Complain about a product or service

DISH Network

Dish Network • Billing Issues • Contract Terms • Installation Woes • Pay Per View Disputes • Service Problems • An Insider's Advice --- News • Dish Network Dealers Settle With FTC Over 'Do Not Call' Charges • Dish Network Settles Customer Sales, Deceptive Service Charges • Feds, States Sue Dish Network • FTC Slams Dish Network Marketers • Dish Network Subscribers Keep Their DVRs -- For Now

Among its virtues, DISH has a brand-new satellite, launched in October 2004, that has the capability of providing not only direct-to-home but also broadband services, most notably high-speed Internet. Techies will be interested to know the AMC-15 satellite is the first major commercial Ka-band bird to serve the United States.

Of course, none of this will be any comfort to the many consumers we hear from who have disappointing experiences with installation, billing and service.

Here are a few of the more recent complaints:

Nora of Livingston, CA November 20, 2009

Their announcements and initial service claims declared that 4 televisions could be hooked up to their services for 20 dollars. When contacted they announced that they would charge 5 extra dollars for an extra television. Furthermore, 10 more dollars were charged for not being hooked up to a telephone service. All of this was not stated in their original paperwork.

Nancy of Maricopa, AZ November 16, 2009

I've been a Dish Network subscriber for over 10 years. Signed a 2 year contract for HD service. Had always gotten NBA basketball games. Now they're being blacked out, no prior notice. I got HD to see basketball games; now I can't; to me that's theft of service. I paid for something in advance and now I can't have it. Oh, yes I can if I want to pay almost $200 for their NBA league pass. I refuse to be backed to the wall like that. I want out of my contract. There are other providers to use that hopefully won't do what Dish Network did; keep me on hold for almost one hour, every call for the same problem brings a different answer. Horrid service!

Mattiebell of Baltimore, MD November 12, 2009

I did an online inquiry for Dish Network services for my home on November 6, 2009. I received a call back from Mr. B. After talking with him I opted not to contract for the service. Mr. B has called me every day including Saturdays and Sundays harassing me as to why I refused to do business with Dish Network. I have repeatedly requested him not to call, but he continues call. I would like to have some kind of action to prevent these harassing phone calls. I have called Dish Network and there is no option for complaints for non-subscribers or directory for management I can speak to.

Lisa of Woodland Park, CO November 12, 2009

My complaint is with Dish Network. I plan to get the word out however I can about their appalling customer service and business practices. My story is a long one and about 6 hours in a week on the phone with this company. I have been with Dish for nearly 3 years, a few minor problems in the past but nothing major. I decided to go with HD programming and saw that DirecTV had a better price than Dish did for current customers so I set up an appointment for DirecTV to come out and was going to cancel Dish.

I called Dish to cancel and they said they would match DirecTV's offer and gave me the same discount, I was reluctant for some reason but I figured "why have a new company come out and install all new equipment and decided to stay with Dish as they were very nice about wanting to keep me. I agreed to sign another 2 year contract and specifically told them that I wanted to be sure my local channels came in HD as it's all I really watch which they agreed.

Fast forward to installation of HD dish, the installer was very nice and really knew what he was doing, I was happy that the HD channels he tested looked great, then he tested the local channels and none of them worked, it came up with a message of "we are working on the problem, no need to call us" the installer then said they would probably be up shortly as it was a problem on Dish's end.

Fast forward a week later, still no local HD. This is where the trauma begins. I call Dish and they make me go through the "test switch" thing they have you do every time you call. Still no locals. after nearly an hour on the phone they decide to send a tech out again. Same guy comes out, checks it, "every thing is set up properly, the problem is on Dish's end". So I call Dish again, they make me do the "test switch" thing again, at this point I am very irritated telling them the tech just left an hour ago and he tested the switch. "can you please just test switch" was my response. After another hour on the phone I finally get this guy reading his instruction screen to transfer me to someone with "more authority". So this guy, I wish I remembered his number, tells me that they will send something to the techs. and maybe I'll eventually get local channels in HD. I am very upset at this point and told him that I had the courtesy to stay with Dish and be a loyal customer so they should have the courtesy to let me out of this brand new contract since they misrepresented themselves to me telling me my locals would come in HD. He says to me "Maam, I can't let you out of your contract and even if I could I would not". Basically "just deal with it, you are stuck, next time don't be loyal to a company because it only works one way".

Since then I have called numerous times and only ONE nice lady helped me and figured out in a few minutes what the supervisors could not which is that I am "out of their beam for local HD". So then they send me an over the air converter thing to hook into my Dish receiver. Frustrated still I say "don't you need a separate antenna for that?" and they say "oh no, it works great just plugged in", I say okay and they send it to me. I get it screwed in and then the next step in the instructions says "hook your outdoor HD antenna into the coaxial plug in" !!!!!! I am LIVID at this point! I call Dish YET AGAIN, and they tell me "well, get yourself a pair of rabbit ears, that might work". I keep asking them "you promised me HD locals and obviously you are telling me that is not possible, I want to try another company, just let me out of my contract, I have been a customer for nearly 3 years with not one late payment!" and of course the reply is "oh no, we can't and won't ever do that".

So I go and get a pair of "rabbit ears" or an antenna and it picks up one local channel. So, basically I am stuck in a new two year contract with no local HD channels as they promised me. What is wrong with companies nowadays? Is there ANY integrity left? I have been irritated with corporations before but never to the point I am right now with Dish Network. The rudeness and lack of knowledge of their customer support reps is unbelievable! I even asked the "rude rep" at one point "so you are telling me that even though you promised me local HD if I signed a contract that if I can't get them in you are not canceling the contract?" and he said "that is correct, Maam". If this gets posted, please. DON'T GO WITH DISH NETWORK!

Victor of livingston, TX November 5, 2009

This service insist of showing mexican soccer teams that have no chance of actual finals. Yet Santos laguna is ahead on the finals, but it is a blackout for reason not know except for the network itself. If the network wants money it is looking in the wrong place... With so many hispanics actually going for the team.. That actually money does not buy..

Gayle of Raytown, MO November 2, 2009

We had Dish Network for almost 6 years. I began seeing that I could get the ATT U-Verse much cheaper than I was paying for DISH. I called and talked to them about discounting us to the current advertised rate. They didn't even want to talk to me about that. So, I called to discontinue my service and at that point, they were more than interested in trying to keep me as a customer. They offered a discount of $5 a month for 12 months (wouldn't even come close to my U-Verse bill for cable).

The lady wouldn't accept that I was cancelling my service. We had a month-to-month contract with them because after the first year, I refused another year-long contract. I had a terrible time cancelling my service with them and found it very amusing that all of a sudden, they were interested in trying to keep me as a customer. When I would call for service, it would take days before they would come, they wanted me to assure I would be here, so that meant taking off work and oftentimes, they wouldn't show up when they were supposed to. Every time there was a little cloud in the sky, we had no signal.

One day I was sitting at my desk working at home, the sun was out and it was 95 degrees and all of a sudden, I had no signal. That was when I decided I could no longer deal with them. When it was stormy, somtimes I would be without a signal for as much as an hour and when the weather's bad, that's when I need to have service. I have gone with the ATT U-Verse and it's wonderful...beautiful picture, great internet service and much better than DISH ever hoped to be....won't be going back to DISH again.

Kevin of Bolingbrook, IL October 30, 2009

I'm writing to clearly express my TOTAL dissatisfactin with the customer service experience that I have recieved with Dish Network. I have been with Dish for OVER 15 YEARS. Never missed a payment, and on 2 seperate occasions I have scheduled a technical visit for upgrades and NO ONE SHOWED UP!!!!! Even after my recent experience and talking with Alex Operator ID KKW who is supposed to be a supervisor and another manager there answer was simply that there was nothing they could do. Even after explaining how I had taken the day off work and loss wages waiting around for an installer. I wish there was a way I could sue DISH for loss of wages. In fact when I threatned to leave DISH Alex was eager to accept my offcer to cancel my service. I can't wait until my obligation is over with DISH I will be leaving and going to AT&T U verse. Hopefully they will value me as a customer because clearly DISH does not!

Tom of Clermont, FL October 29, 2009

I recently lost my job and was trying to save some money. I saw a cheaper than cable ad in the paper from dish network. When I got the unit installed it was not nearly comparable to my cable provider. You only get 4 rooms, the DVR can only hold two signals, and to get the programming you want you need to upgrade costing lots of money.

It was 12:30 when I was installed. it is 6:00 now and I was on the phone with customer service for 5 hours! Ultimately to break the contract it will be $360. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! I have no income right now with a wife and two kids I wanted to save some money but its going to cost me way more. I feel helpless in my situation and this company has made things worse.

Cecilia of Northville, MI October 28, 2009

Warning,Dish Network Stinks! Well, that is what the bumper sticker on my new Taurus Sho reads, and in big bold letters, 14x5. I may start selling them on ebay, for I see there is a market. Where to start? We have been Top Customer's at Dish for 6 years, never missed a payment, never late. We are on reciever number four, and will not be seeing number five. The first new ViP(ha!)722 DVR they sent us was almost installed. OOPS! We forgot to program the remotes = one hour with tech support for both TV's. Then the remotes would not work = hour and a half with tech support. Told to order new remotes = 4 days later. New remotes did not work either = another hour with tech support. Finally, Sending a tech = half day. Tech gives us supposedly new box, not really. The sticker on the bottom reads "Refurbished". Just a preview of the lies to come. The New Refurbished ViP(right!)722k DVR overheats, freezes, and then needs to be rebooted, over and over again. It overheats but does not shut off. Possible fire hazard?

Back to tech support for several hours. Hung up on several times for asking to speak with a supervisor. In addition, I was put on hold several times for 20 minutes or more, and then hung up on. I guess that was for asking to speak to a supervisor, and not doing what I was told. I should just learn how to behave like a good customer, and take what ever garbage they want to toss my way. Hardly. I told them not to send me the same receiver since they are junk in my opinion. They sent the same box anyway, swearing it was new, it was not. They wanted me to install it myself, promising me it would only be a few minutes to install. Their tech's took over two hours to connect it, so I was not buying that one. Finally, they sent the tech. They promised my new box would be sent next day mail, and it would be here before the tech. Meanwhile, I had my husband call them because I just knew they had lied, and were sending me the same New Refurbished ViP(psych)722k DVR Fire Hazard I expressly said I did not want. My Husband spoke with them and they assured him they did not send the same box.

The tech arrived and the box they said would be there was not. The tech had another box, an HD box with no DVR. It was a downgrade, but I took it because I figured the problem was probably with the DVR. But first, I had to get permission from Dish to downgrade, they wanted to charge me more money for a downgrade (they think we are all slow) and they insisted I give them my credit card number to put a hold on my credit card, and then asked me a bunch of questions. Why they wanted me to give them my credit card number was a mystery since they already had it. Tech = a full day. After the tech left I noticed this new box did not get HD at all. The picture on my new 50 inch Sony Bravia was awful. Now What? I bet you can guess. The box they swore they did not send us, the New Refurbished ViP(not)722k DVR Fire Hazard was sitting on my porch. My husband said, "Hey, it's here, I can hook it up." He is very tech savy. One more time and here we go, with such excellent customer service I wonder why everyone does not have a Dish?

Oh I forgot to tell you, Dish wanted to charge me $400.00 if I did not send them back the HD box that did not get HD, with in ten days. Meanwhile my husband, who works 60 hours a week, wasted four hours on his day off to hook that junk up. We sent back the other HD box that did not get HD to dish the very next day. Then we received a messgae saying Dish never received it and they would be charging us $400.00 for the box. Swell. Now this New Refurbished ViP(really?)722k DVR Fire Hazard my husband hooked up shuts off with out warning all on its own. I know, you are as shocked as I am.

Here is how I think this should be handled. Given the unbelievable amount of complaints about Dish Network aka. Echo Star, the FCC needs to strip them of their licensing. People need to start sending complaints to the FCC, and their Attorney Generals offices too. Ask why these incompetents are being allowed to abuse citizens in such a brazen manner with no fear of repercussion. I have sent a complaint to our Attorney General and our State Rep. I will be sending more too! I have the time. How about a nice class action? FYI, make sure you cancel the credit card you use to pay them with BEFORE you cancel service. Document everything, and start recording all of your conversations with them. Demand a month to month contract, or get an antenna.

Joseph of Spring hill, FL October 27, 2009

on 10/22/09 i called dishnetwork and told them i was canceling my contract with them due me moving and haven a high bill...But keep a minume service for my 50inch HD tv to watch the sunday games on tv. well that day the tv started to get a yellow screen for abot 30 sec, then went away. The next day 10/26/09 my tv did a yellow screen and then green screen then stop working.

10/27/called a tv repair man. found out that the dish device sent a spike to my tv which blew out my blub and some other part in my tv. now its going to cost 0ver a 1000 to repair. so i said ok but on my other tv, a 36 inch tv, started the same thing on 10/27/09. my 50inch hd tv is now broken. I have to get repairs and i do believe that dishnetwork should pay for it. their hd box is responceable.

Jason of Marietta, SC October 26, 2009

I dont know who to contact with this, but if you will Please forward this message to someone who can help. I am a Technician (Sub-contractor-installer) working for UP DISH out of Knoxville. I want to bring it to your attention that UP-Dish is Fining it's Techs $50 for each time a customer they installed calls Dish Network for a problem with their service. This is unfair, and I feel it may be illegal. Would you please check into this for us.

They are also charging us back much more than we are paid on installs and trouble calls. They (Up-Dish) are sending QC guys out behind us on ALL jobs, looking for things to charge us back with. If they find something, no matter how small, they are charging us $100 plus $1 per minute for ever how long it takes to fix. Again, this is unfair to us, and I feel thats it's illegal also. PLEASE HELP US. We need our jobs, and all of us are doing the very best we can. Thanks for listening.

Joseph of old town , FL October 25, 2009

I no longer recieve sirvises from Dishnetwork. They keep calling me.I have requested them to take my information from their record's. dishnetwork tells me that they can not do that. I will contact them one more time to request the paper work or privacy statement that supports their actions tward me. I am desterbed by their phone calls.I have no idea what Dishnetwork is doing or is going to do with my information? All I would like is for Dishnetwork to erase my compleat info that they have with held.

Nadine of Danville, IN October 25, 2009

I have asked on 4 occasions to get the updated channel directorys for my 4 tvs and have never received any reply. I think with what I pay every month, I should be entitled to a new directory. I have been a customer for several years. Maybe they think I should go to Direct TV, cause with the ads, it would be cheaper. That is my alternative if I do not get the updated channel directorys.

vera of goodells, MI October 24, 2009

they call and hung up- and i have caller i/d and call them back and tell me i'm on the know call list but they keep calling back some times 3 times a day they tell me they while take care of it but it keep coming it only rings 2 times and hung up. so ley them know

Dave of Los Altos, CA October 21, 2009

We are on the national do not call registry and are also NOT Dish Network clients. We were years ago at a previous address. We get 4-5 calls every day from Dish network telemarketers. they are the only ones who violate the do not call status on our phone. I keep saying we are not interested and ask for our number to be removed form their list, to no avail.

I got the same type of call yesterday. When I protested, the individual told me to "complain to Barack Obama" - said he did not care what I thought or said. I called Dish - after numerous delays, i was tolkd that I was now on a list that blocked my number for ALL calls, from Dish or its retailers. Today, the calls have started again. Is there any way to get this to stop or to punish Dish? This is now harassment.

Yee of East Brunswick, NJ October 16, 2009

Well it starting again. The calls are starting again from India. I got the first call at 7:55 pm, and then after I told them to stop, they called back at 8:05. After three months of peace, it is starting again. Isn't there anyway to get these people to stop?

shirley of el dorado, AR October 13, 2009

Dish network services runs a very shoddy business, being put through the maze of calls, speaking to people who can't speak the king's english and being lied to in a 24hr period. the best advice I can give people is to NOT use Dish Network. They're call center is in Pakistan. We need to use a network service that employs American people. I was so mad. I couldn't see straight...knowing they made me out to be liar. Telling me they sent the technician to my home and I wasn't there. I came unglued.

Arline of Brunswick, ME October 12, 2009

I have moved to a new location and Dish Network was supposed to install my service to the new location only to find out that there is not a line of site. In other words that I could not get a signal at the new address. But even though I can't receive service at this address they still want me to pay for the broken contract. I have call them three times since I have moved and get passed on from one person to another on the phone until I am steaming.

Bottom line nothing is resolved, I have no dish or service coming to my house, I still have their DVR, and I still haven't heard from anyone that can help to resolve this issue. If I tell them that I don't want to do business with them anymore they are going to charge me $110 for breaking the contract.

Ben of Phoenix, AZ October 11, 2009

I had a situation where I wanted to open up a second account under my name. The reprsentative was nice enough and took all of my information. Then he cam back to tll me there was already a second account using my social!!! The kicker was when he couldn't give me any information on it, nor could he help. However I was referred to put a fraid alert on my SS#. How can a company not investigate this type of fraud, aren't there laws out there to protect me? I am disgusted by the lack of follow through and intergrity of this company. You can rest assured I put a fraud alert and will be terminating my service with Dish. Makes me wonder what other shady things this company is doing.

hayat of Richardson, TX October 8, 2009

Dish network have false advertising, I've been told 6 month $9.99 but you have to pay $120.00 deposit they are not keeping their promise,they are just a big lyre. Every month they ask me more than 38.00 eight dollars. when i call customer service they told me we will taking caring of you but just lying. i called to talk supervisor the phone disconnected 2 times finally i give up.

James of Lake Forest, CA October 6, 2009

I had a Dish network reciever that was stolen. I called dish and ordered a replacement reciever. They charged me $100 and sent the new reciever. When my 18 month contract expired, they billed me $100 for the stolen reciever. When I explained that I had replaced the reciever with a new one, they said that I still needed to send the stolen one back??? I told them I would send the replacement back instead and cancel the service (month to month now) they said no, just like a leased vehicle, they wanted their equipment back. When I was finished yelling, I hung up.

Gail of Englewood, FL October 6, 2009

Requested dish to be removed from my roof top and told that I would have to contact someone else to do that and that more than likely I would be charged to have it removed. I purchased this property recently and have no desire to use this system and find it to be quite ugly and wish to have their property now removed from my property.

Sandra of Corona, CA October 5, 2009

Dish Network is one of those companies that hires employees from India or other countries to do their telemarketing. The problem I have with that is that these employees are 10, 12 or more hours away and have no problem calling at 6 or 7 am in the morning but when they call on a Saturday or Sunday morning it's even more annoying. They do not speak English clear enough so they can be understood and have been rude on the phone on more than one occasion.

When hung up on, they just call back. These employees do not respect or adhere too any request not to be called and ignore when told your number is on the National "Do Not Call Register", which mine is. I have gotten mad, rude and asked for management when the person was on the line only to be disconnected.

I have had the Service of Dish Network and after one week of extremely bad service and their unwillingness to resolve the problem, I transferred my service. So to me these calls are really annoying. I can't give you a phone number because there is no caller ID number on my phone or shows out of area or private.

Richard of Philadelphia, PA October 4, 2009

I canceled my service after 11 months of no HDMI, run around by customer service, and a new box that blanks out frequently(VIP622). During the cancellation process the rep wooed me with low prices and a service visit which they never offered before at least not free. I declined so the rep began to threaten me with a cancellation fee of $130 and that if its not paid it will go into collection. I immediately told the rep I'm not moved by her scripted threats and just cancel the service and that I got a better deal and service with Comcast which does not come with a contract or cancellation fees. Goodbye Dish Network and your bad sunny day only service.

Rick of New Bern, NC September 30, 2009

I discontinued Dish Network. They sent me a box to put all of their equipment in and sent back to them. UPS dropped off the box to me, but I have to drive 40 miles (round trip) to drop it off at a UPS place. I called Dish Network and asked if they would have UPS pick it up and they told me NO! If I wanted UPS to pick it up, UPS would charge me $10 to do so. I told them that I didn't feel that this was fair for me to have to spend time and money to return their property which they had a person bring to my home and install. They informed me that if I don't send the equipment back they are going to charge my credit card for the cost of the equipment. I fell that they should have told me up front when I was considering getting Dish Network. I will never do business with them again!

Mary of San Francisco, CA September 27, 2009

I came home and found that none of my premium channels were working. I gave dish network a call (their main line), and they stated for me to call the other phone number. When I called the number they told me that I have to go to all four of my receivers and update the service (very rudely). I told them that this should be done automatically through the satellites, and they stated i's the only way for my home to receive the channels again by updating the receivers. He also stated that within this process if I talk to anyone, or answer my second line, or get disturbed in anyway that my service might get shut down. Whih was very weird.

After he instructed me to go into the menu part, and asked a series of questions for each receiver (ex: box e, which is the S # and the R #. After I completed all of the menu options with Mathew, he then stated that my house which I own is a duplex nd it states this on my tax records! Primarily I don't understand why dish network would ever access my tax records. Inaddition they were at my house over 5 times, and I had there service for over eight years. They stated I was "double packing" and conducting illegal activity with the service, and I have to have to acounts. My family lives in the whole house, both apartments. Mathew cancelled my service, after they knew my house was a duplex for over eight years, and we paid them over $10k in service fees. He also stated that after he cancelled my service I have to pay them a cancellation fee, even though they are breaching my contract, and inconvencing me.

James of Mobile, AL September 27, 2009

I signed up for Dish network in May 2009. The technician assured me that the loss of signal would be minimal due to Dish' new technology concentrated signal. Mobile, Al has a lot of thunderstorms and every time we have a thunderstorm my signal goes out and today was the last straw , It went out during the Alabama/Arkansas football game. Is there any way I can terminate my contract due to poor service and misrepresentatioon by their tech. I want my cable back.

Joyce of Los Angeles, CA September 20, 2009

This man called from dish network and said he had to check the receivers in my home, that this was just routine. After very rudely asking me not to speak to anyone else during this evaluation period as he needed my undivided attention, he had me tell where each of the tvs were in my house, in what room each was kept and the boxes they were attached too. Afterwards he said I had ordered a fight earlier this year and that it was for "Bar". I tole him I did not have a "Bar" (business) and that the only bar was in my family room. He said that since I did not have a phone line attached to one of my receivers he would give one week to get one or some type of satellite phone line or he would discontinue my service. I told him I was paying $5. per month extra I did not have the money to go out immediately and buy that or have the extra $100+ the phone company would charge to come out and put in the line. I didn't and he turned off my dish. We called to complain and they said they would put it back, but it's still off. What am I paying for? For someone to call and badger me, to be nasty and turn off something I am paying for. They - Dish - gets their money every month from my checking account, and I don't have a choice. They could check with "google earth" and see that it is a house.

Julio of 85340, AZ September 19, 2009

My Wife and I recently installed service at ****** We have had service for about one month now. This is the first time we have service with Dish network and it has not been a good experience. I will make sure to let my friends, family, better business bureau and local news know of this bad experience. Since day one when the technician came to our home he only installed a two T.V set up. This is a four bedroom home and this was not what I ordered. Why would I want a Two room set up when I have kids with T.V’s in each room. A week later the Technician came back and fixed the situation. A few days after the DVR box turn off and never powered on again. A technician came out a few days after to replace the box.

Today 9/19/2009, A big boxing fight is on Pay Per View so since I do not have a phone line we went on line to order it. We noticed that the amount for the fight had to be pre paid. Which company does that? Direct TV or Comcast definitely don’t! I called the support number and the representative said that as a one time courtesy she will order the fight and I should pay it when I receive the bill. Like a normal company does Beautiful! The representative then transferred my call to a Customer Relations Professional. Paul stated that my account was set up to be prepaid and he could not do anything about it. I stated to transfer my call to someone who will.

He put me on hold to speak with a supervisor. The call magically got disconnected. I again called and spoke to another representative which then transferred my call to a supervisor Robert I again explained my situation and he was very nasty and continued to ignore my situation and stated that he can not help me. When I called to set up service with your company it was never disclosed to me that my account would be a pre paid in ordered to watch pay per view events. I stated that this has to be corrected or I would have to cancel service and expect my install fee to be fully reimburse. He then was very nasty and ended the call while I was talking.

I understand that I was very upset but made it clear that it was not personal to him. This is not the customer service your company advertise on TV. Its clearly false advertisement. Prior to the call being ended Robert stated that the disclosure of the “pre paid’’ account was disclosed to me to me I said do you know that for a fact? I have the service agreement and this is not stated. If this would have been disclosed to me prior to my service I would not be a customer with Dish Network. Direct TV was offering a good deal but with a higher monthly service. If I knew about the bad support your company has it would of been worth spending a little more for a quality team that understands customers. Your company is alive because of us. Without us you have nothing.

