DirecTV Leased Equipment Repairs

DIRECTV's service includes a monthly leasing fee of $4.99 per receiver. The CARE OF EQUIPMENT section of their Equipment Lease Addendum holds customers responsible for �loss of or any damage to the DIRECTV equipment.� The RETURN OF DIRECTV EQUIPMENT section of the addendum states, �You acknowledge that the DIRECTV equipment belongs to DIRECTV and�must be returned to DIRECTV in good working order, normal wear and tear excepted.� The entire addendum can be found at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P500014. This agreement is clear that the equipment is owned by DIRECTV and the customer is responsible for loss or damage beyond normal wear and tear.

I recently found out that DIRECTV is holding the customer responsible for service technician charges for repairs that are required due to component failure not caused by damage or misuse. Holding the customer responsible for technician charges is an unfair practice and is not part of the service agreement. The practice is unfair because (1) customers are not given the option to purchase the equipment and (2) there are no local dealers where the equipment can be taken for diagnosis and service. Since electronic components are not designed for infinite life, any failure that is not caused directly by damage should be considered normal wear and tear. In order for a customer whose equipment has failed due to normal wear and tear to continue to receive the contracted service, they must pay a service technician charge. DIRECTV should be responsible for payment of the technician charges since the service is being performed on equipment owned by them that is no longer working due to no fault of the customer.