Dish Network serves it up

After being a Dish Network customer for 3 years, I decided to take advantage of of their digital upgrade promotion. Knowing that short term promotions usually end up costing more in the long run, I specifically asked, if I signed a 2 year contract, how much would I be paying for the first year and how much for the second year? The answer was $66.48 for the first year and $77.82 for the second year.

Three months into the 2 year contract, the price started going up. I called and was told not to worry and continue to pay the agreed to price of $66.48. Every month the bill was higher, and not only that, I kept getting calls from Dish Network representatives offering me specials to sign up with Dish Network. None of them knew that I already had Dish Network.

Now, ten months into my contract, my bill reached an all time high of 95.52. I called again and spoke with a "Customer Disatisfaction Representative" who informed me that no matter what the agreement was, in the contract that I signed it was clearly stated that Dish Network reserved the right to change their prices at any time! In other words, Dish Network could break their agreement, but if I wanted to get out of the contract I would have to pay $10 per month for every month left in the 2 years (14 months or $140). I starting cutting my services in order to bring my bill down. Suddenly I discovered a charge for a "Dish Home Protection Plan" which I had not noticed nor agreed to. The "Customer Disatisfaction Representative" explained that this was in case my DVR ever broke, this plan would cover the postage for mailing it back. She also let me know that I had been paying for it the whole time I was a Dish Network customer and if I didn't want it I should have cancelled it. So for 4 years and 3 months I had been paying $5.99 for postage in case the DVR broke down. I did the calculations and that comes to $305.49. I could have mailed the DVR around the world a couple of times and had money left over. I could cancel the so called "Protection Plan" but I would not get credit for the past years of a plan I never used or agreed to have.

My advice when dealing with Dish Network is, no matter what price they give you when they get you. Their sales pitch is a come-on and look for hidden charges. DO NOT TRUST WHAT THEY SAY. Trust what the contract says and that is they can change the prices at any time, and they will.

Comment On This

I apologize there was so much confusion regarding your pricing. We make every effort to provide accurate and consistent information to our customers. There are some situations that may cause your bill to increase or change; expiration of promotions, price increases, additional receivers, additional features, additional programming. When you have equipment leased through us it is still under warranty and we cover the cost to replace the equipment if needed. If a technician is required to make a home visit there is a charge for that but we will not charge you any additional fees to replace the equipment if needed. Because we understand it may be difficult for customers we do offer a service plan to help with this cost. Our service plan is like no other company out there. We have taken the needs of our customers and created a resolution for them through our service plan. Our service plan is available at any time even if you already have an existing issue. Our goal is to provide customers satisfaction.

Alicia Brink

DISH Network

Alicia.Brink AT DISHNetwork

Comment On This

I apologize there was so much confusion regarding your pricing. We make every effort to provide accurate and consistent information to our customers. There are some situations that may cause your bill to increase or change; expiration of promotions, price increases, additional receivers, additional features, additional programming. When you have equipment leased through us it is still under warranty and we cover the cost to replace the equipment if needed. If a technician is required to make a home visit there is a charge for that but we will not charge you any additional fees to replace the equipment if needed. Because we understand it may be difficult for customers we do offer a service plan to help with this cost. Our service plan is like no other company out there. We have taken the needs of our customers and created a resolution for them through our service plan. Our service plan is available at any time even if you already have an existing issue. Our goal is to provide customers satisfaction.

Alicia Brink

DISHNetwork

Alicia.Brink AT DISHNetwork