If this cannot be corrected I want my install money back and your company can come and pick up the boxes. I am very surprise of your company’s customer satisfaction standards.

Dan of Kutztown, PA September 18, 2009

Dish misrepresented what was sold to me - I did not buy digital capabilities yet they showed up to install with digital equipment which is both physically larger and more expensive on a monthly basis... The installation tech. told me "they lied to you" and took the equipment back and brought the right equipment which is both the correct size and SOME portion of it is cheaper on a monthly basis... However, on my first bill, charges are misrepresented(I am a brand new customer) and they will now not back off the charges NOT explained at point of sale... They claim that since I went through a "retailer" of theirs they are (can you believe this) "not accountable for the retailers bad selling practices..." (these are there words).

I am less than 30 days into the service so I asked to cancel and they threaten a $360 charge to cancel and since they have my CC # they can simply charge me any time with the cancellation fee. Misrepresentation and lack of accountability to redress the misrepresentation are the key issues and control over the customer's CC# to charge a cancelation fee - so the customer has no recourse.

Faith of La Plata, MD September 17, 2009

Spoke with Shawn was informed that a physical address coould not be given out over the phone. My complaint is that I want to cancel my service that was installed just two(2days ago) September/14/2009. I was told by the represenitive Kelly that I was getting 4 rooms of installation I only revceived two(2) rooms.

When I contacted them on 9/16/09 I was told i only requested 2 rooms and the additional rooms would have a charge of $ 99.99. The promotion that was stated on the flyer stated 4 rooms of installation free with the cost of 19.99 a month for 12 months. I am very upset with this company, I don't want it and was told I would have to pay an early termination fee of $250.00, I was locked into a two(2) year contract. I do not want this service. If I had of known about this company, I would have NEVER chose it

Paul of Marietta, GA September 15, 2009

Service dropped every time it rained. DVR that wants to record adult programs on 2nd tuner in daughter's room--and that crashed receiver when stopped. A movie recorded in 23 one minute segments. Screens are oriented toward making it too easy for anyone in household to order pay services or upgrades. Too many problems to list. Certainly not TIVO quality. Using their latest receivers too.

I wanted to cancel immediately at install, three days into service, and then 13 days into service. Customer service did anything to try to make right and said I had 30 days to try service and cancel without cost. On day 26 I canceled. They claimed they never had a 30 day period to cancel and insist on charging me $360 early termination fee. Quite simply, they lied, they didn't keep the phone recordings, they claim they aren't even capable of contacting the representatives by the codes they had given as contacts.

Calls get transferred from one person to the next and nobody is capable of terminating the contract. They are a desperate company with inferior technology that will do whatever they can to make a buck and that doesn't deserve to remain in business. Don't give them your business. Look at U-Verse if you can, or else Comcast with TIVO series 3. If you do go with Dish then do it with them directly instead of through one of their resellers. The resellers just add unnecessary costs and terms.

A lawyer may contact me for action against Dish Network. I expected to be able to terminate the contract within 30 days without cost as I was assured multiple times. Also please contact me if you were told of a 30 day period. Possible loss of $360 for terminating service.

Beverly of Olympia, WA September 15, 2009

We had a sattelite dish installed with an analog TV. That Tv died so we bought a new TV. I did the setup menu on the new TV which is digital and set it to receive digital transmission. The channel search showed no transmission. I reset the TV to receive analog transmission and it received all of our channels from the sattelite dish. I called tech support to see how to switch the DVR receiver box over to transmit in digital instead of analog. After conversations with 5 different techs and finally an "advanced tech" they told me the DVR box transmits in digital and I should be getting a digital picture. I told them that the TV only showed analog reception but they wouldn't listen or give me any help.

Douglas of Lompoc, CA September 15, 2009

On August 21, 2009 we attempted to close out the Dish service for my deceased mother and father-in-law. We called and talked to Lauren ZHT who gave us a FAx number for sending a death certificate. We tried the number and could not successfully fax the document as their number was not receiving, so we called back and were told to mail it, which we did. They also sent us one pre-paid shipping box for two of their four satellite receivers. We called on approx. Sept 4th to request a second prepaid box for the other two receivers and were told they did not close our account as they had no record of a death certificate on file.

At this point my wife chose to challenge "the system" as we had sent one, and noted that no other utility required a death certificate. She was passed around to three other "customer service reps" all chanting "send a death certificate". We then faxed a copy on September 4th, and were successful, and have a receipt that it was received at dish. I then sent an e-mail to the customer assistance available through their website and asked for confirmation they had received it and asked for a second pre-paid shipping box so we could return the receivers....

Sent by me:Tuesday, September 08, 2009 12:16 PM. It turns out that the problem was with your fax machine. I was able to get one through last week, with a copy of the death certificate attached. Please do not ask for a third copy. Please close account ------- and send me another pre-paid box for the other two boxes and remotes. From Dish: Friday, September 04, 2009 11:14 PM. Dear Mr. P., Thank you for your email. We do apologize for any inconvenience. Our records show that we have not received the death certificate yet. Vanessa S. G5W

From me:Thank you for your help, Attached to this e-mail is a 3rd copy of the death certificate. One was mailed on 8-26-2009 following our initial phone call on August 24th, one was successfully faxed to you on 9-4-2009, and now this one. Please close account # ------ effective August 24, the date of our first request. From Dish: Dear Mr. P., Thank you for your email. Please fax the death certificate to the fax number that was given to you. We do not have the access to forward this document to the other department. Vanessa S. G5W

My e-mail: Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:55 PM: Why do you exist if you cannot help solve this problem? Tomorrow I will send a FOURTH copy of my parents death certificate to you. I have previously faxed it. Please help me. You are now in possession of the copy I attached to my email. Please simply call your counterparts and tell them you have it. From Dish:Dear Mr. P., Thank you for your email. We understand your frustration and we do apologize for any inconvenience. You will need to send the death certificate to the correct department.

I then faxed a fourth copy of the death certificates to the "correct department" and again received a proof of receipt of my fax. I the phone customer service to verify they received it. They could not do that as the fax number is in a facility far from customer support. This time I was able to discuss the situation at length as I finally found someone willing to take ownership of the problem. She had knowledge that the legal department was backed up 30 days in recording death certificates and powers of attorney, etc. She assured me that if I successfully faxed the documents it would be resolved within a couple more weeks. She then assured me that our initial call of August 21 had been recorded in their records and the estate would receive no more charges.

This was after three weeks of very stressful and inarguably disrespectful communications to a family still in mourning, that simply wanted to close out an account. This should never happen. I have requested several times acknowledgement of receipt of the death certificates and have received none-to-date. The battle continues. If I can believe the one knowledgable rep. it will self resolve after a few weeks, but I will believeit when I see it.

LAURA of LANCASTER, CA September 13, 2009

On 12/10/08 my Dish bill was paid in full with a balance of $0.00. On 12/10/08 Rose/Billing Supervisor at Dish agreed to meet a competing offer to me from Direct TV for 250 channels plus locals plus HBO and Showtime at $60 per month and agreed to cut my December bill paying in advance for December, to $60. In bad faith breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, interference with competing offer, fraudulent billing practices, fraudulent credit card practices, harassment and fraud, Dish did not cut my December 2008 bill to $60, did not bill me at the agreed rate of $60/month at any time since our contract of 12/10/08, and has repeatedly phoned me and emailed me and mailed me fraudulent bills with fraudulent demands for exorbitant sums I do not owe.

I have fulfilled all my obligations by paying $61 - $65 /month to Dish since December, 2008 on time, in advance, in full. I have OVERPAID Dish each month by paying $61-$65, as the taxes are $0.41. Between December, 2008 and March, 2009, I phoned Dish 3 times and requested Dish correct its bills, mitigate its bad faith actions and perform its obligations, but Dish refused while admitting DIsh records reflect Dish's agreement on 12/10/09 to charge me $60/month, and also admitting that I have paid $61-$65 /month timely as and for payment in full.

Dish in bad faith, despite being noticed in writing and despite my 3 good faith phone calls to Dish, refused to correct the bills to reflect its contract with me, and relentlessly and oppressively without interruption continued to send me bills and emails fraudulently claiming that I had "past due" sums, and fraudulently claiming that "We have not received payment for your last statement. You must pay the total amount due immediately to avoid additional late fees and service interruptions."

Most recently, on 9/10/09, I received a bill dated 9/23/09 from DIsh claiming a false "previous balance" of $114.49, a payment of $60, and false "current charges" of $81.96. The correct "previous balance" was $60, not $114.49, the account has been paid in full each month, so the correct balance should state $0.00, and the correct "current charges" should be $60, not $81.96. This date a notice appeared on my TV screen stating that my Dish service will be cancelled unless I make an immediate payment, when as Dish at all times knew, I paid my September, 2009 DIsh bill in full, in advance for the entire month on 9/4/09, and that no payment is due or owing....

All 4 of my phone calls to Dish both this date and from 12/08 to 3/09 were the same, admissions of the contract, then deliberate attempts to assert false vague fees and charges. Inarguably, Dish is willfully training its so-called "customer service" personnel to harm and defraud its customers, as proven in innumerable lawsuits and fines imposed by many states' attorney generals and consumer fraud agencies.

The message threatening to disconnect my service continues to display on my TV screen after my good faith effort and phone call to Dish this date to obtain DIsh's performance of our contract. As you know, disconnecting service to a customer who has already paid in full in advance for the month via credit card constitutes egregious credit card fraud, fraudulent banking practices and theft.

I'm suing Dish! Overbilling, phone calls until I noticed Dish in writing not to phone me at any time for any reason, fraudulent "past due" bills and emails, threats to disconnect my Dish unless I paid money I don't owe. The pits!

Elaine of Piedmont , SD September 7, 2009

Beware cancelling your account with Dish Network! In mid August 2009 I called Dish Network to cancel my account because we were moving. I talked to Andrew. I asked that the account be cancelled on 1 September 2009. On 1 September 2009 we stopped receiving service. Then in 5 September 2009 I receive a Dish Network billing statement with several disturbing items on it.

1) They claimed that they had stopped my service for my account being "seriously past due". Incorrect on two accounts. I have never been past due and I was the one that cancelled the account. 2) They claimed "autopay" was declined. Apparently they didn't try as there was sufficient funds in my account that had been consistantly debted for autopay from the day I signed up for their service.

3) The statement said that "To restart programming and to avoid further collection proceedings, please make payment in full immediately....". This sounds like a very real threat to me. 4) The billing statement was for "Services from 09/02/09 - 10/01/09". If I cancelled the account effective 1 September 2009 why are they billing me for future service?

I have written a letter stating my concerns and am waiting for the response. They are threatening my credit rating, threating me with collection actions. Both of these could have a serious impact on my employment which does back ground checks for anything that could cause concern to the company.

Earl of Apache Junction, AZ September 2, 2009

We went with DISH Satelite last winter, but are totally dissatisfied with the programming. We love the Western Stations, but, they play the SAME movies, over and over again for 6 months. We're paying good money only to watch the SAME programs over again. This is totally wrong. They need to offer new programs EVERY month, not the same ones for six months. You can only watch the same thing just so many times. What are they thinking of? This is a BIG rip off.

Leslie of Dayton, NV August 27, 2009

I have the highest package that they offer with a HD DVR and an additional box for two bedrooms. My DVR reboots frequently whether we are watching it, recording a program or even when it is off. I am on my 5th DVR and am having the same issue. They say that I can't cancel my service and that they won't issue me a different DVR.

Brittney of Powder Springs, GA August 26, 2009

After finding out the prices and what was available in my area, I called Dish Network because their prices were very low and it seemed they were offering the same as the cablevision I had in NY for less. Which was basic channels with a DVR. So March 30th 2009 I'm on the phone talking to the sales rep and I ask about the DVR feature and if I would be able to watch something and record something at the same time and the sales rep says YES.

So I go ahead and sign up with Dish Network and when the installation guy starts putting the equipment in my home, me and my sister quickly realize that he isn't hooking up a cable box to our TV in the basement so we asked the guy and he informs us that we have a dual connector, which is one cable box that works as two cable boxes. So in my case the one cable box was hooked up to the TV in the living room and cable cords went into the TV that was in the basement from that one box. To make sure I was still able to record and watch TV at the same time, me and my sister asked the installation guy and he said Yes you can still record and watch TV at the same time.

Due to the moving in process it took me and my sister 3 to 4 days before we actually sat down and went over the Dish Network programs and we was quickly disappointed because we started turning the channel for two TV's(the living room TV and the basement TV)and we were NOT able to record and watch TV at the same time. So I called Dish Network and asked them why is it that I am turning the channel for two TV's and they told me that I had to press the MODE button on the cable box which will split the two TV's and it did. Now I asked them why I'm I not able to record something and watch something and the rep said with the dual connector when one TV is recording you have to watch the other TV or that program which is recording and you will not be able to turn the channel or watch another program as that TV records. And thats not what I wanted or asked for.

I wanted a TV for my siblings to watch and a TV with DVR for me and my sister to watch. So on that one TV for me and my sister I wanted to be able to record something at 8pm and watch something on another channel at 8pm so how is it that I got exactly what I didn't want when my intentions were clear from the start?

The manager over the phone calls this a miscommunication because he said his reps were only thinking about what Dish offers and they didn't completely understand what I meant by watch TV and record at the same time. Dish calls it miscommunication, I call it robbery because Dish can cash in my money each month while I sit at home with service I don't want.I told Dish network that I want to cancel and thought I would be able to cancel since Dish Network should have some sort of free trial period and I was only with Dish for 3 or 4 days.

This is when they tell me that it will cost me 200 dollars to cancel and that there is no 30 day free trial and I only had 72 hours to send back equipment if I didn't like the plan. Now for me to have the equipment for 3 to 4 days after signing up and then come out of my pocket and give Dish Network 200 dollars is VERY CRAZY so I quickly decided I can't cancel yet and will as soon as I get the 200 dollars. Had a rep or the installation guy informed me that I had 72 hours, I would of examined the product sooner and had I not been lied to in the begining about the features then I'd never be a Dish Network customer.

I asked the manager since this was a miscommunication why don't Dish Network forget the contract and take back the equipment, like I never called them and he says they can't because I have the equipment, which makes no sense because all they had to do is destroy the contract and I will personally hand them back each piece of equipment I have in my house. I don't need Dish Networks equipment and I want to go to a company where I feel like I'm getting my money's worth and I'm getting the features I asked for.

So thats where I'm at now unable to pay the two hundred dollars to get out of the contract and needing a attorney to help me get out of the contract. without paying the two hundred dollars because there is no way a company can lie to you and say Yes we offer this and then you get the product and it is not what you ordered. I will be spreading the word everywhere until I'm finally done with Dish Network and I wrote a dispute to the company as well and I have yet to hear a word from them.

Audrey of falls church, VA August 24, 2009

In June 2009 I changed from Direct TV to Dish Network..to lower my bill. The service Classic Silver 200 (Advertised for $29.00) did not have most of the basic channels so I called to have them added..got my first bill. They charged me an additional $50.00 for 2 premium w/classic Gold 250. Did I mentioned that my $29.99 service is now $57.99 - Mid July.. 2nd bill - $138.94. Called, spoke with 4 or 5 people - cancelled.

The rep my credit card would be charged $300.00 for breaking the contract. fine...send ups to pick up the boxes and come take the dish off my house - they do not take the dish...nice. they left skid marks in my drive way getting here to install the dish - now they will not take it down.

Fast forward...its august - I have the cox bundle...and the Dish Network boxes are in my dining room waiting for the ups guy to pick up.. I got a bill this weekend - $393.36 - $156.78 of porn in 3 days (July 24, 25 & 26) July 24. Now I am not familiar with any of the above - but based on the number of times each of these are subscribed to, they must be pretty good (or bad, depending on how you look at it). Did I mentioned that on July 24, 25 and 26 - My boxes were disconnected? The rep at Dish Network said that it did not matter - I have to pay.

I was told that I have 30 days to cancelled - and even though I cancelled within that time - I still have to pay the cancellation fee. They hiked up the prices on me and I do not have the right to cancell - isnt that a breach in the contract on their part..? I am not a barrister - but I know that something illegal is going on here... What are my options?

Jamie of Savannah, TX August 15, 2009

We switched to dish network when they told us that we would receive the same channels we were already getting for a reduced price and that the DVR and other equipment was easy to use. We did NOT have the same channels and were missing some very basic ones. Also, the equipment was NOT user friendly at all. We know there is a 3 day federal lemon law and one Dish Network employee told us we had 30 days to cancel.

We called within 3 days and were told we would be charged $300 for canceling, the 'supervisor' we talked with was VERY rude and hung up on us. We have since learned that they were supposed to provide us with 2 copies of a cancellation form but they gave us none. We don't know what to do or who to turn to.

maureen of jacksonville, NC August 13, 2009

Online sites advertise $9.99 monthly charge and when the site opens, the lowest price is $19.99. It just seems to be a scam to get people to go to their site.

Sanjay of Scotch Plains, NJ July 31, 2009

I get 3-4 calls a day from telemarketers calling on behalf of DISH NETWORK even though my number is registered with the National Do Not Call registry. Every time they call me I tell them to take my name and number off their list. They say they will but the next day the same thing happens again.

Linda of Point, TX July 30, 2009

In 2006 I ordered Gold HD & Platinum HD for my new HD TV. Recently after buying a new HD TV, I requested Dishnetwork to change one of my boxes to HD. When the tech (Juan) came out, he called to tell me he couldn’t change out the box because I didn’t have HD coming into my home. However, Dish has been charging me $20 each month for the service. Not being a big TV surfer, I assumed I had the service I was being billed for so, I told Juan, Oh no, I had it before I removed one of my HD TVs. Juan again informed me, there was not way because I didn't have the correct equipment and the correct lines were not installed. Juan suggested before doing anything I should contact Dish have this straightened out. He words "because this is not right."

When I realized I had been charged $20 a month ($10 for Gold HD & $10 for Platinum HD) and didn't have the service, On July 21, 2009, I called and spoke to a rep and then they referred me to what Dish calls the Executive Department where I spoke to A. Estrada from the El Paso office. He pulls up my account and tells me yes mam you have it. I told him what the screen says and what the tech (Juan) found out was not the same. That it may show I have the service, I didn't have it coming into the house and if he contacted Juan he could explain that. Adrian assured me he would check into this and call me back. Of course I never heard from him again.

On July 27, 2009, I called Dish back and spoke to another Executive, J. Lafrenze from the Denver, CO office and he also told me, yes you have it I see it on your account. Again, I explained to him that it may show on the screen that I have it, but I was not receiving the HD channels. J. tells me he will check into it and call me the next day. No, he didn't call, but he sent an email that because of heavy calls (do they have that many complaints?) he would have to call me the next day.

I didn't hear from him, so I called and left a message. Today, on Thursday, July 30, 2009, I spoke to J. Lafrenz and he tells me that he got assistance from his manager, W. Sullivan who also looked at a screen and said yes, she has HD. Then they said, What equipment was used in 2006 was not the same that was used now and unless Juan was a long time employee he would not have known this. So should dish send out the old guys on the old equipment and only new employees on new equipment? I'm sure all techs are trained on all types of equipment that dish uses.

I feel it is only fair that DishNetwork reimburse me (not credit my account) for everything I have been billed regarding HD service. I feel I am getting the run around with Dish and am requesting your assistance to resolve this before going to the media. How many people do think this same thing is happening to?

Reather of Tchula, MS July 28, 2009

I have been called by Dish Network representives many times to purchase a Dish Network Service, thou I already have dish network service. the calls comes at all hours of the day and night. They are not 800 numbers, but shows up as unknown are numbers with other area codes.

Christina of Pine Mountain Club, CA July 28, 2009

I have had DISH since Nov.17, 2008. DEC 17 - they lost local channel contract and told me I'd have to pay the cancellation fee of $300 to cancel service. JAN '09 - they changed all the programming around, renamed and increased the price. FEB-JUNE - I could not use one of my remotes (a tv 2). They sent out 3 people who left with it not working. They sent me an interference part to help. They even told me to attach "rabbit ears" to the extender attenna on the back.

Finally, they sent out a guy in June who swapped out the remote for a new one and it's worked ever since. JULY 27, '09 - I got an automated call saying I had to pay or they'd cut me off in 5 days. My account is 5 days past the due date and I'd just made a payment ten days ago. Over the past five months I've been offered credits for my troubles, but they don't seem to show up right away. And, that bill is intentionally obsurd, non-logical, and intended to confuse us. They change the names of their plans, switch channels around, take channels away, etc...

Again, I just want out (as I did in Dec '08 when they took my locals away). They even had the president of the company on those MIA local channels talking about how we could leave since we were disenfranchised by DISH, but when I called they said,NO, I had to pay the fee to leave.

kay of Buellton, CA July 21, 2009

Dish cut off my service 2 weeks ago,to verify my equipment. Still no service, I have spent 9 hours (16 staff members)on the phone, 4 hours with their tech service in my home. Have NEVER had such irresponsable ignorant treatment in my life, 2 weeks, no service, paid $160 per month for 5 years! They are horribly managed and don't care that I have been a faithful customer. They have NOT restored my service, won't send me a new receiver, that THEY broke, won't cancel my contract. We have 150 employees to worry about and don't have another 9 hours to invest!! PLEASE help if you can...

Dennis of Orange, CA July 21, 2009

I used to have Dish Network TV service and here is my problem. When I discontinued my service with DISH Network, I received a final bill with the balance owed plus the cost of the satellite receiver because they hadn't received it yet. I returned the receiver to their location in Englewood, Co. and thought they would remove the amount of the receiver from my bill. The balance of the bill was put onto a bill consolidation program.

They never removed the billing of the receiver that was returned and they never contacted the bill consolidation company, CBDC, that the the item had been returned and the bill should have been removed. The debt consol company has been paying $58.00 for over a yr and a half on a debt that was already paid and the DISH Accounting Dept has been accepting the payments all this time. It was the responsibility of the Customer Service to notify the accounting dept and up to the accounts receivable dept to see this error. What were they applying the payments too? The warehouse should have notified accounting that the receiver was returned and all of this would not have happened. Is there anyone that can help me?

charles of hanover, PA July 21, 2009

i signed up for dish network around 2001. thought it was a good deal. then i forwarded a couple of customers to them for referrals then i get deduction on my bill. well that never happened. so no more referrals on my part. so then i decide to update to the standard dvr's in 2009 because of the dtv change over. well all good and dandy. dish has an upgrade package offer at the time. so i take it. everything was to be free except i wanted an additional dvr. i would have to pay 75.00 for it. ok fine. i was told that would be the only cost i would incur. i was also told the amount my monthly bill would increase to. it would increase a total of 12.00 and some odd change.

well what a lie that was. just got my bill and it went from 72.07 to 174.97 well i got on the phone to dish network. everything i was told on the phone to sign up for the upgrade was not true at all. in fact i found out that i was also being billed a month ahead of what i already owe. think about this one. i am already a customer. i am already ahead. so now i am 2 months ahead. i am just fed up with dish network never giving what they promise customers to get them to sign up for something.

Lilly of Melbourne, FL July 19, 2009

I was offered a Plan (which also can be check online, as I did too) with a choice of channels and after I paid and installed my prepaid DishNOW card, some of the channels of the plan I chose were not available. I called for help, and they could not solve the problem, I even talked to the manager, and he said that there was nothing they could do to help me at the moment, only send me a receiver to exchange mine, but they will not be able to transfer the balance of my card. I will have to loose my money, ONLY OPTION. They will not change my plan, not send a refund, or wait for my card to expire. TERRIBLE customer service. They don't deliver what they promisse. I just LOST my money. I am SO GLAD I did not sign a contract with them!. Now I will probably go to BRIGHT HOUSE, they have excellent services and customer service.

Tamera of Granbury, TX July 10, 2009

Service is bundled with Windstream for dish service/phone/internet. Moved service after selling home in November 2008 and upgraded to an DVR receiver. We are on second receiver and continually have issues with it turning off by itself, freezing up to the point of having to re-boot it like a computer with a virus...

In addition, the account has been messed up since we moved it - first they made a new account after moving but bundled to the old account that ended up being un-bundled in Feb '09 by Windstream because the account was no good. Dish Network continually tells me to call Windstream and tell the to re-bundle it and Windstream tells me that Dish Network has to call them.

