I switched from Dish to Direct TV back in October because they quoted me better pricing when I upgraded to HD. With the HD DVR and two SD receivers they told me that my monthly bill would be about $67.00. I specifically asked them what my monthly bill would be AFTER all the promotions were over (i.e., first 4 months at $39.95, HD DVR for $5.00 for first 3 months, etc.) I even went as far as asking them what my bill would be 7 or 8 months down the road and they still gave me the same quote of $67.00.

Now they're telling me that my monthly bill will be $82.00 per month! What recourse do I have? Is there anyway I can get them to let me back out of the two year contract and drop their service? Or am I totally screwed because I didn't see it in writing?

Well, is the $82.00 without tax or the complete bill? They do what most companies do and quote you a price on the services they provide. Taxes and surcharges are always extra and quite frankly, with what they run today (18% satellite "surcharge" in Florida for example!), it's not fair for them to have to include them in their price. If you are at $82.00 without taxes, you have a vaild argument, otherwise, Uncle Sam, your State, your Countlya and your City are all likely adding a little on top...

JFetter

I was very specific when I got the quote. I specifically asked what my bill would be with all the taxes included. I even went as far as asking them what amount I would be makeing the check out for when I paid my bill every month.

Then you have a valid point. About the only thing I can suggest is call and make your case. You never know until you try!

JFetter

First off, the DVR fee is $5-6 regular price, that is the Tivo fee. Not sure what happens when the NDS DVR comes out, this fee may go away.

I think they told you the HD Package of channels was $5 for 3 months. It should thereafter be $11, although with their new pricing coming in March it will apparently be $10. And frankly, you can probably call and complain about something and they'll drop it back down to $5 or even free for 3 or 6 months. They are well aware that they don't have very many channels and sometimes those look horrid.

So what are all the charges that add up to $82? If you misunderstood the DVR fee and another $10 fee somehow, that might be the difference. Don't know that you have any recourse legally, their prices are laid out everywhere for public viewing. You can probably use it to get HBO free for 6 months or something, though.

Mitch57,

I feel your pain as I went thru the same thing with Sprint DSL. DirectTV should know very well what the final bill will be including taxes if they have even done business in that county even for a month.

You were upfront with them asking how much after taxes your bill would be they should have been upfront with you.

The tax here in Raleigh , NC that kills me is the "Federal Universal Service Fund" not sure if it applies to Satellite though.

-Don B

Good luck. DirectV may hook you up w/ temporary free upgrades (premiums, hidef, etc.) but, there isn't a chance they'll let you out of the contract. What are you gonna do? Take Rupert Murdoch to small claims court?