, I highly suggest one as gives you that peace of mind if local goes through negotiation or technical issue, you have that other option. Plus picking up any sub-channels your area might have.

Going the streaming route, get an actual streaming box. Those 'smart' TVs that can use their own apps are more a placeholder until you get a box (Roku, Firestick, etc.). This is because the TVs don't have more than the minimum hardware to run it all and don't have infinite software updates as want to sell TVs. Those streaming devices are better supported, and if down the road you need a new one, well that is much cheaper than a new TV.