I keep getting bills from Dish Network that are forwarded from the old address for an account that is old yet after numerous phone calls trying to correct the issue, I am the one that has to call and straighten it out. They currently have me owing 2 amounts on 2 separate accounts since the first of this year and I refuse to pay 2 accounts and told them they can combine them or they won't get paid for the old one. It is not my responsibility to settle their accounting issues or bundling issues!!!

I am canceling my service with Dish Network and Windstream because of this and if Dish tries to collect anything for breaking a 'contract' or report anything negative on my credit, I will take them to court for all I can get... I have excellent credit and I will not allow this type of company to bring it down.

Lutricia of Virginia Beach, VA July 9, 2009

I subscribed to Dish Network on July 7, 2009. The sales rep told me that I had three days to cancel without penalty. She called it "Buyer's Remorse." The installer came to my home on July 8, 2009. As I requested, he disconnected Direct TV and connected Dish Network, including installing the dish on my roof next to the Direct TV dish (in case I changed my mind). The installer told me that if I cancelled within the alloted period, an installer would return, remove the Dish Netwoek equipment, and rehook Direct TV. I called Dish Network Customer Service twenty-four hours later to cancel (July 9, 2009).

1. Naturally, the customer service rep encouraged me to keep my service with Dish. That was expected. 2. When that failed, he talked as if he had never heard of cancelling an contract without penalty within three days. He would have to talk to someone who had heard of "Buyer's Remorse." 3. When his memory returned, he told me that he would send a box for me to mail the equipment to Dish. I asked if he expected me to climb on the roof to remove the dish. He was not concerned about that. 4. I reminded him of what the sales person and the installer had told me. 5. He told me that if someone came to my home, I would be charged $99! Also, a Dish installer would not reconnect the Direct TV wires. After all, something might break. 6. I reminded the rep that there had been no such concerns when the Dish installer disconnected Direct TV to intall Dish. 7. I asked if there were someone else with whom I could speak. He told me that any one else would tell me the same thing. (This was the second rep.)

I thanked him and hung up the phone. Before I could get back to my television, my daughter called out to me that the service had been discontinued. Now I have no service. NOTE: Dish was sooooo concerned that I not call Direct TV to cancel until Dish Network was installed. They did not want me to be without service. What recourse do I have?

Yee of East Brunswick, NJ July 9, 2009

Even though my number is registered with the do not call registry. I am constantly getting calls from indian telemarketers from dish network. Sometimes even a couple of calls from the same individual. Once even harassing my wife after hanging up on them.

J of Shreveport, LA July 8, 2009

I have a bundled plan where I get internet through AT&T and satellite with Dish Network. In March I changed residences and had my service transferred over to my new house. For three months I did not receive a statement regarding my internet/satellite service. During that time, I made numerous attempts to make a payment and get my address updated. Each try was met with a low level operator who could not take my payment and would transfer to a series of operators who also did not know what to do. Remember I'm trying to pay my bill!

One day I finally had some free time while driving a long distance to get things situated. I called AT&T and literally spent two hours on the phone navigating through the maze of operators until I was able to speake to someone who could help me. I made a payment believing that I had made a payment covering the internet and dish service. Unfortunately, that same day, my Dish service was suspended for non payment. I spent another 30 minutes navigating through the maze of Dish operators until I was able to speak to a manager who kindly took my payment of $91.35. I explained my situation to the manager who "sympathized" with my situation and informed me the matter would be "resolved" concerning the bills. The manager turned my service back on. This was June 12th. The payment cleared on June 15th.

On June 30th, I came home to find my Dish service was turned off again. I was able to speak to a Dish representative. I pointed out that I had made a previous payment of $91.35 and the situation was once again resolved after he called AT&T. The same representative told me he would personally make sure this situation would not happen again.

On July 7th, after a long day at work...I came home to find my Dish service was once again disabled. I spoke to a representative explaining my past issues. As I was calling after 7pm the representative informed me he was not able to restore my service as AT&T was not currently open. I asked to speak to a manager...and I was connected to a manager named Tyler. I again explain my situation-in the most frustrated possible way-what was going on. Tyler told me to call AT&T in the morning as he couldn't help me. I explained to him that I had already made a previous payment and explained to him the expectation that one should receive what they pay for. Tyler kept stating it is Dish Network's position to not turn my service back on until they spoke with AT&T. Tyler then informed me that he had the ability to turn my service back on, but wouldn't "out of principle." At this point, I became extremely enraged and I let out a tirade of expletives that cannot be repeated here. I requested a phone number for a vice president to file a complaint and was arrogantly told that this matter did not rise to level to give out that phone number. At the end of the conversation I let out another tirade of expletives before hanging up. As I write this...I'm switching to Direct TV.

Tina of Bayville, NJ July 3, 2009

When we signed up for Dish Nov. 2008 we were promised a $250 gas card. First they had to send a voucher which never did arrive and after months of phone calls they faxed me a form to fill out to be sent back with a copy of 2 months of bills. I sent it back certified mail and it was bounced from the original address to the one in Portland. This took weeks. To appease me they raised the gift to $300. After another 2 months they finally send me another form which says I have to send them $35 to receive my gas card. Are they kidding? What kind of scam are they running. When I ask to speak to a supervisor, they tell me they don't have any. I am fed up and want my $300 gas voucher as promised.

Tina of Bayville, NJ July 3, 2009

When we signed up for Dish Nov. 2008 we were promised a $250 gas card. First they had to send a voucher which never did arrive and after months of phone calls they faxed me a form to fill out to be sent back with a copy of 2 months of bills. I sent it back certified mail and it was bounced from the original address to the one in Portland. This took weeks. To appease me they raised the gift to $300.

After another 2 months they finally send me another form which says I have to send them $35 to receive my gas card. Are they kidding? What kind of scam are they running. When I ask to speak to a supervisor, they tell me they don't have any. I am fed up and want my $300 gas voucher as promised.

Charles of Valdez, AK July 2, 2009

About 8 yrs ago we changed from cable to dish to try and save. The wife bumps us up to the Gold package-every thing. I see my daughter (300 miles away) get's 3 channels I like and then I see in our package we should too. But, don't. I purchased this system from a home distributor and it's worked OK although I installed it myself. But, now, Dish tells me that I need another dish mounted on my home. (around $300.00 more) Fact is, I've been paying for these programs for year's but Dish never notified me and the tech's answer was:"Your local Dish Business should have contacted you." I responded: "Well, the business thats in business now, wasn't in business then". No help.

I felt trapped. I looked deeply into the the FCC guidelines set forth for these types of business's and found possibly legal weight in my case but questioned: " Who would want to take them on?" From all these post's I'd say theres serious potential for a 'Class action lawsuit(s)' possibly. And the programming? It suck's!!! None of the packages really offer what you want-they've designed specific programs and you either pay for the junk or speak to def ear's. Dish Network is a bad value. Yes in deedy!

Richard of Dyersburg, TN July 2, 2009

This firm is nonresponsive to numerous requests for service by telephone or through their website. My equipment does not work and there is no avenue available for resolution. Any consumer would be foolish to enter into any agreement with this organization. System does not work and requests for resolution have not been answered. A permanent physical address for sending registered mail is unavailable.

LeAnn of Kalispell, MT June 30, 2009

WARNING - DISH NETWORK TAKING VERY DARK TURN... As a "Top Customer" of Dish Network for several years, I pay my monthly bill online, accessing MY ACCOUNT & paying w/credit card. Logged in last night to pay as usual - encountering a dark new twist. The site now demands mandatory access to my email address in order to send me 'promotions', etc., before I could proceed into My Account. I provided my email address but declined all promotional options. HERE'S THE SCARY PART...

Because I declined options to receive 'promotions' I'm now DENIED ACCESS TO MY ACCOUNT (!!!) I called Customer Service but encountered the same moronic runaround described by other disgruntled customers, here. Past Customer Service has been fairly satisfactory, but now you get people 'posing' as CSRs speaking broken English & nicely saying over & over & over "I'm very sorry..." "I'm very sorry", but providing NO resolution. You get 'moved up' to an 'Executive CSR' who speaks English, but still gives another version of runaround. He explained email access is mandatory, and could not allow me access to my account without it, and that I will have to accept their promotions (about 7 different types). I can see why people are not getting even SERIOUS MATTERS, such as overcharges on their credit cards, etc., refunded & HANDLED, b/c no AUTHENTIC Customer Service exists at Dish Network, anymore. What might they attempt to commandeer from you next - your social security # (??)to not be denied access to Your Account (??) I enjoy having satellite service, but it's not worth the danger of entrusting personal information to an entity engaging in 'trickery' and fraudulent account activities, with no recourse.

Meg of Leander, TX June 29, 2009

Dish Network salesman sold us a "bronze" package with no DVR - he said this included on demand and the channels Noggin and TCM. Three days after installation, after returning my 4th call to him, salesman admitted he did not know that on-demand was only available with a DVR, additionally, Noggin and TCM are not included in "bronze" package. He told me I could cancel by calling 888---. At that number, I spoke to Dean (operator number H10) who then forwarded me to an incredibly confusing and frustrating sales person at DISH Network's "Loyalty Retention Dept". This guy at DISH now refuses to cancel our contract without $300+ cancellation fee. We agreed to 24-month contract based on FALSE INFORMATION by salesman. DISH will not break the contract. What do we do? We do not want to pay $300 for 4 days of crummy service.

Elaine of Roswell, GA June 26, 2009

I was sold a bill of goods by the salesman and the technician said the install could not be perfomed the way it was promised. I cancelled the installation and the service. I then received a letter stating that the service was denied due to my bad credit. I had just bought a car and new this was not the case. I printed by Equifax Credit report as suggested in their letter and there was not one little problem. I called the company and asked for a letter explaining that my credit was fine and this was not the reason for the cancellation. They told me this could not be done.

Thomas of Las Vegas, NV June 17, 2009

I signed up for HD service on 01/12/08, since then their recorder was replaced 3 times and I had to fight to avoid service charges when they came out even though I was paying $5.99 a month for in home service. I had Embarq telephone/internet and got Dish Network for the package savings.

I canceled Embarq in April 2009, my billing was switched directly through Dish Network who advised me I had to pay for 2 months since I am like a new subscriber to them now even though I had service with them since April of 2007 I believe. Now my 18 month contract is up July 12, 2009 and they won't let me cancel, said I renewed in April for another 18 months when I canceled phone/internet with Embarq. I never renewed, was never told at that time I would be under a new contract. When I called to complain about having to pay for 2 months service they never told me I was under a new contract, only acknowledged that my contract was up July 12, 2009.

shelly of victorville, CA June 15, 2009

was supposed to vget a 300.00 gas card. called at least 10 times. got the runarround each time. it was one of the reasons i cancelled direct tv

Jared of Rexburg, ID June 12, 2009

First of all, I would like to say that we had enjoyed Dish for the nearly 4 years we were subscribed to them. We decided as a family to give up TV to save a little extra money. We had fulfilled all our contracts and such, so we called and asked to be disconnected. They told us if we disconnected we would have to pay a fee of 275 dollars to get hooked up again. They said we could suspend our service so that is what we decided to do.

After a month, my wife called them to pay off our last bill. They then told us we owed $275 for the receivers. My wife said she did not want them, so they sent us a box to send it back and said we had ten days to send it back. We got the box on Thursday and we sent it off on Monday the following week.

My wife got a call on Friday saying that they were going to charge our credit card $275, even though it had not been 10 days (the package was on the way). My wife tried to reason with them of why they would need to do that when the package was shipped and would be received in a couple days, but they were insistent that there was nothing they could do (or would do) and they said they were going to charge our debit card. Talk about horrible customer service. I have worked in the customer service industry for a number of years and I have never seen a company with customer service so deceitful and dishonest. They could have told us when we suspended our service that we needed to send the equipment back or that it would cost us, but they did not. I was one customer who was considering giving Dish my business again, but after this ordeal, I won't do business with them again.

Dorothy of KANSAS CITY, MO June 12, 2009

I called dish on 6-10-09 and tried to set up home service and was told my credit needed to be ran to guarantee the price quoted, the sales rep Peter also obatined my credit card information to begin the service as well. After he had already given me "the spiel" (talk) with all the so called "bells & whistles" he charged my card BEFORE he obtained the credit check and came back and told me that my credit was poor and I could not have that offer at that time and could I put it in someone else's name with "better credit" as he stated. I am sure that is fraud (somewhere). I any case I said forget it and went with TWC, smooth transition, no credit problems.

Later in the day while doing some banking I notice that Dish Netowrk had in fact charged my card as a pending transaction, when I called to inquire and complain I was given the "sorry" speech and promised that my card will not be charged and it would roll off within 3-5 business days. My bank would release the funds if Dish sent a fax on company letterhead stating they WOULD NOT charge the card, but when I asked of course dish said no they could not sent he fax to my bank. (RED FLAG)!

What did they do today 6-12-09. CHARGE THE CARD AS A CHARGE! I called and got the "sorry" again and told the same thing...3-5 business days was the escaltation time as it usually takes 21 days to get a refund. How can [they] take [their] time on a refund that should have NEVER been placed in the first place. I will tell everyone I know. DONT GO TO DISH NETWORK AS THEY ARE A RIP-OFF AND UNTRUSTWORTHY OF CONSUMER BUSINESS. I do not have 150.00 to let Dish have for 1 day less more 3-5 or 21.

waymon of mebane, NC June 9, 2009

on 6/4/2009 i was trying too get this service so customer-service said that in oder too get it i would have too pay 100.00 installation plus the first month he then took off 123.67 off of my debit card. next day he comes too do the installation he said i needed a different dish whick was a extra 150.00 i tokd him i was on disabillity and only wanted it for my son who comes only in the summer. told the tech too let me speach too the rep he was talking too. i told her too just put the 123.67 on my debit card. she said okay but it would take 3to5 bussiness days. well i said if you can take it off in 1 day why can't you put it back on.

i have called everyday since then and the answer i get is it was just processed today. it's pass 5 dys and i still don't have my money and i wont it now. they took my money and never provided me with anything but alot of stress. i need someone too help me with this issue. seems like they are trying to keep my money. i paid them for nothing now they won't give what belongs too me back

Chris of Spring, TX June 6, 2009

I signed up for no contract dish now program and asked for the bronze one hundrend plus local channels for $14.99. I also paid $179.54 for a reciever. They service guy just got done installing and now it appears that I have the American welcome package which has no kid channels and no sports. I called them back and told them about the mistake. They told me there is nothing they can do about it and now I have to pay $42.00 a month plus all them money i have already spent.

I will probably go ahead and cancell in a month or so and switch to someone else. I will also be posting a blog about what a total scam [they] are running. I will be looking at the federal consumer protection laws as well as texas consumer protection laws. This is costing me approximately $28.00 a month.

Stacy of Spokane, WA June 6, 2009

Two reps in two days at our door stating that they are from DIRECTTV and need to change out my equipment and have me sign a new two year agreement. They are NOT from DirectTV but DishOne. They are scamming local DirectTV customers and have DirectTV's logo on their shirts, carry no ID and do NOT represent DirectTv in ANY way.

I have a NO SOLICITOR sign on my door and do not wish to be bothered by anyone uninvited to my home. They try to look inside and gain access to my house. They were told to take me off their list and leave me alone! What can I do? I just lost my Dad and would like to mourn in peace.

margaret of garden city, KS June 3, 2009

I have been trying to get a smart card that will update my receiver since April 26. I have received 2 that did not work. In addition to these representatives tell me I have been sent 3 more. I have never received them, this is June 3. I have had messages on my television telling me I would loose service on June 2....WELL, I DID! on June 1 I spoke to Nikhil #931. He told me he would Fedex me a smart card, I would get it in 24 hours. He said I would have no loss of service. This morning I spoke with Louis Vargas, and he explained that the afore mentioned smart card had not even been processed let alone shipped as promised by Nikhil. I would be shipped sometime next week. Nikhil credited my account with one months service to attone for the inconvenience I have had since April 26, i.e. 9 phone calls to dish network, and a constant message # 358, 359, & 360 on my screen. Today I have NO SERVICE on the stations I watch the most,and messages that total service will cease on June 4. However I am still being charged today for a service I cannot get. I have been lied to so many times I cannot count, no one will help me by either expiditing the shipment of a smart card, or ceasing billing me for service I am not getting. In my opinion compaies like this should be fined every time a complaint is sent. this is the only way this will stop.

Tonya of Dorset, OH June 2, 2009

On Saturday, May 23, 2009 George called to report that we had no service. He was told a service tech would not be able to get to us until Wednesday, May 27, 2009. This particular weekend was a Holiday Weekend and the first weekend in a month he had off. This was unacceptable. The customer service we received throughout our time as customers of Dish TV was the absolute worst I had ever experienced. Not to mention that in less than two years we had to have service techs come out four times. On May 25, 2009, I called Direct TV and started service with them. On May 26, 2009, Direct TV came and installed their equipment. I called Dish TV and spoke with a customer service rep, Tuesday May 26, 2009, who was rude and disconnected me when I attempted to cancel the account. Prior to disconnecting me, this rep said he needed to verify with George (who happened to be home that evening.) George verified information and advised he wanted to cancel the service and the rep would need to speak with me. When I called again on Wednesday May 27, 2009, I spoke with Lenna (ID-RBR). She too was rude and unhelpful; she advised me that she would connect me to the cancellation department (which according to telephone prompts was where my call was supposed to have gone to begin with.) I then was transferred to and spoke with Shannelle (ID-EW4); by this point I was running out of patients. Again, I had to reverify, explain, and attempt to cancel service. Several times she read to me a disclosure. Shannelle advised me that the service tech, scheduled to be at our house that day, was not allowed to pick up the equipment. I would need to ship all equipment back to them. She advised me she would ship the boxes with instructions and that I had 30 days to return all equipment. On Tuesday June 2, 2009 I still had not received anything from Dish TV (except their monthly bill). I called again to inquire why we had not received the boxes or instructions. I first spoke with Silvia (ID-2MX) (at 10:35am), who advised me she would need to speak with George. I explained to Silvia, I am authorized to make changes, cancellations, set up appointments, and billing inquiries. George had already told the service rep on May 26, 2009 that we wanted to cancel our service and they would need to speak with me (unfortunately, I did not get his name or ID). Silvia said she would need to transfer me to the cancellation department, which again is where my call was supposed to have gone to according to their telephone prompts. Silvia transferred me to Melissa (ID-JMB). At this point (10:47am) my patients were completely gone and I am totally frustrated. Melissa attempted to give me the same story (she would need to speak with George). Again, I had to explain the entire situation to her. I also explained that George had already verified to them personally that he wanted to cancel the service. She did see this in the record. She too went over a disclosure. I explained to her I no longer had time or patients to listen to their spiels. Just send me the boxes, instructions. I also advised her that I wanted the account pro-rated for the time we had no service and the time from original cancellation (May 26, 2009). My concern is that the instructions and boxes will not get here in time to send everything back by the 30 days they require. They are logging this as having been cancelled May 27, 2009 (even though June 2, 2009 it still did not show the cancellation). If they do not receive their equipment in this allotted time they will charge us for this equipment. My second concern, they are billing us for the two weeks we did not have service and cancelled their service.

Todd of Mohawk, NY May 28, 2009

I signed up for dish network in aug of 2008 when the gentleman on the phone told me it was only a years committment and i could get HBO and Cinemax for a penny a month for 3 months. The installer came and put the dish on my front roof, not my back; which is where i told him to do it (it had signal!) and drilled holes in my house which I told him not to do. We have had problems with the box since. I have ordered PPV and while on the phone I have discussed my issues and its always the same: unplug for 30 sec. and plug back in.

Well now Dish tells me when I want to cancel that I should have a tach come out. Well, I like my privacy, so why on earth do I want a person at my house whom I don't know every time I have an issue? Do they not know what privacy is?

despite the 6 inconveniences I have had, I told them I wanted out. They tell me I have a 2 year contract, which I have been told by at least 2 reps on the phone that it was only a year. I said "the phone lines are recorded, right?" the rep replied they are, so I gave dates and times and told them to replay the recording. they said the couldn't. I went through 3 supervisors.

Well, my next step is to contact the CEO of DISH Network and explain this problem to him. a lawyer said that Dish can be sued for false advertising and breach of contract if a rep told me one year and I was tricked into a 2 year. unnecessary holes were put in my floor, wall, and roo

Terr of Glendale Heights, IL May 20, 2009

I was inquiring about how much it would cost to add dish network. The guy with the bronx accent was not very freindly. He started taking down my information in backwards format. And I told him I did not want to run my credit until. I never gave him my SS# just the last four digits I assumed he would ask for the full thing and my permisson before he would run my credit. He then comes back and said your approved and sets up a time for installation. I said I do not want your service. I asked if he ran my credit he said yes. I told I never gave him authorization to do so. He said yes you did. It was an agrument I told him I do not like the way you guys do business. I then hung up the phone on him. I checked my cheking account and saw a pre authorization for $25. I am going to take any action necessary to get the inquiry off my credit and my money back.

wayne of Pierson, FL May 18, 2009

Called for quote on service after going through all Dish questioned gave me the cost which was way higher than they advertised. I said no thanks and do not use my card.I was informed hold was placed on my account but be returned in 7-9 business days. I complained called back after checking on line my account was pending charge no such hold. I checked dish feed back on line and realized they do this all the time with stealing money from who ever gives them their card number. My mall town bank advised me to cancel my card and get new one no charge for bank service.

e of port deposit, MD May 18, 2009

Problems arose with reception. Tech #1 comes out assures me the 2' dia. 100' tall beech tree was culprit.Paid not to trim top as instructed but had it taken down thus eliminating "problem"... no good?? Tech #2 comes out says no way was it prior tree tech 1 made mistake its the other 100' tall beech located 40' from original!!I said are you sure and looking thru his electric compass responds "no question about it".

Paid another 400$ took down this majestic beast and guess what?!!NO SIGNAL!!!!!Call tech 2 again and he says oooohhhh must be tree to the right 20'....welll no more trees are coming down and I was very satisfied when I spoke to a girl at DirectTV who spoke English instead of Punjabi!! 550$ trees just dropped I had to do rest

mardie of pahrump, NV May 16, 2009

We have had dish service for 2 years. The service has been out more than it has been on. I call for service and it takes up to 2 weeks for a tech. I finally got to the point I was contacting dish directly(corp hdgrts) and go some help. They sent someone to fix my service "right".

That was 2 months ago and it is out again. It is necessary to take a day off of work, to sit and wait, to do without service for extended periods of time with no compensation(like credit on bill for no servie) and when you do call you get some idiot in India to talk to. Their equipment is faulty, the service is poor at best and they are the only game in town. Is there some way to protect us from this 2nd rate service.

Brian of Citrus Heights, CA May 14, 2009

They promise you a gift of some sort if you sign up with them. It's been over 6 months since I was promise the gift for signing up with them and I still have not got it. Then they give you the run around and say it's not there fault. So who's fault is it?

Brian of Citrus Heights, CA May 14, 2009

They promise you a gift of some sort if you sign up with them. It's been over 6 months since I was promise the gift for signing up with them and I still have not got it. Then they give you the run around and say it's not there fault. So who's fault it it?

EVELYN of SANTAFESPRINGS, CA May 12, 2009

Back about a year ago in May 2008 a sales rep he says from Dish Network signed me on to Dish network. all was fine but at about three months ago i discontinued my service with Dish network. Then I get a call from Maple Comm. (Ben) telling me that i owe them money for discontinuing my services or I will be sent to collections. At that time he was telling methat i ow him $600. I had agreed and new that i had an early termination fee with Dish Network but I did not know that also with Maple Communication. So i turned my service back on.

Now I am receiving calls from a collection agency in behalf of Maple Comm. trying to collect 300. dollars for discontinuing service. I have already told the agency that my service is still on with Dish and that Maple should not have sent it to them. I have tried to speak with Maple communication and today I finally get a call back from a Ben yelling at me that to bad it is too late and that I owe him even though i have not breached my contract with them and he hung up the phone without letting me discuss the problem with him. They are oriental with broken English and I am not sure that they understand what I am telling them.

CJ of Roy, WA May 12, 2009

Recieve several calls a week from Dish Network and Auto Warrenty groups. Always get a recorded message from Scott. I have pressed the appropriate number to be taken off call list several times over the last few months and still they call! I am on the national do not call list so I pressed the appropriate button to talk to a live agent tonight when they called yet again . When I told Michael, the service ageant I was connected to to take me off his list he responded with BLAH and then immediatly hung up on me.

I have had other auto calls (recorded messages) from Dish network but have never been treated this rudely before! I looked up the number and it is listed as Digitcom Services INC. I'm guessing Dish Network has hired Digitcom to do their dirty work! I have a 6 month old baby that gets woke up almost everytime they call! It's very annoying! Maybe next time I will just ask to speak to a manager as soon as they answer

Thomas of Bella Vista, AR May 11, 2009

Years ago, Dish Network promised me a refund for a month's service and set up fee. We had their service, moved to a new location. I was told if I went to Western Union and made a payment, my service would be ready in a week. I did as asked, then called to confirm also as asked. I was then told it would be two weeks. I cancelled the service call, and was promised a refund for the month in advance, and for the service fee to hook up our new address. Never saw that money, called back and was told my contract states no fefunds, but the money can be applied to service from Dish Network. Years later, the age of HD, I chose Dish again only because they offered the cheapest price. A few months back, we moved to our new home. Dish said we owed them $90, I said they could take it from the time we got burned. The amount they say we owe is less than what I paid in advance for that service before. I was deceived by Dish once, and now they have a collection agency calling me. I'm looking on line, never realized there were so many customer complaints.

George of Indianapolis, IN May 11, 2009

I phoned in an order for basic satellite programing 100 channels. The installer said he had to include HBO/Starz and other premium channels for a 3 month trial. I din't want it at all. My wife signed fort the work done correctly but did not initial the box for either a 24 month agreement or the one for a month to month thing. Well they put through the contract as a 24 month thing because the installer didn't ask for the $99 deposit or offer a choice of either.

Apparently if you don't initial for either choice they automatically put you on the 24 month thing. I didn't want the 24 month commitment thing but the installer from Unicom didn't go over any choices on the contract. Beware of Dish network. The installer didn't connect the box to the TV correctly either. I get to see him tomorrow. I'm sure I'll ask him which box my wife initialed. If a box is initialed it is a forgery!

Bin of Spring, TX May 8, 2009

I installed DNW at 2007 when my dad came to visit me. They had promotion ($100 rebate that time), but with 1.5 years contract. After I installed, dispite the contract, they increased the price, and then charged some additional fees. I submitted my rebate forms the month it was installed, and I called many times to to track it. Everytime they say the credit will be shown in the next month's bill. till the last day of the contract, they agreed to credit me $10 each month (my contract is expiring).

Considering such a nightmare, I decided to cancel the service. The funny thing is that, the service guys threated me that my contract has one more year to end up. They changed my contract date and even cheated and say that I had upgrade last year, which never happened. The good thing is that, I asked to show me the contract or paperwork with my signature. {Rep} then asked me to call the toll free number to deal with them. Try to screw me up. I asked the guy's name, the boss's name, and ask him if he wants my lawyer to deal with him. eventually, he admitted, my contract was up the day. I told them i never believe any offer from them. After I install, I've received hundreds calls from different people to sell dishnetwork beacuse they have my contact info somewhere stored. Pretty annoyed. They even ask me to remove the dish from my roof when the contract is over, or pay $120 to get de-installed but they cannot show me the contract which shows it's my responsibility to remove it.

Ben of Honolulu, HI May 5, 2009

Try to cancel my order before installation, their customer service gave me load of hard time, provided my ss#, cc#, phone, address and everyting, they wont let me access my account without the pin they set up for me. this is redicular, have to put up with their retention team for a few days just get my order cancel. eventually, I was able to recovery my PIN and called in and just cancel the service with them once and for all. I will never order anything from them.

Giselle of amarillo, TX April 29, 2009

Have been with this company for 2yrs/ currently going thru some financial difficulties...husbands hours cut to half..I was out on medical..he has found a 2nd job and I'm now back to work...We requested an ext to May 15th to avoid interruption. This company is just unwilling to ext to that date.. I understand it's a company and primary focus is to make money..but their logic is to lose me as a customer then ext to May 15th.. I was on the phone with 4 CSA's and 3 supervisors finally the last call a supervisor just refused to take the call and the CSA had to handle it. She was more then happy to put in my req for canc for the next day..which I was advised I would receive boxes in the mail to return my receivers..I'm just dumb founded.. I'll be waiting for my boxes and happily return their receivers fortunately my contract has ended..my opinion their loss!!

Donald of Edgewater Park, NJ April 28, 2009

We had a vacation home in Bangor, PA that was on cable. Our son had Dish Network and recommended we switch from cable to them. The house is surrounded by trees and we felt the trees would interfere with the signal. They sent a technician out who assured us the trees would not be a problem. The trees were a problem and they sent another technician out who told us which tree which causing the interference. Dish Network would not correct the problem so we put up with it. We sold the house a couple of weeks ago and called to discontinue service. To Dish Network this was not a good enough reason and we would have to pay a penalty. After talking to a supervisor they waived the penalty. Dish Network doesn't call customers; they leave taped messages no matter how serious the message! The tape notified us they would sent boxes to the house that was no longer ours! We called and they said they would sent the boxes to our son's address. The tape also threatened us if we didn't comply completely with their directions! The tape also said they wanted part of the antenna that was on the roof of the home that we no longer owned! My son actually did get the boxes and mailed the receiver and remotes the other day. He called and informed someone he had no access to the antenna and they did tell him it was OK to just return the receiver and remotes. Today we get a taped call (in New Jersey) that they don't have the equipment yet and threatened to charge us and turn any monies owed to a collections company! I tell everyone I can to avoid Dish Network as they are Mafia-like in their business operations. Our son will switch back to cable when his contract expires with Dish Network later this year!

Doug of Phoenix, AZ April 27, 2009

Promises made then repeatedly broken! Their staff has proven to be less than honest and forthright! I was promised one thing (to be given one year of gold tired programming at the silver rate) and given another (silver programming only) - this after repeated promises by their customer care group that they would abide by what was agreed upon - this stemmed from having to go to the states Attorney General for them having their contractors NOT disclose that once installed, you had to agree to a two year contract with them at the risk of a penalty for withdrawal.

Further, they coerced my wife into signing the agreement even though she is not responsible for the payment of the service. They offer programming that is filled mostly with junk infomercials rather than with channels and programs watched by a majority of families. To top it off, the channels of most interest to most people are placed on higher tiered platforms in an obvious attempt to garnish higher pay from their customer base. DISH is unethical and dishonest and should be avoided by anyone spending the time researching quality networks.

Cindy of Napa, CA April 24, 2009

2 receivers have malfunctiond in the past few months. After messing with my 722 reciever all day yesterday and today, I literally had to yell at Theresa from Oklahoma to get a replacement receiver sent to me. After reading everyones nightmare experiences w/DN, I hop I actually receive the new receiver. I am c/o to BBB in SF Bay Area and Ca consumer complaint office also.

We still have not received a replacement for one of our other receivers that the said the would send out weeks ago. I don not want to pay for 1/2 a service. I hated the poor CS I recieved this am. The should take lessons on CS from a Co such as Apple who I have always been 150% happy with!

Tom of Anytown, CA April 15, 2009

Tom of Anytown CA (04/15/09)
We called in to pause the service on 3/11/2009. The Cust svc rep said that everything is fine. One month later, we get a statement billing us for the one month that the service was supposed to be on pause. When we called back, they refused to refund us the entire bill and kept transferring us around to numbers with hold times upwords of 10 minutes.

$191 + time wasted. PLEASE NEVER USE DISH - HORRIBLE SERVICE

Saundra of Lake Hughes, CA April 10, 2009

Saundra of Lake Hughes CA (04/10/09)
Have been a Dish Network customer for 10 yrs. In 11/08 I was contacted by DN regarding recvr upgrade due to HD programming and Piracy. We paid close to $500 for the 2 revrs we had back in 1998. Dish said they would send us new recvrs & we wouldn't have to pay for them, just send the old ones to Dish. We did & they sent the recvrs. We are both now unemployed like so many people in the country. Our service was suspended on 4/2 for non-payment.

When I called Dish to try & get the $5 pause service I was told that I was under contract now & suspended so they could not implement the $5 a month pause feature. In addition, I would continue to be billed because the acceptance of the recvrs in 11/08, triggered a new contract therefore, I was breaching the contract & would continue to be billed. I then spoke with a supvervisor who just kept asking for the money & was sorry that I didn't have a job, but I would have to pay $198 to be restored, then I could pay $5 a month.

I explained to her that we were not trying to get restored we just wanted to be able to pay what we owed & put our service on hold until we could play catch-up. The answer was sorry but you have to pay the $198. That $198 includes service we did not recv since our account was suspended but we have to pay for it anyway. Dish Network does not credit for days due to suspension. I told her if I had $198 I would pay my electric bill. Ten yrs with Dish amounted to nothing! With every call I'm told what a great long-standing customer I am, but apparently in this climate those words are just for marketing.

David of Boulder, CO April 7, 2009

David of Boulder CO (04/07/09)
I was sent three defective DTV converter boxes in succession by Dish network. They told me that their only obligation was to continue to send me defective replacements at my shipping expense. Is there any recourse for fraud by retailers in this government funded program?

Loss of shipping costs and taxes in return for nothing provided by this company.

Gary of Damascus, OR April 7, 2009

Gary of Damascus OR (04/07/09)
We cancelled Dish Network due to substandard signal quality and failure to provide purchased service. (Local ABC broadcasts ) Dish Network wants their receivers back and said they would send us boxes to return the equipment. They did not send any boxes, only a bill for over 700 dollars for their receivers. This is a lame attempt at fraud and the general public needs to be aware of Dish Networks fraudulent business practices. I am sure that we will be fighting a legal battle with this worthless lying company before this is settled.

$700 in fraudulent charges

Donald of Laguna Beach, BC March 31, 2009

Donald of Laguna Beach BC (03/31/09)
Bait and Switch or FRAUD. Called 1800 and sales man in Kansas City offered $29.99 for 6 mos. then 49.99 for the balance of 24 mo. commitment. Charges came to $56.99 then to nearly 70 per mo. for services I did not order and for programing that was promised but could not be delivered. Had to accept lesser programing, once problem discovered> No price shown on signed contract. Had to find out on line what actual charges were to be. Fraud seems to be a company policy!

This is fraud and i find there are so many others who have experienced the same .

Mara of San Diego, CA March 30, 2009

Mara of San Diego CA (03/30/09)
I set up my new service the week of March 23rd, 2009. I spoke with E. Thompson, Operator # HCC, who took my order for new service. After giving my social security number and credit card number, Eric went through everything I ordered, which was a receiver box WITH DVR, and asked for my permission to charge me $150, which I gave. The installation time was set for Saturday, March 28, 2009. I confirmed with Eric several times that I was going to get DVR, which he confirmed each time. He also told me that I was not under contract (but never told me that this was because I was BUYING the box, not leasing it). On 3/28/09, when the installer came to set up the equipment, I confirmed again that the receiver box had DVR, which I was told NO, that the one-TV box I was having installed did not come with DVR. I asked him how much it would be to receive this, and he called the Customer Service line to find out. He put the call on speaker phone, and we were informed that it would be a $399 charge. I told him nevermind, that there was no way I could afford that.

On Monday, March 30th, I contacted Dish Network to talk with a customer representative. I spoke with a woman (operator # FSZ) from Special Accounts, who conferred with her superviser. She told me that unfortunately, there was nothing that they could do, that to upgrade to a DVR receiver, I would need to be charged $100-$150 in addition to the money that I've already paid. When my boyfriend and I set up service June 2008, we paid $100 for the receiver with DVR. We didn't realize at the time that this was because we were only leasing the receiver.

I wanted the same service that we originally ordered. I cannot afford to pay any more money. I offered to give the receiver I bought back, and lease the new one under a 2-year contract. They told me they wouldn't take the new box back, which has literally been with me for only 2 days, and they would need to charge me the additional money to upgrade. This was Dish Network fault, not mine, so why am I getting stuck with the bill?

If I follow this through, it will cost me $100-$150 additional to the $150 I've already paid, plus I'll be stuck with a receiver box I didn't order in the first place.

Stacey of Coon Rapids, MN March 27, 2009

Stacey of Coon Rapids MN (03/27/09)
I have been a customer of Dish Netowrk for almost 2 years now. We switched to Dish Network because they represented themselves as being cheaper than cable and having more helpful representives. Cheaper than cable is probably true but I will tell you for the service that we have been provided by Dish network, I would pay the cable company 3 times as much. The representives are not helpful at all and neither are the managers. I have been given mis-information on more occasions that I can count and then when you complain they could care less.

I am cancelling my service with Dish Network and wil go back to giving comcast my money as at least they seem grateful for the buisness. Dish Network is the most shady company I have ever done buisness with and would never refer anyone and would suggest that anyone doing buisness with them, get out immediately!

Gary of Hibbing, MN March 25, 2009

Gary of Hibbing MN (03/25/09)
Multiple auto dialed phone calls to advertize. I am on the national do not call list so I pressed the appropriate button to talk to a live agent. When I told him to take me off his list he responded with multiple four letter words and continued insulting me. I have had other auto calls (recorded messages) from Dish network but no longer try to talk to anyone. The phone numbers displayed on caller ID are fake.

Taking away time with my family. I also use my home phone for business. How about emotional, I have never been talked to like that. Makes me not want to answer my phone. I'm on the do not call list and don't want companies calling.

Karen of Canyon Country, CA March 23, 2009

Karen of Canyon Country CA (03/23/09)
Misrepresentation of company. I was unhappy with the cost of service, redirected to Dish Network which convinced me to downgrade programming because the company did not want to lose me as a customer. After I agreed, it turns out Dish network is the software company and Digicom is the hardware company. If Digicom doesn't handle programming why would they be involve with charging me for downgrading software?

I am told that I am now being sent to collection without providing time to review and rebut my claims.

Harry of Byron, GA March 22, 2009

Harry of Byron GA (03/22/09)
I just want to complain about english Why dont the people answering the telephones have to speak understandable english. Not just dish tv but most all business you call are that way

John of Palm Coast, FL March 20, 2009

John of Palm Coast FL (03/20/09)
I signed up for dish net work in Jan 09. During the sign up I ended up explaining the programs to the rep on the phone. The service finally was installed and immediately our reception was sporadic. I would work for a while and then loose contact with the satalite and pixilate throughout a program. When I got tired of this, I called to find our I needed to reboot the system. I explained that I should be credited my time to work on their system and I was being inconvenienced and annoyed by this poor service. As far as I know they did not contract with me to provide 80% of their service, nor did I agree to work on their equipment to keep the service going.

Finally the first tuner box was replaced only to have the same failure episodes . I canceled and have been billed in total $360.33. People need to be warned about this type of white crime. Stealing and false advertising used to be procecuted as a crime. If an attorney wants to pick up a class action I would participate. This kind of business in the US needs to be stopped with harsh penalties. lawsuit I am in.

I have lost time and money messing with this issue. What I have gained is another reason not to deal with large corps.

Joleen of Pueblo, CO March 18, 2009

Joleen of Pueblo CO (03/18/09)
I contacted DISH NETWORK on 3/16/09 to inquire about their packages and pricing. The rep who answered my call was possibly named Stella. She was very difficult to understand and hard to hear due to all the background noise(sounded like children laughing and playing) and I frequently had to ask her to repeat herself during our VERY LONG conversation. I very clearly told her from the beginning of the conversation that I WAS NOT ordering DISH NETWORK only inquiring about prices. She told me that I would need to give her my social security number and a credit card number. I told her there was no reason for her to need a social security number or credit card as I WAS NOT ordering just inquiring about pricing.

After repeatedly insisting that I would have to give her this information so she could verify if I was even eligible for DISH NETWORK service she finally did give me base prices. Then I asked if I was eligible for any of the special pricing and promotions that were advertised on DISH NETWORK's web site. She told that I possibly was eligible for special pricing and promotions but that I would have to give her my social security number and a credit card number for her to verify my eligibility. I again argued that I did not want to give her this information and that there was no reason for her to need it since I was ONLY INQUIRING NOT ORDERING. She insisted that without my social security number and a credit card that she could not verify my eligibility for DISH NETWORK service let alone tell me what special pricing and promotions were available to me.

LIKE A FOOL, I finally gave her my social security number and credit card and she did tell me that I was eligible for DISH NETWORK service and gave me the prices including the return customer pricing and promotional pricing. The prices appeared to be reasonable but I told her I was not ready to order as I wanted to discuss the prices etc with my husband before I made the decision to order or not. She told me she understood but then the next thing I know she's trying to schedule the installation for the NEXT DAY! I again told her I was NOT ORDERING and that it would probably be sometime in April before I made a decision. She said that was fine but did give me a reservation number that she said I would need if I did decide to order. She also had me set-up a password and gave me an 800 number to call if I decided to order the service.

I expressed concerns to her that did not like having to give her all this information just to get prices and that I was concerned that I would be billed on my credit card for services that I had not ordered. She assured me that this would not happen and that nothing would be done unless I called to actually place an order. We ended our conversation. The next afternoon, 3/17/09, I get a phone call from DISH NETWORK telling me that they had been here in the morning to do the installation and no one answered the door to which I responded that I did not order the service and had not scheduled any installation. I was told that I had ordered it and there was some kind of misunderstanding.

DISH NETWORK came to my home to do an installation that I did not schedule for services that I did not order. On 3/16/09, their phone rep badgered me into giving her my social security number and credit card. Now I'm concerned that I will be billed for an installation and services that I did not order not to mention that I was stupid enough to give the phone rep my social security number and credit card. For all I know I have set my self up for identity theft!

Jules of Colorado Springs, CO March 16, 2009

Jules of Colorado Springs CO (03/16/09)
Approximately 10 months ago we had Directv. We had been with Directv for about 5 years and I was VERY happy with their service. However, because my family wanted HD and Directv didn't offer it at the time we switched. It has been the worst experience. First, the installation was 2nd rate. They ran cables around the entire exterior of our house. It really is hideous. We have two children and they each have a tv. Their rooms are right next to one another and they drilled holes in the walls and ran cables across each of their bedrooms. I couldn't beleive that a company that prides themselves on their technology can't offer any other options. Funny, Directv never had any problems installing without demolishing our house.

Then, they promised we would have ALL the same channels that we had with Directv. Another lie! They said we would have over 120 channels. We have less than 100. It took me about 2 hours one day to check all of the channels. Lets say for instance I went to channel 212, a channel that was on their list that we were supposedly to have had, it would say channel not longer avaiable, see channel 182. Channel 182 was already on their list as something else. So, we were down one channel. When all was said and done we were getting approximately 40 less channels than promised. Some of them I could do without. Why couldn't they take away something like the NASA Network?

Our bill has gone up $16.89 since December. Don't recall them saying there would be so many price increases so early in our contract! Last month we decided we have had enough. My husband had already complained about the shoddy installation and their lies regarding their promise of certain channels but we have decided to stucco our home and are concerned by what to do with these ridiculous wires. So, we contacted them to make a complaint. We spoke to several people and two supervisors. We were disconnected once and pretty certain it was intentional.

Then, they were going to have a representative from their intallation department call us back within 48 hours and heard nothing. We had already wasted an entire Saturday morning fighting with them that we didn't get back to them and we're still waiting for them to call us! I did call this morning and complained about the increase on our last bill and the fact that we did not get a call back regarding the installation and they offered to waive $10 for 5 months as a courtesy. I accepted this but our fight is not over. Somebody has got to put a stop to their deceptive business practices. I'm praying that they will go bankrupt and I won't have to contend with them any longer!

My house looks [bad]! I don't really appreciate the holes in my walls and the cables running completely around the exterior of my house. I don't appreciate paying the same amount for Dishnetork that I was paying for Directv with twice the channels. This is not what I signed up for. We were lied too. They got us in a contract and then they take liberties that are downright illegal.

Renee of Richmond, VA March 15, 2009

Renee of Richmond VA (03/15/09)
Began having problems with Dish Network since installing 7/08. Receive the DVR package for four TV's. First DVR was not set right, would not record right. Didn't work, had to exchange two later. Second DVR kept showing error messages.Had to exchange in November. During this time a $5 fee keeps appearing on statement claiming a processing fee for not haveing phone line plugged into receiver. Line been there since installing. Spoke with a supervisor, George and at one time an Ann, kept telling to run a diagnotics tests, did so, said would reverse fee, never did. Every month I had to call and complain to remove it.

On 2/23/09, received an overdraft letter from my bank for $299. Never wrote a $299 check. Bank said Dish Network withdrew it plus $2. Called Dish, spoke with Anbdrew in customer service, said there was no problem with account.Puzzled and called back when returned home. Spoke with E. Caldron ID 41V, said get bank copy with carges and fax, so they could research, Next day faxed the copy. Called to find out it fax was received and spoke with Angie, was informed that there was an additioal $180 withdrawn on Feb. 15 by a D. Jones. Asked if I knew or gave permission. Said no.

I immediately faxed another letter to E. Caldron and added the extra monies plus overdraft fees to be refunded. Even the money for Dish Network bill was gone. Spoke with supervisor Tony, told him can't pay bill until was put back. Said would note account. Didn't do it. My bank told me to file police report. In meantime, my husband's direct deposit is seized by the bank to cover the loss, Had to go to Walmar, spending countless money for chcking cashing, buying money orders. All because couldn't use our bank.Dish Network keeps saying they are not responsible for the overdraft fees or my check for $15. Told a Jennifer that I'm minus the $15 from the Dish bill and they better not mess up my account

I had to spend extra money getting checks cashed, getting money orders, driving over 40 miles to get to my bank to show them the police report number. That's gas money. My husband heart started paining him. Had to ER and doctor's office. My nerves are shot to hell.

Om of Pune, OTHER March 14, 2009

Om of Pune OTHER (03/14/09)
I am DishTV subscriber. I have taken connection in 7/07/2008 for one year under parent-child scheme.I was unable to view DTH sevices from 13/01/2009. I telephoned the call center. My complaint was registered & I was told to contact their dealer regarding the billing. I have taken DTH child connection from Damodar Appliances,Pune on payment of Rs 3000/ . In spite of this services are blocked within six months. I contacted & booked a trouble ticket with call center many times & every time I was told that services will resume from 4- 24 hrs & sevices are not resume till date. I contacted the call center at least 20 times. Every time I was told that there is a billing problem. Problem is from Dish TV side and it will be rectified.

First of all getting the telephone no is itself is very difficult, after picking call center was putting me on HOLD for at least 45 min to 90 min.In this process I spoke to different people like Mr A. Prabhat, & many people from customer care explaining my story and I was told that it will take another 24 hrs for the problem to get sorted. Mr Kamlesh (Dish TV pune ) & Nijoy (CC teamlead) assured that it will be corrected. Since it was not sorted. Every day the same practice is going on. I am fed up of this third class service.

I learned that finally, I have been fooled by DISH TV people that it will be activated within 4-24hrs since 13/01/09. Till date(15/03/09)all the channels are blocked. I would like to know that after how many months I will get the signals? I firmly belief that DishTV is taking people for a ride. I SUFFERED MENTAL AGONY FOR their FAULT ADMITTED BY their OWN STAFF. NO QUESTION OF LONG AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP. Dish TV is not providing service for charity and I have paid for it. Many times I had to call the telephone on my expense which is not toll free as the toll free lines were busy many times for redressing a problem created by Dish TV.

When I demanded to refund my legitimate amount including the unutilized subscription charges since their service is poor. The answer was negative. Now I going to register a case in Consumer court against the dealer & Dist TV as I have written document/ proofs against them.

Bill of Murphy, NC March 8, 2009

Bill of Murphy NC (03/08/09)
I purchased a new DVD recorder and it worked fine until I hooked it to Dish Network and now I can't even prepare a disk for recording, this sucks. I was wondering if any one else has had a problem like this, I've wasted a stack of disks that failed to prepare. I first noticed this problem in April 2007 when my display started flashing fast like software was being downloaded into my recorder. I have worked in the electronics field sence 1970 and I know when a software download is in progress.

I also have Hughes Net internet service and I've never trusted them, this could be coming down on there dish, if any one has any info about these events I've explained, please email me. I figure these programmers, movie & basic channels want there pie and eat it to, it would cause too much of a problem for the government with loss of taxes if they outlawed the purchase of DVD recording systems. We need to fight this because its our rights and I will not subscribe to these providers if there doing this to my expensive property.

My DVD recorder cost over a hundred dollers and my previous unit was shut down the same way.

Marjorie of Juneau, AK March 5, 2009

Marjorie of Juneau AK (03/05/09)
I have cable T.V. at my home. My son has dishnetwork at his home. I asked to have my phone # removed. Rebecca said since the account is in my son's name he would have to call--his name is not on my phone! This morning I recorded a program on my V.C.R. When I started to watch, message from dishnetwork.com was on the screen--I have the message recorded.

When I went to GCI, my cable provider, they assured me they had sent no message to my home. Rebecca assured me that I have dishnetwork at MY house! I told her I have lived here since 1981 and that I have never had satelite TV, yet she insisted that I do. I can email you a picture of the message. It said Attention 127 Your smartcard is about to expire.... call. When I called the number to explain that I do not have a flatscreen T.v. and do not have dishnetwork, I could not get a person. So I called info and got John, then Mary, then Rebecca.

I should be able to have my phone number removed from an account I have no access to--and both the cable people and dishnet people told me I did not have a message on my T.V--even after I told them I have it on a VCR tape!

Peter of Gainesville, FL March 4, 2009

Peter of Gainesville FL (03/04/09)
Please take the following as a warning! I signed up for new activation and all seemed well. The day of installation nobody showed and when I called to find out what happened they said I had canceled the service. NOT TRUE. For my inconvenience, they were crediting my account $50. I thought that wasn't enough and I told them that they would have to do more than that to keep me. The rep then said that I would have to activate my service to see if there was more they could do.

Afterwards, she told me there was nothing she could do and so I told her I would then have to cancel at which point SHE YELLS AT ME and says that I was just wasting her time. the conversation with holds and all took 45 minutes and she was irate that I took that much of her time. WOW, that got my blood boiling. I then was transferred to cancellation.The account specialist then told me that she would go ahead and waive the 24 month commitment period in order to keep my business. I asked her to make sure to take note of this on my account.

I was skeptical and so I called back later that night. SHE NEVER NOTED THE WAIVED COMMITMENT PERIOD. Bad customer service is one thing but blatant LYING is unacceptable! If I never called I would have had it installed and stuck to a 2 yr commitment. This is an all-time low!

Larry of Cullman, AL March 1, 2009

Larry of Cullman AL (03/01/09)
All I want to say is DISH is the worst company I have every dealt with I would never suggest anyone use these people. They lie to get your buisness then every month the bill keeps going higher. I just hope people will read these complaints and not sign with them if you do, you will be sorry.

Janel of Noblesville, IN March 1, 2009

Janel of Noblesville IN (03/01/09)
i cancelled my account with dish network at the end of august 2008 when i moved. the beginning of september i was sent a box to send back the equipment but no labels i thought they would be in the box but they were not. so i called they told me the labels would come by mail. thats been 6 months ago. i have been calling them on a weekly basis and get told the same thing every time, the labels are in the mail. i have reordered the labels several times and last wednesday. the lady on the phone angela told me i should recieve the labels by tuesday because it takes 7-10 business days

today i called because more money has been taken off of my credit card. i just had the block on my card taken off and the man on the phone louis told me i should recieve the labels in about 10 business days from today. i have had several unauthorized transactions taken off my credit card. there was an unauthorized charge for $48.75 on september 17 2008 and also a $2 charge the same day and on september 19 an unauthorized $146.28 came off along with a number of overlimit fees. on december 13 an unauthorized charge from dish network of $199 and a $2 charge were taking off

i am in the process with my card to dispute the charges and the put the charges from dish back on my card. febuary 26 in the amount of $199 and $2. well febuary 28 another $199 charge from dish network was taken out. when i called my credit card company told me i had to wait till monday to redispute the charge.

im living paycheck to paycheck and i had a credit card to use for emergencies but now i am afraid to use it because it has become solely my dish network card because of all the charges because they refuse to send me the labels. i have insurance almost $300 for auto due this month that now because of dish i cannot pay. they also turned me over to collections knowing i couldnt send it back without the labels and all i have is a shared cell phone and the collections people call me everyday and wasting all my shared minutes on my phone.

John of Centerville, MA February 28, 2009

John of Centerville MA (02/28/09)
I believe I was a victum of Bait and Switch. I was sold through a promotional offer two DVR/HD receivers. It was the reason I switch from Direct TV to this promotional offer from DISH Network. The main reson for the switch was DISH offered two HD/DVR recorder as part of the verbal contract at no addtional cost. This was replayed a number of times with this person because it was a better deal than the offer from Direct TV. My wife heard the discussion as I spoke with this person. Upon the call the previous night with the installer, this matter was discussed again. And, two DVR/HD receivers were installed the next day.

The first bill arrived, of which should have been between $50 and $55. The bill was $189.98. I spent two hours on the phone trying to rectify this situation with QB5. There was also a charge of $12 for the second DVR/HD reciever. It was question why as there should be no charge. QB5 suggested that he couild eliminate the charge by installing one DVR/HD reciever with the same capability. I didn't believe it was possible, but I was convince that DISH TV had this capibility. I discussed this a number of times with QB5 and the installation was scheduled for March 1.

The installer called and arrived @ 10am. He discussed this a low and behold, only one TV can ve HD/DVR capable and the second no. The installion was completed after a number of discussions with DISH network to exactly what I had with Direct TV. In addition, the signal was lost 5 of the first 7 days due to the dish being covered with snow. DISH could not send anyone out for several days.

I believe the two DVR/HD receivers should have remained with no addition fee of $12/month. I should be able to break this contract with no additional fees, as i would switch back to where I was with Direct TV.

Gary of Splendora, TX February 26, 2009

Gary of Splendora TX (02/26/09)
I signed up with Dish Network in September of 2008. They offered a free camcorder and a $100.00 gas card if you signed a two year contract. They took my bank details and debited my account for installation and the first two months. However, they took another month to actually install my dish and equipment. This, they say voided my getting the free $100.00 gas card. I never got that camera either. They deliberately did not do my install timely bacause 1) They already had my money, 2) I was locked in for two years and 3)They could say that it was my fault for not sending in the necessary coupons, coupons that I did not even get from them until three months later.

They set this up for failure so that they would not have to honor their promise. If I break my contract with them I will be charged, but they have broken theirs! They are thieves and liars! Their install person also stole from my home. While he was installing in our bedroom, he stole one of my wife's necklaces off our dresser. I can't wait until this contract is finished. I am going back to cable TV. This has been a nightmare.

I have called this company on several occasions and found that they are not even in the U.S. Your call goes to a foreign office in which the person on the other end of the line has such a thick accent that you can hardly understand what they are saying. They are flat out rude and refuse to honor their promises. I will never deal with this company again and will advise others not to as well. Their wird means nothing. Their advertising is false and they practice deceptive trade.

My wife's gold and ruby cross was made for her in 1997 and cannot be bought. She paid $400.00 for it and I bought her a new chain at Christmas last year. Total: $600.00. The $100.00 gas card and the camcorder would total approx: 1,500.00 in total damages

Donna of Fredericksburg, VA February 24, 2009

Donna of Fredericksburg VA (02/24/09)
They promissed in a contract to give us $500.00 in free gas cards if we signed up with them instead of Direct TV.We have filled out the request forms and called them repeatedly.Only to get passed around from one branch to another.The last phone number we get from them has been disconnected or is a recording with no response back. We want what was promissed. Nothing more nothing less.

we have had to spend hours on the phone just to be aggravated.

Clarita of Hayward, CA February 23, 2009

Clarita of Hayward CA (02/23/09)
Signing up with DishNet Cable would benefit us with a free gas rebate of $300.00 for it. Picked up a gas station of our choice and sent them receipts totalling $100.00 each month, only received a $25.00 redemption for Feb 2008 and March 2008, after that nothing else came in. I called numerous time and I was told that they are so behind so be patient but continue sending my receipts per month so April, May June July August Sept Oct Nov Dec and Jan 2009 never got anything from them at all,so I called and this time the number is no longer available and my last month receipt was returned back to me for unknown address unable to forward.

I was actually counting on these gas voucher since everything is so devasting on our economic and my situation. Now I'm stuck with my cable company having to pay high amount that i will no longer be able to pay but the contract is in place so i will not be able to cancel until my expiration time. I was applying the voucher in lieu of the bill from cable until i can manage to pay it on my own.

David of Dracut, MA February 21, 2009

David of Dracut MA (02/21/09)
I called Dish TV to ask about their different packages. The operator was very enthusiastic and told me about how much money I would be saving over Direct TV. The thing that sold me, however, was when he told me that I had thirty days to decide. The installers were nice, but we saw immediately that the service was awful. The DVR served two tv's and made it difficult to watch TV in two rooms without conflicting problems over recording and watching programs at the same time. The DVR format is anything but user friendly, and we knew we had made a mistake, so we cancelled within a week and a half; as soon as we could get Direct TV back up to reinstall their equipment. Direct TV matched their price, by the way.

I spoke with operator X6C at Dish TV, and was told that there would be nothing owed. When I got my credit card bill however, I saw that I was charged $50.00 for activation, (which they can keep), and $165.44 for early cancellation. I called to get this fee refunded, due to the terms of the original agreement, and was told that I was not going to receive any credit because I signed the agreement.

I'm filing a complaint with the dept. of consumer affairs in my state, and contacting the consumer advocates of the four major television stations in Boston. I really don't expect any resolution, but I want it to serve as a warning to others to beware of Dish Network and their deceptive practices.

Michael of Winthrop, MA February 20, 2009

Michael of Winthrop MA (02/20/09)
after getting terrible service (10 days) to send a replacement box i decided to cancel, initialy i send back the defective box using their call tag. two weeks later i sent back the other 2 boxes using 2 seperate call tags issued by them. they've been trying to bill me for an unreturned unit. they should have no trouble tracking their company issued call tags but my belief is they dont have a clue. i can no longer spend hours on the phone repeating myself when most of their reps speak terrible english.

i've asked for supervisors to call back and they dont. their dish is still on my roof and i've told them to come get it. this is a clear situation of a co. growing too fast. this is not the first time this has happened. about 2 yrs ago i sent them back a defective box and it took 9 mos. to get it off our bill

collections co calling

Frank of Novato, CA February 20, 2009

Frank of Novato CA (02/20/09)
2-19-09. Sales person misrepresentations: I spoke with a sales person, I told him I had Comcast for my TV and wanted to try to save some money. He told me I could get the same service and more, and I would be saving about $30 a month. What sold me on getting the service was I had 30 days after it was installed to cancel the service if I was not satisfied. I agreed to the service; however I told him I wanted an email to confirm what we talked about. He said I would get the email in about a 1/2 hour.

After 2 hours and not getting the email I called their 888 number, being after hours I got someone in India? One of the first things she told me is that they do NOT have a 30 day cancellation policy. I started to get concerned and asked for a supervisor. She told me I would have to call after 8 a.m. EST. I finally did get an email that first night, however nothing was mentioned about the 30 day cancelation option and it was very vague and hard to understand.

I called the next morning and spoke to higher up, at first he did not want to let me out of the contact fee free, however after threatening to contact consumer groups, BBB and others he cancelled my contract.

David of Mount Juliet, TN February 17, 2009

David of Mount Juliet TN (02/17/09)
they have the worst customer service & problems. we signed a 2yr contract & now it will cost us to get out. we have had to call every month this month twice. you wait on hold & are passed around for about 40 minutes & then disconnected & no one calls you back or helps with the problems. we ask if this was logged in the system about complaints & they said no, so we started logging it our self's on paper. it's a shame that this business is like this. but i bet if you didn't pay your bill they would call!!!!

Barry of Panama City, FL February 16, 2009

Barry of Panama City FL (02/16/09)
We signed up for Dish Network in September 08 wich included local channels ABC NBC and Fox in Late Jan to Early Feb all local channels were no longer available due to Licence Fee between Dish and local affiliates, I called Dish was very aggravated with the whole process, Dish said it was beyond their control, So I told the Rep that I was returning the equipment and he told me that there would be no contract terminantion fee cause beyond there control..I found out on the 13th of Feb that indeed my credit card was being charged various amounts so far in the amount of 255.00, again I talked to an operator on the 13th he said that my card would be re-imbursed the charges.

I called back to check the Status on the 15th and was told by a account exec Ms. J that Dish will not credit my account back...Not only has Dish committed fraud but the company that first installed the service had tried to charge my credit card in the amount of 1000.00 I have since reported every charge by Dish and any 3rd party of Dish as fraudelant purchases..I am in the process of hiring an attorney to pursue any and all criminal actions against Dish Network and any 3rd party affiliates with Dish

Raghu of San Bruno, CA February 10, 2009

Raghu of San Bruno CA (02/10/09)
I called up DISH TV directly on sunday to open a new account and the rep told me that there is already an existing account that was opened in Indiana. I was then transferred to ERT department, and a rep Monica told that it's a case of identity theft and asked me lodge complaint with FTC and Local police and the credit bureaus who would then conduct investigation, after which they'd close the fraudulent account. I lodged a complaint with FTC, then before going to local police, I spoke to Dish TV ERT associate again to get any additional information such as account number and/or address but the associate declined to give out any further information, but advised me that they'd only disclose information after a subpoena is issued during investigation.

I then went to the local police took the formal complaint but had asked for account information or any financial transactions on the misuse. I checked my credit report but I don't see any fraud credit account opened in my name. The cop had asked me to come back with any evidence to initiate an investigation. While opening the dish account, the rep asked for two forms of identification, one the SSN and second a credit/debit card with my name on it. So did the thief get a credit/debit card with my name on it? If yes, then shouldn't the credit report display such fraud account which I can identify and complain with the credit bureaus? Or did Dish tv went against their rules in not requiring the thief present the credit/debit card in the consumer's name to open the fraud account? Can consumer affairs help me on getting information from Dish networ ?

I'm very scared on what else the thief would do with my credentials.

Betty of Port Charlotte, FL February 10, 2009

Betty of Port Charlotte FL (02/10/09)
I called to inquire about service added to my account only to get a man I could not understand. I asked where he was and he stated India! why are we paying people in India to asnswer are calls here in America?? we have thousands of people looking for work here in America. Please let get with it here we live in America lets keep employment in America not India! I am so disgusted I don't know who to write to.

Kimberly of Forks, WA February 3, 2009

Kimberly of Forks WA (02/03/09)
I want ABC back! Dancing with the Stars is starting in march, that this show is one of the main reasons why i signed up for t.v. out here in the first place! DISH needs to satisfy their customers, and I thoroughly dissatisfied right now with this ordeal. Get it together and meet the needs of customers!

Lori of Carmel By The Sea, CA January 27, 2009

Lori of Carmel By The Sea CA (01/27/09)
On January 14th my father passed away. He basically died penniless. I was trying to call and cancel all his utilities and creditors like the Dish Network folks to avert incurring anymore bills. The ATT people were great they understood that I was under great pressure and feeling very distraught and cancelled his telephone immediately at my request. Unfortunately when I called Dish Network they put me on hold and transfered me several times. I believe this was in hopes that I would hang up and they could keep charging my dead fathers account.

They told me I would need a death certificate to cancel my fathers account with them and that this was company policy. I then tried calling again as my father to cancel and they said did you not call before and say that he had been reported dead? So in fact they knew he was deceased but instead of just accepting a grieving families words they now need an expensive 12.00 dollar death certificate that I must provide to cancel his oh so important television service. I am so distraught and dismayed by this that I am having nightmares and panic attacks just thinking that these folks cannot just quickly and swiftly cut the service. I hope the top boys and girls in the upper levels of manangement know what they are doing.

What about the widows and widowers that are very elderly and can hardly manuvere when a loved one dies. They already have to deal with so much and something as unimportant as a television service asks them to jump through hoops when they are at the end of their rope! This must stop immediately and Dish Network should be punished for their cruelty.

Susan of Versailles, KY January 27, 2009

Susan of Versailles KY (01/27/09)
Lost satellite service last Thursday night. (1/22) Called tech support and ran the usual tests. It was decided that serviceman needed to come out. First available date was Monday. We decided that Monday was not acceptable and would call a local vendor that said he could come out on Saturday. That person came out and tested the dish and ran tests. He determined that it was the receiver box that was bad. He could not replace that and that we would have to call Dish and have a serviceman bring a receiver.

Called Dish back on Saturday afternoon and informed them of what we had been told. Dish CSR rep then said that it would be Tuesday before anyone could come with a receiver and that someone would have to be home. I took off work today...around noon received a call that due to bad weather no one could come out (not to mention that their order didn't include bringing a receiver.) The NEXT scheduled appt would have to be Friday and someone would have to be home. These people have no regard to customer service.

It's all about their time, not the customer's. Not to mention that we are still without service. I called Dish back to inquire about some type of loss of service credit and was told in no uncertain terms that the repairman would have to send them a voucher if he thought it would be necessary. As if, the customer didn't know that best!!! Terrible, terrible customer service.

Donna of No Dartmouth, MI January 23, 2009

Donna of No Dartmouth MI (01/23/09)
Dish Satellite personnel promised me a bundle package with Embarq, including tv, internet, and phone. I continually received calls threatening to turn off dish service. I paid all bills sent to me from Embarq. Every time I called to find out why I was receiving calls to cancel my service, I was told I didn't have a bundle package and I owed money.

After talking to numerous people, I was told everything was corrected only to receive calls that my service was being discontinued again and again. After talking to a supervisor, he did not appreciate my frustration with Dish Satellite personnel incompetence. He hung up on me and cancelled my service and notated in the system that I requested to cancel service which I did not.

After continuous calls I was told that my bundle package was not set up correctly with Embarq and it would be taken care of. Of all the personnel that I spoke with at Dish Satellite, only two were polite and sympathized with my dilema. The rest (approximatley ten) were extremely rude and unprofessional. I have never had a more exasperating experience dealing with a service company. They say their phone calls may be monitered. If they truly were, management should listen to how their employees treat their customers.

Chad of Lake Stevens, WA January 19, 2009

Chad of Lake Stevens WA (01/19/09)
DISH netowrk is in a dispute with a regional broadcaster, in our case, our ABC affiliate. As a result, we no longer receive ABC. I have come to find out from other DISH customers, depending upon who you talk to at DISH customer service, you can get compensation in the form of a credit on your bill. I have called DISH to complain about inconsistent treatment of customers to which they say there's nothing they can do about it. It depends on the person you talk to and what they are willing to do.

DISH has claimed several times that the ABC station will soon be restored and they are actively negotiating with the ABC affiliate. Of course these claims change every time I call, which is weekly at this point. I have been promised a credit on my bill, but when we get the bill the credit is either not listed or incorrect. Then it's a huge hassel to call, wait on hold, speak to someone, hold again, speak to someone else, be promised a resolution which doesn't pan out. Over and over and over again. I'm sick of DISH and just want out of my contract without penalty, which of course they say they can't do. I'm paying them to provide something which is free over the air and they can't deliver? Why should I pay?

Mohammed of Tucker, GA January 5, 2009

Mohammed of Tucker GA (01/05/09)
I just call had question about my bill and one of the person he diconect my service with out my permision and hand up on me and charge my Debit Card for the Cancelation and charge

Kelly of Wentzville, MO January 5, 2009

Kelly of Wentzville MO (01/05/09)
I am now on my third DVR within a years time. I have had so many problems and have spent an enormous amount of time on the phone with technical support doing the same thing over and over again. I called back on Dec 19th with the issue of my box shutting off. I spent a minimum of 1/2 hour on the phone and ended up rebooting my box at least 9x before the rep stated that they would have to send me out another box (2nd within 6mo.) I then informed him that I would be leaving on vacation and would not return until the first of the year thus, being unable to be there to get it. He told me to call when I returned and they would send one out. I asked him to notate everything and that I expected a credit on my DVR portion.

I called today 1/5/09 to order my box and was told that I would have to endure the same that I had been through so many times before... rebooting, waiting for signal, etc. I was then informed that if it didn't go off within a minute or two that she couldn't do anything about it. Considering that after the reboot, I would receive a picture anywhere from 20 sec. to 5 minutes or so then it would go blank again, fortunately for me it did go off before we hung up.

The girl told me that she would send out another (refurbished box) and that it would take 3 days. I asked about the credit for not having DVR service and she told me that she could only give me credit for the next 3 days that it would take to receive my box. What about the past two weeks I asked? Well maam you could not prove that you didn't have service. What about the previous notes, I haven't even been home for two weeks? Sorry about you luck...

To put the topping on the cake she told me that this was a software issue causing all the problems and they have yet to get it corrected so the new box might do the same. I was totally dumbfounded. If they knew the problem existed then give out the credits for services not rendered. This type of service is unacceptable (no wonder they require a two year contract). I am so sick and tired of consumers being bent over barrels so often. Until more companies face more Class Action Suits for their misdeeds we will always be at their mercy.

I am out money that I feel I simply don't owe. I have lost numerous non-replaceable recordings of movies and special events for the third time. Why have a DVR box? There should be at least a backup disk you could purchase. Being inconvenienced with having a tv that I can't watch but am still paying for is ridiculous.

Herbert of Collinsville, VA January 5, 2009

Herbert of Collinsville VA (01/05/09)
My wife has contacted this company on several occassions about our Satalite Service we formally had. It has been at least 5 telephone conversations about our service where we had canceled it. This has been ongoing since November, and they were suppose to send us a final bill along with boxes to send the equipment back to them along with the instructions on how to remove the eye from the dish and return that also. We have yet to receive the boxes to return these items.

I had just talked to another representative on 12/29/08 and this person had said the boxes were shipped on 12/16/08 which was invalid information because we never received the boxes. She then continued as well as the persons she talked to several times before this matter would be taken care of. I called them on Jan. 1, 2009 and they still have us on active customer service as well as we are receiving phone calls about a past due bill which was suppose to be our final bill that was sent to us after we canceled the service and now we are receiving phone calls threatened us that we have 7 days to return the equipment or they are going to charge us full amount.

They have still yet not sent the boxes which they are required to do as well as still have us on file as active. We know we have a final bill to pay in the amount of $62.50 but why should we go ahead and pay this before they send us the boxes we need to send the equipment back. When they do this then we can pay this final bill. I don't know what kind of business they are running, but my wife has done nothing but gone back and forth with them on this issue and I won't something done. She has been authorized on the account to make any changes and they it seems are refusing to do anything and just want money as well as try and charge us for equipment we are trying to return.

And we feel like they are going to try and come up with some off the wall things to keep us on file as active customers when we have continued to call and they still won't update our account, and still have us active with late charges. We have not had service since Nov.08 and it was suppose to be canceled on Dec. 10th 08 by us the consumer. The last rep I talked with was a Racheal S. on 12/29/08 and she said we would receive boxes in 3-4 days we still have not gotten them, and still getting recorded messages about the equipment.

We feel they will continued to send us bills and not get the boxes to us and try and charge us for this equipment. We are not going to continue to pay them a monthly fee for services that was suppose to be canceled. We even got one bill here and they still have us active on the bill threw 1/12/09?

Dilmeet of Planada, CA January 2, 2009

Dilmeet of Planada CA (01/02/09)
Horrible Service. Our family is in the process of moving. I call up Dish Network and make a transfer order w/2 additional receivers added. The first time the technician comes around, he forgets a receiver and re-schedules the appointment. I wasn't that disappointed, I thought 'hey it happens...'. 2nd time around (2 days later) the technician brings the wrong dish! I order international channels and I use the Dish 1000 series. I was angry and disappointed.

They scheduled the appointment 10 days after that date, due to holidays. I had so many guests over for the holidays, including kids, and none of them got a chance to enjoy our $5000 entertainment center. I was angry. 3rd time around, technician didn't even want to work, he was late for 2 hours and even told me over the phone asking if I wanted him to work some other day, yeah right! He shows up and I explain the situation to him and still he tries a find a way to get out of his work.

Tracy of Macomb, MI December 30, 2008

Tracy of Macomb MI (12/30/08)
WE signed with dish for just basic cheap cable for our daughter to be able to watch some cartoons once in awhile, nothing special, the reception is horrible our daughter was unable to watch tv when it was raining or lightly snowing because of the wheather and if it was storming out you could forget watching tv also. So for paying for this service and not to be able to use it when we would like to we switched canceled and had to pay 13.33 per month that we canceled early no biggy we we're only canceling two months early.

WHat i didn't realize is that we would be so screwed because of the company they failed to tell me that i needed the over priced equipment back within 30 days. i called a week ago and asked the lady if we couldnt' get hte part off our roof since it's been snowing like crazy here would we be penialized she said yes a $100 so i told her i was home with two young kids and would find someone to get it off (no time in the call did she warn me that i only had a week left to get it off) THEY CHARGED my debit card $600 with no warning

I was at the pump trying to get gas and i couldn't because my account is overdrawn and i'll be getting 7 non suffient fund fees from my bank due to this charge. They told me they can't refund my $600 until the equipment returns to them which could be 3-5 days and there take no responsiblity for the over limit fees i incur with my bank and they told me that most banks waive that it's like why should my bank waive it and what if they don't. 7 charges that's close to $400 in fees. that's insane and they take no responsibility for htat. i'll be staying away from them for good

The of Albuquerque, NM December 29, 2008

The of Albuquerque NM (12/29/08)
We responded to an ad to get Dish Network service. After getting service you were to get $100 gas voucher and 1 of 5 electronic gifts to choose from. I was told it could take 6 weeks after installation before receiving any information on these offers. As of today it has been 12 weeks. I have spoke to a Dish Network rep about this and she could not find any information about this offer. She said she would forward this to the promotions department.

I am a little discouraged after reading other complaints concerning others getting their promotions.

Michael of Centennial, CO December 29, 2008

Michael of Centennial CO (12/29/08)
I asked for the Customer service representative's name and location - she gave me her name Alissa but, would not give me her location. When I asked to speak to her supervisor - she hung up on me.

Jasmine of Lake Oswego, OR December 25, 2008

Jasmine of Lake Oswego OR (12/25/08)
Dish Network is no longer broadcasting ABC due to some problem they are having and a lawsuit involved. When I called them about this, they told me they are in negotiations and offerred to credit my account for $1 due to the inconvenience. This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard. They better get their act together ASAP or I am switching to DirecTV.

Arnold of Rifle, CO December 22, 2008

Arnold of Rifle CO (12/22/08)
866-668-8047 keeps calling my cell phone, with a message in spanish, I have talked to customer service, with an average of two phone calls a week to promote DISH Network, it is getting very old. I have Direct TV and because of the continual phone calls would never consider switching to DISH !!!!!

Iqrar of Glenview, IL December 15, 2008

Iqrar of Glenview IL (12/15/08)
In June 2008, Sale/promotion depart. of Dish Network called me (which I confirmed with Dish Network) & offered me to upgrade my existing account. Without my knowledge they opened a new account with service address which is local post office and kept on charging my two different American Express credit Cards without my permission & knowledge. I caught the problem after six months.

I complained to Dish Network & requested for credit. I went from department to department (In executive Office:Robert at ex:80691, Victoria at Ex:80557, Florence Nelson Supervisor at Ex:85878 to get my six months credit but I was given credit for only two months. Dish Network is part of this fraudulent scam & now they are putting all the blame at their So called promotion dept but I got ripped off with $411.72. I requested to cancel my auto pay on 12-09-2008 but when I called back on 12-15-2008 to confirm I found out it was still on.

Dish Network failed to inform me about my two active accounts with service at two different locations rather they kept on charging my credit card. I need help to get my money back and file fraudulent complaint against Dish Network. Over charged $617.58. credit Given $205.86, Balance Due. $411.72

Nash of Nashville, TN December 12, 2008

Nash of Nashville TN (12/12/08)
Im wondering if anyone had problems receiving ABC on Dish Network last night, Thursday, December 11. When I turned on the TV and tuned into ABC, Dish posted a press notice? to make viewers aware they were in a financial dispute with the ABC networks and therefore were not airing ABC programming. To interrupt service without advance notice is not only unprofessional, its BAD BUSINESS. We are paying subscribers and supporters.

Dish Networks financial affairs with the ABC network is 1) not our problem and 2) should not affect the service that we pay IN ADVANCE for! Not to mention it is ludicrous to have to PAY for local channel service to begin with. There are too many television programming options out there to compete with Dish. If this is indicative of Dish TVs service in the future, I, for one, will be changing service.

After trying to get through to Dish customer service last night (via the telephone number indicated on the press message), Im confident most Dish subscribers agree.
In appropriate business conduct to interrupt/discontinue service to receive ABC programming without proper advance notification to prepaid subscribers.

Anthony of Loganville, GA December 11, 2008

Anthony of Loganville GA (12/11/08)
dish network called to solicit business over the phone. they explained their special and I told them NO that we would just stay with our cable provider. This upset the salesman and I was told to [do something vulgar] for declining their service. I have contacted the ftc and customer service at Dish Network but to this point customer service has not contacted us yet.

I cannot believe that Dish solicited sex over the phone. I will get my congressman involved with this if nothing else works. I have been sexually harassed by Dish Network and I want my rights defended!

Luz of Memphis, TN December 10, 2008

Luz of Memphis TN (12/10/08)
I had a contract with Dish network but the system broke in March because a snow storm Then I called them to restablish the system since that time I do not have service with them but they said I have to pay the service what I do not have and sent Metco collection to pay a big amount of money.

I received too many calls and letters where they want their money I feel so depress about this matter I need help with this people please help me.

Robert of Warsaw, IL December 9, 2008

Robert of Warsaw IL (12/09/08)
After using Dish Network for the required 2 year contract we cancelled and returned to cable. Was contacted with a fantastic deal - no contract and $39 per month. Had another dish installed. Was told the first one had not been installed properly. Also, assured we would be able to receive ABC. Received a bill for over $200.00. Called and told them to cancel service. They argued about the billing but finally agreed to send prepaid box for the components.

Within a week received another call asking if we wanted to sign up. Had to pay around $67 final bill. When we had the first dish, we were given a phone number to call about receivng ABC - $3.00 credit card charge. Nothing. Just wonder how many $3 charges they collected. I would do without before using them ever again. Have there been any other complaints about Dish Network?

Jennifer of Bakersfield, CA December 8, 2008

Jennifer of Bakersfield CA (12/08/08)
When researching what company to go through, dish network offered a dvd home theater and $100 in gas. Because of this advertisment my husband and I chose dish. What a mistake. First to even end up where Im at with trying to recieve my promised gifts I had to call several times and send in 2 forms just so I can be at this place of disappointment. After 3 months of contacting them I finally recieved my gifts. The first one- a dvd home theater was what I expected. It was form that I mail in with my shipping and handling and then maybe someday I will receive my gift. I wasnt surprise.

However the gas voucher is ridiculous! They want me to send in $15 to redeem this pathetic black and white copy of a certificate so then I can get $10 rebates once a month when I try different gasoline companies. Youve got to be kidding me. I contacted the company. They couldnt find my account for a while and tried to get me to call a different dish company. I insisted that my account was with them. When they found it i explained how this was false advertising and they said it wasnt because it said that the $100 free gas was subject to terms.

The problem is you cant even see those terms until 3 months after youve signed up with dish and have persistently pursued the company to even send you these gifts. It is absurd and I plan on never signing up with dish again. waste of my time. I could have had a better deal at direct, but I took dish b/c of the $100 gas.

Fairley of Athens, WV December 3, 2008

Fairley of Athens WV (12/03/08)
No complaints at all, service and programming has ran perfectly for better than 5 years. These fellow customers should always keep their own notes and always get the operators' name and operator id number. We love Dish Network!!

Deborah of Fullerton, CA November 28, 2008

Deborah of Fullerton CA (11/28/08)
I am sitting in my office all alone for the first time after having been attacked at knife point in another office a few years ago. I get a call on my phone from my own phone number, which totally freaks me out. Shaking, and scared to death, I answer my phone with my own phone number showing up in caller ID. It was Dish Network. I am so mad, and still a little scared and shaking, and for some reason, i think it may be against FCC rules that anyone can pretend to use my own phone number, something about fraudulently accessing my number. Can Consumer Complaints check this out for me, please? Feel free to email me or call me at the above listings. Thank you so very much, I will try to calm down, now.

psychological damage

Evelyn of Clarksville, TN November 25, 2008

Evelyn of Clarksville TN (11/25/08)
I have had 3 replacement DVR boxes within 6 months due faulty/lemon equipment. I called 3 times on 11/23/08 for technical service and was on the phone 20 minutes each time (That is way too much time for a customer service call!). Two times were foreigners, the 3rd time was in the USA. No doubt the foreigners were reading from a script and could not actually understand English and communicate. I went through the scripted process several times with all 3 so-called Dish reps...the issue was not resolved and still isn't. The 2nd rep said she sent the box a signal and it would take 15 minutes to take affect. (Apparently she knew it wouldn't fix the problem and that I wouldn't wait on the line for 15 mins.).

The last rep said she would turn in an order for a technician to send jolts to the DVR box, but it would take 3 days. 3 days is absurd! I told her I wanted to talk to a supervisor. She said there wasn't one there and put me into his voice mail. I left a message but of course he did not return the call. I have two other rooms that have Dish connections but not DVR boxes and I haven't had any problems with them. Dish Network has THE poorest service I have ever dealt with. I am beside myself with frustration and anger!

I want either a technician to come to my house and FIX the problem, or I want to discontiue service, without ANY penalties! I want my account taken off auto pay and my paymenet information deleted from your system. As well, I have tried numerous times to remove my son and his exwife from this account because they do not live here any longer and I have been the one to pay the bill from day one. I hope this matter gets resolved or I WILL call my attorney.

Larry of Winnemucca, NV November 21, 2008

Larry of Winnemucca NV (11/21/08)
Ordered Dish Network satellite system and programing package and had it installed by Dish Network. When ordering programing package was told that local/network channels were available to me, paid extra monthly for them. When system was put into service local/network channels would go out at 5:00 p.m. until the next day. Error screen came on channel indicating that Dish Network was aware of the problem and that they were working on it and there was no need to call them. This went on for a month, everyday the same scenario.

Finally after a month I called technical support and they verbally instructed me on troubleshooting, this did not cure the issue, was informed that a technician to the residence would result in a charge, at this point I was told by the technician that there was nothing more that they could do and to just wait and maybe the problem would go away. I waited another couple of months and nothing changed.

I called to cancel my subscription and was told that I would be charged a $200 cancelation fee for violating an 18 month contract that I never signed. Was offered a technician to come to the residence at no charge. I declined. Told them to cancel my subscription and that I would get a lawyer.

Paid for (4) months of programming that was not complete.

Romulus of Gaithersburg, MD November 19, 2008

Romulus of Gaithersburg MD (11/19/08)
My first time call was to get info about channels. I ask for movie channels NOT sport (there are to many). Their technician was asking for $20 cash for USB cable for HDTV set! The manager Derrel never return a phone call. Their offer was for $29.99/month and now I pay $90.00 for more channels.

I'm talking about bad practice. Now I want to switch two TV sets (HDTV to move upstairs and replaced with another. There is NO way to reach that Service manager.

Melissa of Berkley, MI November 17, 2008

Melissa of Berkley MI (11/17/08)
I received a call on my cell phone a 3pm on 11/17/08. There was a recording for Dish Network for a promotion. I wanted to be removed from the calling list so I pressed one to speak to a rep. The rep offered to sign me up and asked for my name. When I asked to be placed on the do not call list, he said lets sign you up for Dish Network. What is your name and Social Security Number.

I never give out my SS# to anyone over the phone, so I refused and asked to speak to a supervisor. He again insisted that I sign up for Dish and asked for my name and SS#. I hung up and tried to call the number back, but it was disconnected. This could have resulted in identity theft if it wasn't Dish Network, but I called the company and was assured that it could have been one of thier reps.

Paula of Kosciusko, MS November 14, 2008

Paula of Kosciusko MS (11/14/08)
I have called at least 7 times to customer service to complaint about my dish service. My screen goes black on certain stations. Every time I call they say they will turn a report into the technical department, but nothing has been done. My first call was at least 6 months ago. I am wondering how long does it take these people to help you?

Don of Portage, MI November 14, 2008

Don of Portage MI (11/14/08)
I had service for several years and was on a month to month, after completing the contract. My receiver went bad and DishNetwork want to charge me to have a technician come out. I decided to cancel service and go to my local cable company. DishNetwork customer service specifically indicated they would cancel the service, I had to request the refund be mailed to me (otherwise they keep your money), and they sent a box and return label so I could return the receiver...indicating that I was not to climb on the roof to remove anything. The service was cancelled, the refund check received, the equipment returned (make sure and keep all copies of the UPS label) and now I have received a bill for $159.00 for unreturned equipment.

I emailed feedback and have kept all emails from Richard P at DishNetwork. He continuously apologizes for any inconvenience, but will not zero out our statement and indicates that until the equipment is returned he can't zero it out. I have the proof of delivery, date signed and received...so what more is a person to do? I have filed form 2000F with the FCC and I am waiting to hear from them. I will also file a complaint with the BBB. Something needs to be done about DishNetwork and their fraudulent billing people for equipment that was returned.

To top it off...I've paid rental on this equipment long enough to pay for it probably over 10 times. DON'T USE DISHNETWORK...stick with your local cable company...and don't sign contracts to watch TV. This could possibly be placed against my credit report. DishNetwork has no right to charge the fees, do not itemize the charges and refuse to zero our statement even after submitted proof of return.

Katharyn of Las Vegas, NV November 14, 2008

Katharyn of Las Vegas NV (11/14/08)
The individual that is giving me harrassing phone calls has called three times today alone. He calls every day at least one time. When I tell him no he yells profanities at me. I want it to stop. I have called Dish Network to report him and make sure that I am on their do not call registry. I am on the National Do Not Call Registry and have been since it was initiated while doing regular updates.

I am being harrassed by Dish Network. I have the right to say no and not have profanities yelled at me when I do. I am on the National Do Not Call REgistry and I expect a certain amount of privacy with that. I certainly do not expect to be harrassed.

Nurys of Milford, CT November 11, 2008

Nurys of Milford CT (11/11/08)
On a tuesday morning in this instance I recieved 3 conseciutive phone calls about dish network. The first call at 9am was a recording and I snipped at it no just stop calling me! and hung up. At thant point I recieved two more calls all from dish network or it's affiliates, listed above. On the third call I waited for a rep and asked for a supervisor- Larry said no I dont belive you and I dont have a supervisor but you can speak to customer service. I said thank you I'll hold and he disconnected the call.

I have placed my # on the do not call list and have asked numerous times to be placed on the do not call list for this company yet I still get harrassed to the point that I believe I am a joke to them now. If I dont answer a message is left that clogs my message system, preventing me from recieving true messages.

Economic, it takes time away from my studies and I shoiuld not be called if I am on the list.

Alex of Raleigh, NC November 11, 2008

Alex of Raleigh NC (11/11/08)
Dish Network is awful. In 6 months I'm on my 3rd receiver. On dual mode TV1's sound and picture don't match. I installed a Bose 321 to TV2 and now can't get a picture or sound on that TV. Went through 3 different technicians both online and on the phone who were obviously reading from a script. Service experts? Who are they kidding? No one knows what they're doing, if it gets cloudy the picture goes out and it takes an act of Congress to get them to agree to send a technician.

I can't wait until I can get AT&T U-verse so I can cancel my Dish. I still can't get TV to work right.

Ronda of Loving, TX November 10, 2008

Ronda of Loving TX (11/10/08)
i have had a tech at my house and i have called in and did everything they ask me to do and i am about to cancel my dish if someone cant fix the problem. the problem is that i have 3 receivers in the house but only 2 of them pick up the channels they are to. the thrid one works but dont pick up every channel tht it is suppose to.

Carla of Broseley, MO November 10, 2008

Carla of Broseley MO (11/10/08)
Dish tv keeps putting porn movies on my bill. i do not order them i have a lock so no one can order pay reviews. even though i have a lock. they keep telling me that i keep calling them and removing the lock to buy porns. I have never ever ordered any type of pay reviews and never will. I was accused by a lady by the name of Maria in administration yesterday that I was a lier and I was a closet porn watcher.

I never ordered theses movies and they will not look into it they say someone in the house is ordering them but at the times of these movies that are suppost to be ordered, its just me and my dogs and i know they arent calling dish and removing my locks. They have refuses to take them off my bill. I have talked to numerous people in the area with satellight and they all told me that dish was doing that to them too.

i feel that being accused of being a smut watcher is a full defination of my caritor and theese bogus charges and finally messed me up since i am on a buget .

Doug of Stanwood, WA November 7, 2008

Doug of Stanwood WA (11/07/08)
I ordered dish network in July 2008. Install and starting up went well. HOwever, my system started having problems within about 45 days--- inconsistent sound, then signal interruptions. I contacted Dish to get support. They arranged a tech visit, after going through some steps to self-resolve (waste of time). The tech was to call prior to arrival, as we were going to be out during the first part of the 5 hour time frame quoted. This was all known to DISH, and understood. I have no record of anyone from Dish contacting me at home or on my cell.

 At the end of the day, I contacted Dish myself, only to find out that the tech supposedly didn't have a cell phone, and so didn't call to let us know he was coming, and then when we weren't home at the time he arrived, he left.... no message on door, no voice mail, nothing. So, I had to reschedule the appointment for the following weekend. The tech called after my phone call with DISH, to advise that he had come by, no one was home, and that he had come into the back yard to check the cables. The tech apparently didn't bother to latch the gate, so my dogs got out that afternoon. LUCKILY, I happened to be in the front yard at th time, so they didn't go anywhere. One of the dogs is deaf, never goes out by herself, and could have easily been struck by a car.

To top it off, (I later find out) the cables were never fixed that day anyway. Another technician comes the following week. Discovers the cables outside are loose, and tightens them up. The problems with reception/service resolve (apparently). Now, the original request for the technician visit wsa under DISH NETWORK'S 90 day installation warranty, and so the visit should have been free. However, Dish has charged me $29.00 for the visit (not much, I know, but the principle counts), and refuses to reverse the charge, saying that the request and visit were outside the 90 day window. I counted the days, and my initial request was solidly inside the 90 day window.

A hassle requiring hours of my time to resolve with DISH. $29.00 fee listed on bill, which I have to fight and/or risk a negative credit report. Their customer service in this matter has been far less than stellar. I have complained about both the charge and the initial repair visit... which seems to me that they should at a minimum write off the $29.00 fee and maybe even more... but nope. They won't

Whit of West Branch, MI November 6, 2008

Whit of West Branch MI (11/06/08)
I have had Dish Network for approx 12 months...5 months in the system stopeed working, when I called for service they had me run thru 20 minutes of tests before they decided it was the dish. The representative said they would send out a Service Tech to find out the problem, when he arrived 8 days later, the problem was a corroded part on the dish...shich they wanted me to pay for and the service fee for the call on a piece of equipment intended to outside that was 5 months old. They apparently used Deffective parts and when I refused to pay and told them they could come pickup their system, they decided to credit the billing from my account.

Then 2 months later it quit working again, and again were without tv for approx 12 days. No Charge this time due to being within a ceratin number of days from previous repair. When over the next 3 months we had over 72 days of not being able to recieive some channels at all, and others went in and out...I emailed and cancelled the account. They responded by email that I would have to call which i did on 9/24/08 to the customer service and was then switched to the account specialist to disconnect.

I went thru their whole speil of charges and even told them to go ahead and ship the boxes to pickup the unit, and then told them I would dispute any remaining contract charges due to ineffective service and the lemon equipment they provided that worked less than half the time. After they argued with me that they would still charge me for balances, I told them to ship the boxes and hung up.

2 weeks later i recieved my next bill, i emailed and told them i cancelled the account and would not be paying, and they told me to call. I emailed back 3 times telling them that i did call and disconnect, and they said i still needed to call in. well I finally called in and was told the account was not closed because i did not let the representative to her satisfaction tell me of my rights and responsibilities. We will now see what happens from here..I do not plan to ever pay this company for defective equipment, poor service and very poor customer relations. And if there is any further update to this information I will update this information

if they put any notation on my credit, and any charges that they send to court.

Kim of Lenexa Ks, KS November 4, 2008

Kim of Lenexa Ks KS (11/04/08)
4 am 11/6/08 dish tv receiver is out. i spent an hour for the 4th time since Sept. 3rd tring to get my hd to work right. i have been a paying customer since 1999 and until i upgraded to hd i had good service but now they [are bad]. i have not had exceptable picture for 60 days and when i got my bill i call and asked why i'm being billed for bad or no service. the answer was we allready gave you free upgrades and free hbo and stars for 3 months. i told them that i dosen't matter if it was free if couldn't use it.

i said i think Direct tv is giving free everything but since it is not istalled in my home i dosn't do me much good! all i got was attitude no satifaction. it may cost me $240 or so to cancle, but it is not about the money, it is about the service!

out 2 months service and heeps of stress dealing with thease guy not metion 3 days of time off work waiting for service guys to show up about $1500 worth of work missed.

Jacksons of Albuquerque, NM November 2, 2008

Jacksons of Albuquerque NM (11/02/08)
Began service with Dish Network in March 2008. In October of 2008 found out we were moving to another state so I called Dish to have them place the account on HOLD while we transitioned into a new home. Receieved an email message on the 27th of October billing for the whole amount not the $5 for putting the account on Pause.

I called Dish on 11/1/08 and was informed that #1 I had told the representative I would call and tell them when to put the account on hold (I had told them the 22nd of October when I called on the 16th of October). I was also informed that under the promotion that we signed up under the account is not allowed to be placed on hold. I informed the representative that was stupid and I will be cancelling this account as soon as we are settled. This wouldn't be such a big deal but we are currently living in corporate housing and have no idea how long we'll be there. Directv was much more reasonable -you could put the account on suspense for up to 6 months. No questions asked and no problems. If Dish really wants to keep their customers they need to try working with them.

Because Dish won't place the account on hold until we are settled in -we are stuck paying the $57 bill for services not received in a place where the phone has been disconnected.

Andrew of Dallas, TX November 2, 2008

Andrew of Dallas TX (11/02/08)
We canceled our service in August, and the customer service agent at Dish Network said they would send a box to pick up our receiver and remotes. Two weeks later, I had not received the box. I called back and the representative said the box had not been sent out but that it would be sent shortly.

A couple of weeks later (on 9/13/08) having not received the box, I sent an email stating that I had not received the box to return the equipment. I even offered to drive to a nearby location and hand deliver the equipment to them. I received a reply stating that the box should be arriving shortly.

On 10/26/08, I received a bill from Dish Network saying that I owe for the equipment which was not returned. The representative stated that the equipment must be mailed back to them and that there was not a close location for me to take it to them. I feel as if I the company is being less than honest with me; although, it may simply be an innocent error on their part.

Bill of Carlsbad, CA October 29, 2008

Bill of Carlsbad CA (10/29/08)
I have been trying to cancel this service since September 3, 2008. I HAVE TRIED TO CANCEL THIS SERVICE SINCE SEPTEMBER 2008. I NO LONGER RESIDE AT THIS ADDRESS. I have placed numerous calls to your number to cancel this service. I have jumped through hoops to try to cancel this. I have been disconnected and your staff has told me they cannot call out on their lines therefore they cannot call me back.

[Their] service staff has not allowed me to cancel this, instead they insist on asking me for a new address to move the dish, etc. and transferring me to other departments. I have not been successful in speaking to the correct person. Let me put this very clearly. I do not care what your policy is. I am the customer. I want this service cancelled. I DO NOT WANT THIS SERVICE. CANCEL IT. I WILL NOT BE REPSONSIBLE FOR ANY BILLS AFTER SEPT 1, 2008. Thank you.

Frustration! They will not cancel this service without talking to me but I have been disconnected each time before they complete the cancellation!

John of Kemp, TX October 29, 2008

John of Kemp TX (10/29/08)
Due to living in a rural area High Speed Internet is not available. I signed a contract with Dish Network for their Silver Internet Package. On 28 Oct. 2008 I received a FAP (Fair Access) notice that I had exceeded my usage limits for a 30 day period and my Internet Access speeds would be reduced. but I would still be able to access the internet. I was not able to access the internet at all. I contacted their customer service section by phone. The representative basically tried to shake me down to buy a more expensive package. I refused to do so and asked to speak to a supervisor.

Another person came on the phone and told me that my new speeds would be very, very, very slow and my computer would time out before it would access the internet. The only thing I could do was buy a more expensive package. I refused and told the man I would not pay for a service I was not getting. I was informed that when I signed the contract I had given DISH permission to directly access my bank accounts and that if I would not buy a more expensive package I'd better modify my internet usage, because I had used 112% of my alloted bandwidth. He refused to put me through to his supervisor.

The FAP policy is probably in the contract, but it is hardly emphasized when they are selling a contract. I sure don't remember giving them permission to access my bank account. They should not be allowed to reduce the sppeds so much you can't access the net at all. The lowest that seems reasonable should be dialup speeds. To be fair after I talked to them I was able to access the net to check my e-mail, but will heartily recommend to others they not use this service. I don't dispute using the bandwidth, though I am not sure how you are suppose to keep track of it. I do think them blocking total access is wrong.

The primary damage was a waste of time dealing with these people, over an attempted coercion into buying a more expensive package, and temporarily being unable to access the Internet for my e-mail

Viola of Waxhaw, NC October 22, 2008

Viola of Waxhaw NC (10/22/08)
I terminated services on 9/5/08, effective for 9/29/08. I purchased from dish network an additional receiver(#381) from dish for my 5th tv at the additional cost of $99. On October 14, 2008, I mistakenly returned my personal receiver along with the dish equipment by prepaid UPS pick-up service. The next day, October 15, 2008, I called dish to request the return of the receiver I had previously purchased. The representative left me on hold for a while, and returned stating, no, we can not return your equipment.

When I asked why, and requested to speak to a supervisor, he said, not until you hear what I would like to offer you. I said no, and suddendly, the niceness changed to arrogance, and irateness. His temperment changed, and he began yelling and screaming, repeatedly, insisting that I listen to what I have to say about an offer that can benefit you in the future. Again, I said no, I don't want to hear it. The more I said no, frquently asking him to allow me to speak to a supervisor.... the nastier, and more irate he became; insisting, I will let you speak to a supervisor when you listen to what I have to offer you.

He refused to transfer the call to a supervisor, and continued screaming to the top of his voice demanding listen to me, I am trying to offer you something, if you will be willing to listen. He was insisting and trying to bribe me into a committed service offer that I was not interested in. This was in my opiionion a form of sales marketing harrassment, and should not be tolerated by consumers. I had enough of his abuse, anger, and irateness and refusals and hung up the phone. Your mediation and intervention will be appreciated. Thank you.

Economic damage = loss of personal property, equivaletto $105.00 and physical and mental stress/anguish through psychologocial marketing sales harressment.

John of Maineville, OH October 21, 2008

John of Maineville OH (10/21/08)
Dish ran an update that was supposed to last 10 minutes. After 45 minutes I called. While I was talking to him, a message came across that my DVR (theirs) was corrupted and they would have to delete everything on it. One yr worth of boxing, movies and even grandchildren on local tv. It included a Pay per View fight from Oct 18th.

I asked if they were reimbursing me the $49.95, they were sorry. they did it on purpose and they did it last year too ! How do I replace the shows and grandchildren on tv ? Curious if they did this to all those who recorded the 10/18 Hopkins-Pavlek fight.

Cliff of New York, NY October 19, 2008

Cliff of New York NY (10/19/08)
dish network calls my home with a telemarketing call, i can get several in a single day. during the automated portion of the call it says press 2 to be removed from our call list, i have done this at least 20 times but they keep calling. so i pressed 1 to speak to an operator so i can personally ask to be removed from their call list. hi can you please remove me from your......CLUNK he hangs up the phone. i tried again again the next day CLUNK hangs up on me again,

i have tried at least 7 times to personally request to be removed and every time iv been hung up on. this kind of marketing is harrasment and should be illegal, and now they just started calling my business as well, so basically im getting several calls every single day from dish network and they refuse to stop calling me, as if i would EVER even consider buy service from these jerks after this!

Anger Irritation a ridiculous waste of my time, distrating me from my work and tieing up my important business phone lines. not to mention a headache every time i see a dish network commercial

Bill of Garden City, ID October 14, 2008

Bill of Garden City ID (10/14/08)
Bought a new Sony Bravia TV and upgraded our service to HD. The person Mike they sent out was a con-artist who tried to take our old TV equipment for a school charity that was a scam and spent much of his time at our house collecting all of our old equipment in our bedroom to haul out with out my knowledge. He then scammed us to by HDMI cables from him which required us to pay him up front. He lied saying that our warrantee was void if we didn't buy cables from him.

We had to find the contractor one up from him and call to ever get the cables we had to pay ahead of time for. All the numbers of his boss on the forms were disconnected. He then did not set up the system correctly keeping it set to 480p instead of the 1080i/p setting. He also did not point the satellite well enough to get HD channels reliably. This problem of the channels cutting out is getting worse. I reported this to Dish TV twice with no results.

They now want to charge me to come out and fix his lousey installation job. If I quit the service they will charge me $240 early temination fee. The installation garauntee is not being honored even though that is why I bought the long HDMI cords from Mike to begin with. What a crooked organization. When my contract is up I will cancel. The BBB doesn't even have a way to report this scam artist company as I have tried.

Phone calls to the local office just end up with a no agent here response. Thank you for at least giving citizens a voice against these crooks. Bad service, poor reciepition, disrespected while being ripped off and I'll have to pay to get them to fix there own ineptetude.

Boyd of Murray, UT October 13, 2008

Boyd of Murray UT (10/13/08)
Recieved a message on our T.V. screen, it said install your new smart cards into your receivers now or you may experience disruption in service. well we never received any new smart cards for dish network. we had been a customer of theirs for six years.

We called the phone number on the screen for assistance and got hung up on six times, the have a new phone system that is giving them problems.We tried to talk to dish network online,funny thing when trying to submit questions online about the smart cards dish network said we needed to install,the online site would not take our e-mails they came back with we entered a zip code that was not associated with our account.Looked at our last statement and it had the exact same zip code? After sending an e-mail we got that straightened out.Called dish network six more times and asked them to send us new smart cards for fear that the ones they sent us were lost in the mail.Dish network guaranteed us they were sent usps and would be at our home soon.The smart cards never arrived.

Dish network shut off our service completely. Called them and ask to have our service turned back on and after spending about two hours on the phone, we were finally told that our receivers are now dead and that they could not restore service and that the only way they could would be to send us out two new receivers and that would take seven to ten days. After a week of trying to solve their problem we canceled our service with them and signed up with their competitor. We were never late with a payment and was with them for six years. What a sad way to treat customers for sure. Maybe they should hand deliver new smart cards to good customers rather than lose them through bad business practices.

Tanya of Honolulu, HI October 13, 2008

Tanya of Honolulu HI (10/13/08)
My son's ph# is listed as someone's contact number, always receiving phone calls of harrassment. called multiple times to tell them take number off list & that they should update it. everytime said okay.

the agent always refuses to call superior but has read a little of phone log about calls incoming from me saying to stop calling, take number off list. my son's only 10 & he's getting harrassing calls.

stress

Jeanie of Princeton, NJ October 9, 2008

Jeanie of Princeton NJ (10/09/08)
I called DISH network on Oct. 1, to have them take an old satellite dish off my roof as I am being fined by the Homeowners association for having two satellite dishes on the roof. I called customer service four times and was told if I wanted the satellite dish removed, I would have to pay $90. After I request to speak to a supervisor, Eugene said he was authorized to drop the price of $90 to $50 for the removal of the old equipment. Again I requested to speak to a supervisor, we were disconnected.

I called back three times more and spoke with Joe, Vince and finally Kevin. During our conversation he gave me his telephone #. During our conversation, we were disconnected and I called the number he gave me and left two messages. I never received a response.

As a result of DISH Network's lack of cooperation and refusal to remove their used equipment, I am now being fined by the Homeowners Association of $500.

Mary of Louisville, KY October 9, 2008

Mary of Louisville KY (10/09/08)
HELP ME TO GET DISH NETWORK TO STOP CALLING ME! I am chronically ill & unable to leave my home most days. I have been getting harassing calls from Dish since this summer. The calls are now 2-3 times weekly. Every time I get a call, I call the 1-800 # listed on Dish website. I have spoke to many rude people who do not take any responsiblity for calls representing Dish Network. They ensure me that I am on their DO NOT CALL list & I have added myself to the national DNC.

On 10-03-08 I spoke with a Dish Network employee Rubin whom claimed to be in the DNC dept. Operator ID-4YI. His desk # 720-514-7637. I also have the number to a 3rd party call center that sales Dish via spoof numbers. I mostly got hang ups when I called and questioned why will Dish not stop calling me? I live in a condo & could not even install a dish if I wanted. I don't know what else to do besides spreading the word about this horribly ran company. I have a log of each phone call for over the past month now.

Harrassment, Emotionally Disturbance.

David of Raleigh, NC September 22, 2008

David of Raleigh NC (09/22/08)
I previously had dish network from 2000 to 2007 with no real problems. When I moved to NC in 2007 in decided to try Directv because of the NFL package. Their service has been fine, but I was persuaded to try Dish again because of their Turbo HD advertising. Bad Move! I have 3 children under 5 and they love Noggin. I went on the Turbo HD site and told the navigator the type of programming I wanted, in particular childrens and educational. They recommended the Turbo Silver package and it showed that I would get all the Disney and Nickelodeon channels including Noggin.

Upon hookup I change the channel to Noggin and nothing is there. I come to find out upon calling that the Nickelodeon channels are not part of the HD package. I let them know that it shows it on the site and I also verified this over the phone with the rep when ordering. To fix the problem I am told that I need to order the top 200 package in addition to what I have ordered for an additional $20.00 per month. I told them I simply could not afford to this and that I felt they should make a concession such as giving me a credit to offset the $20.00 extra. They said no and after 2 hours of getting nowhere with 3 different rep's I was told that if I canceled I would have to pay a $250 cancellation fee.

After another hour of haggling with a manager, they decided to waive the $250 fee, and would send me boxes to send the receiver back (I am still waiting, its been 3 weeks). Additionally, even when the dish was hooked up, it shut off every hour or so all by itself, took about 5 minutes for a picture to come on, and made this horrible blowing noise (maybe this is the Turbo part, more likely a very crappy receiver).

All told, I realize you get what you pay for and will never use Dish Network and will tell everyone I know not to use Dish. Directv happily came and hooked my dish back up and even gave me a $20 credit for the next six to thank me for staying with them. Without sattelite service for 2 weeks while waiting for Directv to come out. I still don't know if they are really going to send the boxes to return their equipment. I have had others tell me they will not send them just so they can bill you for it. I have called 3 times to request the boxes.

John of Atlanta, GA September 18, 2008

John of Atlanta GA (09/18/08)
I received a form letter from DishNetwork on 6/27/08 stating that I need to upgrade my receivers or I would lose service. They also disclosed that I would only be charged 1 penny more for the service. A call to the 800 number confirmed there were no additional fees so I made an appointment for the upgrade. However, in the end I had to buy new video cables and an adapter at my expense, ~$50. I also lost use of my VCR due to lack of inputs on the new receiver. I also was charged more than rate quoted in the form letter.

Repeated calls, emails and chat sessions made no progress on correcting the billing or receiving a credit for the additional costs. Only when I canceled the service service did they offer to make a partial credit.

All along the way the customer service was horrible but more importantly I feel they are not making good on the offer they extended to me and many others in the form letter.

Breech of contract, false advertising, inaccurate billing, undisclosed fees.

Scott of Wauwatosa, WI September 12, 2008

Scott of Wauwatosa WI (09/12/08)
I cancelled my service and returned Dish Networks equipment to them. Dish stated that they would send someone out to remove the dish from the roof the next time they were in the neighborhood. Dish never removed the dish after 3 months. I hired someone to remove the Dish and patch the holes in my newer roof. That cost me $100.00 Now, I am receiving numberous phone calls and invoices from CBE bill collectors. Dish Network is trying to say I had a 18 month agreement with them and that I owe them $80.00 They have threatened to report this un-paid amount the the credit agencies.

$100 in damage to my roof for holes drilled in it to mount the dish.

Benedicto of Palmdale, CA September 11, 2008

Benedicto of Palmdale CA (09/11/08)
I sign up for this Dish network program on May 5 2008, They have this pro if you sign up you are going to receive this free gift. I call all sat how can I get this promo Gift (DVD Home Theater system.) Told me to send the copy of Installaton and the first Bill and you going to recieve your gift. My part is to send them a copy of the installation form that I sign and also send them a copy of the first bill.

So I was wondering why this gift never came and I calllast week Aug 25 2008 to dish network and gave me a web site how to check the situation of that gift. And found out that it was denied.they said a missing pages which is the back of that first bill. My take is they have my contract for 24 month and the account # is indicated in that work sheet (Installation form) and until now I am paying my monntly bill. Please help me to get this people that they dont keep their committment.

I have been waiting for this system and both my tv and 5 month no call no explanation why I didnt recieved this gift but until now I am paying my montly bill which i kept as part of my bargain. Do you think I should cancelled my contract because thet did not kept their committment.

Burnis of Seymour, IN September 8, 2008

Burnis of Seymour IN (09/08/08)
Due to very poor service and constant problems, and pricing, I decided to change from Dish Network to DirectTV. Upon notifying Dish of the change they sent me 2 boxes to return the receiver in. After packaging them and driving them (with my gas) to UPS, I sent them back. They said the did not receive one of the boxes and that I need to pay them for the one that did not show up. I tried to explain that it was their box and their shipping arrangements not mine.

Dish kept saying, get a tracking number from UPS, but UPS said they do not track this type of shipment (the was after I had made several trips to UPS which is 15 miles from my home). I would expect Dish to know that if they made the shiping arrangments. After many, many phone call, a lot of which were with people who I could NOT understand, they turned me over to a credit collection agency. They say my only option is pay over $100 for something I have NO control of.

Now they are threating to have my credit reflect this, which I sure will be an issue when I need to purchase something on credit. I have excellent credit and I 40 years have never run into something like this.

Pat of San Antonio, TX September 3, 2008

Pat of San Antonio TX (09/03/08)
Every day these people call and when I ask to be put on the do not call list they hang up on me and then call again the next day. I have called and talked to Matt who promised to put me on the list but this did not help.

Steve of Caldwell, ID September 2, 2008

Steve of Caldwell ID (09/02/08)
In march of 2008 we upgraded to a newer dish service. We have had nothing but problems since. We have called on numerous occasions to rectify these problems. We paid for a new dish system and were given a faulty receiver,which is documented. Still having problems not of our own doing.

We just want to cancel our dish however there is a $190.00 early termination fee. I feel that because of these continued problems we would be better off without this service. We have spent countless hours on the phone with dish, done what they suggested and still these problems persist. We just want to cancel.

Hours on the phone and given the 'old runaround'. Price we paid for equipment and 6 months of dealing with defective equipment.

Ron of Carmel, CA August 29, 2008

Ron of Carmel CA (08/29/08)
After my signal migrated to another satellite, I phoned Dish Network to arrange to have my dish antenna re-oriented to the new satellite. First Call: They asked for my credit card information in order to qualify me. I refused to give the information, saying it was not needed in order to provide what should be a free adjustment. Second Call: A technician gave me some words to use the next time I phoned so that the service representative would know what my problem was. Third Call: After being put on hold a nearly infinite number of times, and refusing to let me speak to someone with authority, some guy in Manila said I would receive a call in 24-hours in order to schedule a service appointment. They never called.

Same routine as above. However, someone did call to schedule an appt. within a 4-hour window. A technician showed up and could not speak English. He was unable even to read the work order. The technician used my phone ...he did not have a cell... to make a toll call to his supervisor. Turns out, and according to his supervisor to whom I spoke on the phone, the technician did not have right equip., and would have to return.

Return visit scheduled for following Friday. Following Friday: no technician ever showed up. I have had it. I am cancelling the service. Luckily, they do not have my credit card information so they cannot bill me for unreturned equipment.

Consequences: lost subscription fees; much wasted time.

Scott of Hartington, NE August 29, 2008

Scott of Hartington NE (08/29/08)
Annoying phone calls. Changing packages so you have to pay more to receive the programs you want.

Lucky of Polson, MT August 28, 2008

Lucky of Polson MT (08/28/08)
My wife and I have wanted to go to Dish Network and all we were wanting was a BASIC service for television viewing. However we were told that even though we had been with Direct TV for a good ten years we had bad credit as far as Dish Network was concerned because we did not have a credit card. We use our Debit Cards and checks to pay our bills and we do online banking to play them with. Our home is paid off totally we owe nothing upon it. But we own it and there is now outstanding debts upon it as its paid in FULL. But even though the Telemarketing company Dish Network uses said we have bad credit because of no Credit card.

Then to be harrassed with a good ten calls from marketing companies selling the service from Dish network saying one thing and then the company not wishing to do business with us because we have no credit card that is ridiculous. So I am strongly considering filing a complaint with the BIA and also the Federal Trade Commission with the mixed messages we are recieving thus far. All we wanted was to be able to get a basic television service without all the nonsense and instead we get treated badly by a firm that is supposedly to have a good reputation.

FRUSTRATION TO THE MAX and possible consideration of taking legal action ahead due to how this has come about.

Lee of Gaithersburg, MD August 27, 2008

Lee of Gaithersburg MD (08/27/08)
i have been called 16 (sixteen) times in the last 2 (two) days about having Dish Network installed. I have told the person numerous tines this is a business and we are in a building and can not have a dish installed - they keep calling and calling and i tell them to stop and they go on with - sir do you watch TV? at which point i hang up - how do i get them to stop calling me?

business hours being wasted dealing with this company - i also am going to change my service at home to Direct tv because of this

Donald of Corbin, KY August 26, 2008

Donald of Corbin KY (08/26/08)
I was late according to them in returning my Dish Network equipment. They debited from my account 600.00 without my permission. One of their representatives, named Kenya, said that if I would get the equipment and send it UPS and call him with the tracking number, that he would get my money put back into my account. This never happened.

Their debiting this from my account was unauthorized. The person I spoke to when discontinuing my service did not mention this charge for equipment. Numerous requests for action have been ignored and if you ask to speak to someone above a 1st level supervisor, you are given the runaround. They won't even let you speak to voice mail of their superiors. I do have all of their ID codes as I was careful to keep all of this information. I would advise anyone to think twice before getting involved with this deceitful company.

This caused my checking account to go into overdraft. They said that they could do nothing about this.

Norine of Arlington, TX August 26, 2008

Norine of Arlington TX (08/26/08)
I am reporting a very un-customer friendly out come to my request to upgrade to HD DVR services. I placed the order for HD and DVR service and paid the $75.00 advance upgrade fee to my account over the phone. At no time did the sales person tell me the NEW HD dish was larger than my present dish and may not be able to placed in the same place my current dish is located. The service tech arrived on time Sat 08/23 between 8 -12. We both agreed the new dish would not fit on my fence mount like the current smaller dish. So, I showed him to the roof access door and stairs of our condo, he could see other Dish's some mounted to the building and some on tri-pods. He informed he could not install my dish anywhere and not on a tri=pod either, he couldn't do the upgrade, he would call his manager / supervisor and that person would call me back, he left without installing my new HD Dish and DVR box.

THE MANAGER / SUPERVISOR NEVER NEVER CALLED ME, NO ONE FROM SALES OR CUSTOMER SERVICE CALLED EITHER!! I THINK YOU ARE A THE LEAST CUSTOMER MINDED RUDE OVERBARING TV SERVICE COMPANY. I AM CHANGING TO ANOTHER COMAPANY VERY SOON. AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW WHAT [Dish] DID AND DID NOT DO FOR A GOOD CUSTOMER!

COST ME $75.00 UPGRADE FEE, 4 HOURS OF WAITING TIME, FRUSTRATION AND THE COST OF CHANGING TO A DIFFERENT NEW TV SERVICE COMPANY.

Minh of Grand Prairie, TX August 26, 2008

Minh of Grand Prairie TX (08/26/08)
I was not happy with the service so i had the account closed and was treated rudely by an account specialist. She stated that I had 30 days to return the satellite receivers and if I fail to do so then they would charge my credit card for the equipment. Now that 30 days includes the time it takes for them to get the boxes to me, which I haven't gotten after 22 days. When called, on numerous occasions, they won't provide a tracking # even though the rude account specialist told me that they keep track of everything with tracking #s.

How do I stop them from strong arming me by being able to ruin my credit if I refuse to allow them to take money out of my account? What happened to customer service? Do they treat customers badly when they lose an account?

No one would provide a tracking # for the return boxes that I was suppose to receive. Spoke to many operators including their supervisors and was given the same treatment. They will take money out of my bank account if I don't return their equipment in 30 days but they have yet to provide the return boxes and label that they claimed to have sent with no tracking #. What Could I do?

Bill of Junction City, OR August 26, 2008

Bill of Junction City OR (08/26/08)
Some times I receive several calls per day from DISH resellers. I have repeatedly pushed the button when prompted to be removed from the call list. The calls keep coming at all hours of the day into the evening. Calls are disconnected when I push #1 to speak with an operator. While my intention is to speak with a live body to reinforce the fact that I do not want to recive these calls, the phone is disconnected within a minute or two of being on hold and I rarely have ane opportunity to speak with a live person.

My frustration with this is high and these resellers are knowingly violating the law. Upon requesting that my phone number be taken off the do not call list some of the telemarketeers are rude and smart off. I am tired of these telemarketeers and Dish Network for not stopping this harassement.

Sathish of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA August 24, 2008

Sathish of Rancho Santa Margarita CA (08/24/08)
I recived a bill from Dish newtwork claiming reactivatio of services starting July 8th, 2008 when in fact I did not have any of their equipment at my home. I was their customer beginning of 2005 and had switched to cable. When Dish Network was contacted, they claimed that some one called in to activate the account. the customer sercivice representative could not provide me with the name of the person who called or the number that call was received from.

After a few frustrating calls, I was transferred to a gentle man called Eddie who advised me that this could be ID theft. But when i pointed out that Dish network has acvitaved the same package that I had in 2005, he told me that on July 8th at 1:30 MST someone called from my home phone and activated the account. He suggested that I better pay up as soon as possible. I was angry and suggested that they software must have a glitch and that I can prove that no call was made adn I was not lying.

I have since contacted my phone service provider and obtained a list of all phone numbers called for a fee of $25. I now have a proof that no one called Dish from my home phone number. In teh mean time, Dish sends me a letter that my account has been deactivated from non-payment of charges! And I now have abill for #16 and change prorated for a few days of service that was never provided.

When I call back [Eddie], he was arrogant in suggesting that I fax the proof of calls to him and he can take the $16. off my bill. As for the $25 fee, he thought that was my problem and he cannot provide any additional contacts. If required, I can have my lawyer contact their legal department and my lawer should be able to obtain Dish Network Legal department info. [Eddie] was nt going ot give it to me.

Vish of Whittier, CA August 21, 2008

Vish of Whittier CA (08/21/08)
I installed DISH more than 5 years ago in my house. About a year and a half ago, I moved out and rented my house. The renter rang up DISH and had my account changed to her name! Apparently no questions were asked by DISH. To make matters worse, she had set up a password to access any account information.

Last month the renter deactivated the account and vacated my house. I returned last week to my house and asked DISH to resume my TV service when I got the shock of my life. They are saying that I can't access my account or reactivate my receivers since the account is not in my name! I told them they had no business to change the name on the account in the first place without verifying ownership of the property. They are stubborn and refuse to acknowledge their mistake.

Further, they are refusing to change the account back to my name even though I had told them they could verify that I am indeed the title owner of the house. Be warned!!! DISH is not checking ownership of property before changing account information. If somebody requests a name change on an account, they accept without any cross check with property records. My battle has only begun.

Major: My account identity has been stolen and DISH has helped in identity theft and account tampering. Minor: I am unable to reactivate my account and I have no tv coverage.

James of Akron, OH August 12, 2008

James of Akron OH (08/12/08)
My HD doesnt work properly and all they want you to do is call customer service who transfers you to tech and after 40 minutes nothing is done or fixed. All they want is you money. If you ask to talk to a supervisor your put on hold or even hung up on apparently they coul care less,

Im being billed 20.00 a month for a service that doesn't work. If you drop HD service they want to charge 7.00 a month for a reciever that is no good to you. There should be some class action lawsuit filed on behalf of customers and Dish made to have better customer service,

Valerie of Brooklyn, NY August 2, 2008

Valerie of Brooklyn NY (08/02/08)
My Dish service was out From July 30,2008 to present. When I called the office at above number I was told no one will be able to correct the problem until Wednesday August 6,2008. I explained to them I have a son with Autism and how can I explain no tv service to him? This is the third time in four months this problem occured and it was no fault of ours.

The tv keeps my son charm and he likes to look at the cartoon channels and smile.

Eileen of Helendale, CA July 31, 2008

Eileen of Helendale CA (07/31/08)
On Monday, July 28,2008, I received a telephone call offering me an upgrade with DishNetwork. This upgrade would allow me to get two new receivers and a lower price on my monthly bill. The person I spoke with that day told me I would receive a call in two weeks to confirm my order and set an appointment for installation.

On Wednesday, July 30 I received a call from the same person asking if I was ready to place my order. I was a little surprised to get the call back so soon but listened to what she had so say. When I agreed to place my order and set a date for installation I was transferred to her supervisor who was Sandy. The call went on and on. First I was told my bill would go down from $62.99 to $49.99. If I wanted to upgrade to a DVR system that would be available for $69.99. I told her I wasn't interested in paying more. So she said she would sign me up for standard.

Anyway, the price of the receivers changed a couple of times and just before I cancelled my order she asked me for my social security number. This was a promotion for new customers and she was changing the account from the current customer to my name so I would receive the new rate. I refused to give any of my social security number to her and I told her to cancel the whole thing. There is no way I would ever give my social security number on the telephone or on the web. I think people need to know this happened so they don't give anyone information that could be used in a bad way.

I avoided any of these problems because I did not complete the transaction.

Rossana of Gretna, LA July 29, 2008

Rossana of Gretna LA (07/29/08)
ordered service. was promised a $50 Visa card and 1st month free (person specifically said I would not a get a bill for an entire month). Never got my gift card and got a bill in less than 2 weeks. When I called to complain, given excuses, such as gift card offer is from a partner and not directly from them. But I called their direct number from their website.

Unhappy with false advertising. Unhappy with the channels. Decided to swith (found better deal). when I called to cancel, they said I was under 2 yr contract- of which I had never been informed. Immediately they threatened to charge me $220 cancellation fee. Very rude. When I asked to speak to manager, there was no manager on duty. then they put me on hold for ever until I hung up. I had previously had Dish Network in a different state and never had any trouble with them.

Cara of Pelham, NH July 25, 2008

Cara of Pelham NH (07/25/08)
Dish Network contractors call all hours of the day, everyday, to sell service. Have been told repeatedly to stop calling and they still call. I am on the Do Not Call List. I have contacted Dish Network only to be told there is nothing they can do since it is a contractor. I will never buy anything from them.

Patrick of Richmond, KY July 23, 2008

Patrick of Richmond KY (07/23/08)
When my wife and I got divorced 18 months ago and I moved into an apartment, I called Dish Network and had the account transferred into her name. For almost a year she paid the bill under her name. She decided to move and I bought the house from her. When I moved back into the house, Dish Network had already been cancelled by her. I decided not to renew.

Two months into living in the house, I checked my bank balance on line and found a debit for $400 issued by Dish Network. Thinking it was a bank error that would be soon cleared up, I did nothing. That same day, I arrived home to find an empty box on my doorstep with instructions from Dish Network to return the receiver in the box, or otherwise lose the $400 they had taken out of my account.

I called Dish Network and tried to explain about the possible consequences of taking $400 out of my account without any prior warning. They said that even though the account had been in my wife's name for the last months of the life of the account, I had signed the lease form in the beginning and was still deemed liable for the equipment. While I don't agree with their reasoning on that, I can let it slide - someone needs to be liable for their equipment.

What I think is wrong is that they were able to take $400 from my account without warning and hold it to ransom while I returned their equipment. Luckily, I had the equipment and was able to return it, getting it there by UPS on July 18th. Today, July 23, I was told by a representative of Dish Network that it would be another 5 to 8 business days before I would receive a refund. They have my money since July 15 and I won't see it again until possibly July 31! Why could they not have contacted me to see if I still had the equipment and could return it before they hijacked my money? This policy stinks!!!

I'm lucky that I can afford to have $400 held hostage for a few weeks while Dish Network wait to get their equipment back and then go through their internal paperwork to decide to give it back to me. But what about the people to whom $400 could be their month's rent, or their children's food or the cost of their medicine? A policy like this where Dish Network takes the money first then asks questions later is dangerous and could seriously hamper someone's ability to live. Also, taking money out of someone's account like that could seriously damage their ability to pay their other bills and cause them to have credit issues through no fault of their own. Is there anything you can do to stop it?

Sandra of Cascade, WI July 22, 2008

Sandra of Cascade WI (07/22/08)
5 to 6 calls per day from DISH resellers. Several issues: 1. We have repeatedly pushed the button when prompted to be removed from the call list. The calls keep coming at all hours of the day into the evening. We are on the DNC list and have been for sometime.

2. Calls are disconnected when we push #1 to speak with an operator. While our intention is to speak with a live body to reinforce the fact that we do not want these calls and we fully acknowledge they violate the DNC list, the phone is disconnected within a minute or two of being on hold and we never have the opportunity to speak with a live person. Our frustration with this is high and these resellers are knowingly violating the law. The final issue that prompted me to write about this issue was when my husband said do NOT call this number again ever Response from reseller: We will call you tomorrow My husband had the person repeat it because he was stunned they would actually speak to him in this manner and so blatantly VIOLATE and DISREGARD the request!

Consequences: 1. Frustration at not being removed from the call list for each of these companies in spite of requesting they never call again 2. Lost time (for two extremely busy people) 3. Stress over not being able to fully control our own choices as consumers when we have been on the DNC list for sometime now which clearly states we do not want to receive solicitations. 4. Being treated with such disregard for the law by a person who clearly knows they can hide behind a phone number that is not coming up on our Caller I.D. nor retracable.

Michael of Rayland, OH July 17, 2008

Michael of Rayland OH (07/17/08)
I have been a very happy Dish Network subscriber for over three years. In March I moved from Florida to Ohio where I found out that the Dish network was unable to provide local channels which was a deal breaker since the need for local weather is very important. The Dish Network was very accommodating when I left Florida and put my account in pause at no charge while I was making up my mind to continue with Dish or not. Because of the local issue I decided to close my account and return the equipment. The last week of May I called customer service to close my account and they said that they would send boxes to my home to return the equipment.

I left Ohio for job training in Alabama and told my wife that when the boxes arrived to return them as soon as possible. Well, time went by and no boxes. After a month I got tired of waiting for the boxes so I called Dish customer service and it turns out they sent the boxes to Florida. Worried that they will charge me for the equipment, I asked them to send the boxes to Ohio and he assured me that I would not be charged and that my time to return would be restarted. Needless to say we are still waiting for the boxes and they took out $600 out of my bank account yesterday.

I called customer service for the third time and they said that they sent out the boxes and since there is a provision in my contract to automatically take out funds from my bank account they have the right to take out the $600. I tried to explain the situation and told the representative that I still havent received the boxes and that the person I talked to the last time extended the return time. She told me that there was nothing she could do for me. She said she would send out another set of boxes and that it could take up to two weeks after receipt of equipment to receive the $600.

The Dish network should have tried to contact me about the equipment before taking out the $600. It seems to me that they really do not want the equipment since it is now old and the $600 will help their bottom line. I was a Dish supporter, but no more. Because I just started a new job after being out of work for three months, $600 is a major inconvenience.

Curt of North Hollywood, CA July 16, 2008

Curt of North Hollywood CA (07/16/08)
asked for support on account internet access. They said they could not reset the password or do nothing at all or had no other tier of support or other number to call. they just said fix it yourself, basically and kept repeating the same stuff over and over like robots.

No access to account from internet at all.

Vijay of Kanpur, WV July 16, 2008

Vijay of Kanpur WV (07/16/08)
my dish tv connection is not working properly for the past 10 days.even after repeated complaints nothing has been done. I deposited the rent for period jan2008 to jan 2009 through slip no.208 in jan 2008 still they have not taken it in their account.

Pearl of Fremont, NC July 10, 2008

Pearl of Fremont NC (07/10/08)
I called to get satilite in our bedroom for my husbands birthday. I was told that I was due for a update. That I was able to get a $100.00 rebate if I got a DVR. I was told that the person that installed it would leave me the paper work to get the rebate. The boy forgot to leave it. I called and they told me they would mail me one. After waiting a few weeks I called back, they said they could see where I called and that one had been sent. I waited a week or so and called back, only to be told that one had been sent, but was sent to the wrong address. They asssured me that one would be sent that day.

After waiting a reasonable amount of time, I called back, this time I was told that the rebate offer was out of date. I tried to explain that I had been trying to get the coupon ever since I received the instulation. I talked to a supervisor who told me the same thing. I havae been trying to find out who to call or write that could help me. I have just got the bill paid. I paid a little each month until I got it paid for. I tried to tell them from the beginning that we were on a fixed income and could not afford to pay for a DVR. They assured me that with the rebate I could get cheaper than with a regular box. Which I called to get in the first place.

The only damage that I have is that I do not trust DISH NETWORK anymore. God Bless,

Paul of North Port, FL July 9, 2008

Paul of North Port FL (07/09/08)
Changed from cable service to dish network in June, 2008.

The channels that are advertised are mis-represented. Dish network claims that I would have all the same local channels that I had with cable in the package that I selected. I do not get any local channels. If it rains the service is lost. Being that rainstorms are a daily occurance in Florida throughout the summer this is my main concern! I have contacted dish network and was told that all satellite (dish) services are affected by weather conditions. All it takes is a light rainstorm and the reception is lost with an error screen that reads aquiring service and the reception is lost for at least thirty minutes each time it is lost. I have lost reception 5 - 6 times per day on some days. It is entirely dependant on the weather.

All subscribers must sign up for a two year service agreement which is all about dish network and offers no customer protection for problems such as mine. The service is not acceptable and I am inquiring about what a consumer can do if the service is NOT acceptable?

Kamran of San Diego, CA July 9, 2008

Kamran of San Diego CA (07/09/08)
I have been repeatedly getting calls, around 5 calls a day from their call center that's most probably located offshore. I have been and am a dish network customer for years now. I told them again and again to take me off their calling list but they would not listen. Eventually after about 4 weeks of continous calling from them (5 times a day!) I lost my temper and the customer support rep at the other end hung up the phone.

I got a call immediately after he hung up again from dish network (since the calling number was the same ) but this time it was a girl with Pakistani accent who started to seduce me. I cannot believe that dish network could stoop so low. They are still calling me 5 times a day!

The consequence of all this is that I am being disturbed at odd hours. My important calls get interrupted because of their calls which are 5 times a day and I dont have any way to stop all this nonsense. Specially, the tactic that they used to have a Pakistani girl call me to seduce me on the phone - that shows the credibility of dish network as an organization - its a shame.

John of Mount Morris, IL June 22, 2008

John of Mount Morris IL (06/22/08)
We have subscribed to Dish 100 for 6 months now. We had Dish Network for several years until 3 years ago when we moved and decided to save cable running and use Comcast cable because we also had Broadband internet with them. Then we decided to try Dish Network again due too Comcast increasing their charges and not improving service. But Dish Network is hardly problem free.

We have many issues with pixel problems showing up in some of the channels. Our signal appears to be marginal at best. Of course Dish technical tells us signal level is OK. However when a technician comes out they indicate that it is weak. I personally think the digital compression is getting worse and is probably due too Dish adding HD channels. I know bandwidth must come from somewhere. I had the same problem with Satellite Radio XM. They sounded great at first. Then after adding so many channels they became so compressed, some music channels were worse then MP3. I really advise people considering Dish Network to make sure you can get out of your agreement if you end up like me unhappy with the quality.

Stuck with Dish until contract expires.

David of Salem, SC June 9, 2008

David of Salem SC (06/09/08)
I do not have their service, I have DirecTV who I am satisfied with. Dish Network sales people call me every day and have for the past year and I have two phone lines. I have asked many times to be added to their do not call list and recently I submitted my name to the National Do Not Call List. The people that call are absolutely the most unprofessional group in the business today. When asked to be removed, they hang up and several of them have used foul language. They say they have many call centers and that this call center is calling for the first time.

For the way they have treated me in just trying to solicit my business, I will NEVER do business with the DISH Network. We are people who answer our phones because our children live far away and our parents are ill. Many times we have run to the phone to hear the same thing over and over and over again from a company who has absolutely no concern about how much of an inconvenience they cause. I hope they go out of business.

Vickie of Beaver Dam, KY June 8, 2008

Vickie of Beaver Dam KY (06/08/08)
I made a payment arrangement to pay my past due payment on 6-6-08 and told me that our programming would not be interupted! Today 6-7-08 we have no programming! The payment was at a contracted business at 10:00am 6-6-08 we were watching programming last night. Why does this happen,the payment should not take long to post on computer.

my services was interrupted. My husband is dissabled and this is entertainment while I am at work.

Earlen of Belgrade, ME June 6, 2008

Earlen of Belgrade ME (06/06/08)
At 1.27pm on 06/06/2008 my wife answered a phone call from a telermarketer for dish network and after he finished telling her about it, she told him she was not interested and would he please see that our name was removed from the call list. His reply to her was... [an extremely crude comment]. needless to say she couldn't beleive what she heard and said to him (what did you say) and he repeated it. I intend to file a formal complaint with consumer protection Monday morning against dish network.

Elettra of Landrum, SC June 6, 2008

Elettra of Landrum SC (06/06/08)
If it's any use, the company cuts transmission during times when I am asleep and taping- - -beCAUSE I cannot stay awake, etc. Seems obvious that they should do mechanical sdjustments on their OWN time. I can't afford an attorney for such a tiny thing as this- - - so, forget it. That's what they count on.

Vivian of Daytona Beach, FL June 3, 2008

Vivian of Daytona Beach FL (06/03/08)
I move from Altamonte Springs FL to Daytona Beach FL on April 26. I call on April 26 for Dish Network to pick-up their equiqment about six times between April 26 to June 2. Each time they say that the boxes will be deliver 7 to 10 days. I have not received the return boxes. I can not pay for this equipment because their policy is after 30 days payment will be applied to me. I am a unsatisfied customer. What do I need to do?

Laura of Fort Worth, TX June 3, 2008

Laura of Fort Worth TX (06/03/08)
Yet again I come home to find that Dish Network is not working on some channels. I spend a total of 36 minutes on the phone speaaking to someone in India who can barely speak English and after going through all the steps to fix my problem to be told that I will need a technician to come to my home at a charge of $29 on Friday (5 days from now) between noon and 4:00. I work for a living! As a single person if I don't work there is no money coming in. I ask if they could possibly come after 4:00 and I' told No.

Last month my remote was working and I had to purchase a new one at a cost of $35. I am very upset about the lack of customer service Dish Network provides. They are very happy to take money from Americans for a service they sometimes provide but can't hire Americans to handle concerns (or at least someone we can understand) from their clients nor will they provide the service unless they pay an extra fee. I'm already paying over $70 a month for service. I was told my contract expires in August 2008. In a few months I will be looking elsewhere for a television provider.

Humara of Lorton, VA May 17, 2008

Humara of Lorton VA (05/17/08)
I been dish network customer since 7 or 9 years and never late on even 1 payment ever,but always have problem to watch programs i am paying for and when ever I called them it took hour or more each time and there tech support ask me to do lot of thing but atlast always they cannot fix the problem and told me that we have to send the tech to you with the charge of $29.00 and after few days or some time after few months same problem,

whenever I asked them to let me talk to supervisor they hasitate to let me talk to him or they said no one available right now. I am paying for the programs I cant able to watch and scared to call them because calling them is wasting your hour or more and result is none except they schedual the tech to come out and a charge of 29$ and you have to take a day off to wait for them and still paying a lot of money every month for nothing. I am really frustrated now and keep talking to them and I able to talk to one of there supervisor (TOBY) and explain him everything but result is nothing. Please solve my problem If anyone else have these international channel available I will never have dish network service but I have my mom she is ill and have to be stay home all the time thats why i have these international channel.

I am paying them since 7,8 years and hardly able to watch these channels I am payng for and all the time have to spend lots of time on phone with them and take a days off all the time to stay home to wait for tech to fix the problem Rather then saving these days to take my kids or my self to the doctor in result I have to take days off without pay

Gene of Mt.vernon, IN May 13, 2008

Gene of Mt.vernon IN (05/13/08)
Dish Network problems. I am paying for services that I am not receiving. Can we get a group of consumers together to ligitate this?

Not receiving the channels that I was promised

Sonja of Cotati, CA May 12, 2008

Sonja of Cotati CA (05/12/08)
After 11 years with Dish Network, never a late payment and always paying for their highest Premium Package, we are disgusted and shocked at the treatment we received from Katie at Dish Network. She kept calling our house asking us to perform tests checking for phone lines being hooked up on all of our receivers (we have 5 Dish Network receivers, 4 of which are also DVR's). I refused to perform these tests because we don't have phone lines hooked up on our receivers (we get all the HBO, Showtime, Max, Starz, etc. - why would we order pay per view movies?)

I asked Katie to stop calling us about this. She persisted. I asked her if she wanted to lose us as customers by persisting in demanding that we perform test on all 5 receivers. Apparently, she didn't care. I asked her when our contract was up (after all, when we lost East/West coast channels a year and a half ago, we UPGRADED with two more DVR's so that we could tape more shows at the same time) and she said August (not true). I said, fine, you keep calling me and by August I will cancel our service. That was the end of the conversation. I did not yell, berate, or curse or otherwise misuse dear Katie. I did, however ask to talk to her supervisor, and she would not let me. Fine, that was the end of the call.

This was on Saturday morning. Katie must have taken matters into her own hands, because she shut off the service to four of our receivers and left us only one to watch over Mother's Day weekend. She also vindictively locked our account so that no sane customer service rep could unlock it when we called back in. We did reach a very nice customer service rep (agent #2S3)who told us he didn't understand why she was asking us to test phone lines because our receivers do not require a phone line (you think after 11 years we didn't know that?), but he could not fix it until we called this other number where Katie was at.

The consequences are that we got a much better deal from Comcast for the same premium packages. We cancelled our Dish Network.

Jim of Dallas, TX May 8, 2008

Jim of Dallas TX (05/08/08)
My DVR 722 has been acting up and basically gets to the point you can't control it. All you can do is unplug it and plug it back in and wait 5 minutes for it to come back up. I called Dish Network tech support and after getting disconnected by 2 different people who put me through 20 minutes of the same questions, I called back a 3rd time and had the person tell me the DVR needed to be replaced. So I asked what could be done to get the current recordings off and onto the new DVR. I was told that wasn't possible, unless I wanted to have them enable a port for an external harddrive and that would cost $40. I asked if there was a way to have the port enabled for a couple days to give me time to copy the recordings over and they said no, once it was enabled it couldn't be removed.

I asked to speak to a manager as it doesn't make any sense to me why I should have to pay $40 for something that isn't my fault and not something I ever plan on using again. The manager said the same thing that there wasn't anything they could do. She said they could apply a $20 credit for the trouble I was having with the DVR so I told her to go ahead. She put me on hold, came back and said the credit had been applied and the port enabled for the ext. hard drive. I never told her to enable the port and she proceeded to insist that I had given her the ok. I told her to remove the credit and the port activation as I wasn't playing for it. So now suddenly it was possible for them to remove the port activation.

This really upsets me since I don't feel I should have to pay anything to resolve a problem with their equipment. I know other people have experienced this problem and had to lose recordings because of equipment issues out of their control. What bothers me the most is that Dish Network simply doesn't care. It costs them nothing to activate that port, yet even though the problem is with their equipment, they won't waive the feel to help keep a customer happy. I just don't get it, but can assure you that I'll be cancelling my service once my contract is up. I think Dish needs to take a lesson from Tivo - with the Tivo DVR you can their DVR to a computer without any charges!

Glenn of Perrysburg, OH May 3, 2008

Glenn of Perrysburg OH (05/03/08)
It took my 2 phone calls, 7 letters, including one certified letter, to get the $100 rebate promised. I ended the service and they wanted me to climb onto the roof to retrieve a portion of their equipment. I have NEVER had such lousy service in my life.

Beth of Santa Monica, CA May 1, 2008

Beth of Santa Monica CA (05/01/08)
Dish Network has horrendous customer service. Our receiver completely went dead. We were told that they will send out a replacement with in two days. Three days went by it did not come. We called again (after being switched around 2x's and having to tell the same story over and over). The order was never placed. They assured me that they would send it out immediately and overnight at their expense. 2 days go by- it has not arrived. Call again talk to supervisor... we are sorry for you inconvenience I assure it will go out today and be overnighted.. another day, another day no receiver.

No[w] it is 8 days. Call again and was told that order was never placed. I asked what could possibly be happening. Sometimes, they explained, your order does not process correctly and not sure why no one called us. Finally someone there connected with a senior supervisor (someone I was not allowed to talk too-they assured they took care of it and it would come. 3 days later (10 days total) no receiver. Unbelievable. The ironic part is I am a valued customer. What happens to those not valued. I am canceling with them and moving on. Customer is a horrendous system where everyone is programmed to just apologize and not really take action. How can you run a company like this?

Barbara of Summerfield, FL April 30, 2008

Barbara of Summerfield FL (04/30/08)
I got a new cell phone the end of last year and they keep calling me to pay my bill for Roberto. I explained numerous times that I wasn't that person and they are still harassing me. How can I stop them? My cell company can't block their calls. I don't nor ever had Dishnetwork. That doesn't seem to satisfy them.. They call my cell every other day. a new number for them called today. HELP!

The use up my minutes and threaten to take me to court.

Tyler of Romeoville, IL April 15, 2008

Tyler of Romeoville IL (04/15/08)
I was charged $9.95 for an adult pay-per-view that I did not order or view. I phoned Dish Network and they were unwilling to give me a refund.

Wil of Flowery Branch, GA March 12, 2008

Wil of Flowery Branch GA (03/12/08)
Had Dish since 1997 (11 years) and finally had enough of their customer no-service from India. After contacting the executive offices of Echo star and Charlie Ergen, I realized again after 11 years I decided to cancel my service and just deal without TV. I was transferred to the retention who started quizzing me about why and what TV provider I was going to use, and I said RABBIT EARS or no TV at all. I was tired of the customer no service, and the terrible stations that are forced on us with no choice. The representative said that my reason was not good enough, and they would not turn off my service. This went on for a month, and I finally impressed upon them that I would not pay for TV any longer, that I was not a subscriber; and they said they would ruin my credit report.

I wrote three certified return receipt letters to Charlie in Colorado. My service was then turned off, albeit I got billed 20 bucks for it. I paid this amount. To this day I get a zero dollar email statement that every month I forward to DISH whose Customer NO SERVICE every month have to have my phone number; and after going though the motions, they promise I would not receive any more zero dollar bills. Well, you got it. I keep getting them.

This is basically written to get this off my chest as I know no one cares what DISH does, or it would have stopped long ago. I just wish that DISH would stop zero billing me, calling me to come back. I have since October lived totally without TV service as I am in the country, no cable availability and I will not try Direct as I have heard horror stories about them being as bad as DISH No-CUSTOMER SUPPORT. I for one would rather eat dirt than give them good money for NO SUPPORT. I just wish these annoying zero dollar bills would stop. But I guess DISH and the public get what they pay for when they outsource to India to pay .47 cents an hour wages.

Darrin of Avonmore, PA March 8, 2008

Darrin of Avonmore PA (03/08/08)
Dish network solicited a 40 dollar rebate if you signed up for Starz Movie pack. They said just send in 3 bills showing you had purchased starz. My december bill showed I purchased showtime. I called customer service and they assured me that when i get my January bill it would reflect that I had starz for December and January. I never recieved the January Bill. I called and asked for a duplicate. They refused to send it and told me to go online to retrieve it. I went online but could not retrieve it. I again complained but got no results or proper assistance.

I called again and finally was connected to an Executive. He said I was doing something wrong if I couldn't retrieve past bills online. I informed him I tried numerous times and can only get current bills. He said he would send me statements from December, January and february. Today I recieved a duplicate for my March bill. I also noticed it didn't show on the back of the bill that I had Starz. I have been a dish network subscriber since 1998. I find this to be extremely aggravating and have given up trying to get the 40 dollar rebate.

Thelma of Charleston, WV March 3, 2008

Thelma of Charleston WV (03/03/08)
I canceled my Disk Network Service in WV on January 5, 2008 and returned the receiver to the company on January 21, 2008. They sent me an UPS mailing label, not a box, to my Florida address. On January 21, 2008, I mailed the receiver using their mailing label and shipped it from Palm Bay Florida to their company in El Paso, TX. As of March 4, 2008, they still have not given me the $100 credit for the equipment. Dish says they didn't receive the equipment and won't give me their tracking number that was on their mailing label.

I have called Dish Network 6 times and explained this problem to 6 different customer reps who couldn't speak clear English. Frontier Communications sold me the Dish Service as a package deal for telephone/internet/TV; I complained to them. Dish Network won't give me a local telephone number of their branch in El Paso TX. What do I do now?

Salli of Wahoo, NE March 3, 2008

Salli of Wahoo NE (03/03/08)
I had Dish installed in 8/07. After 30 days, called because receiver 322 would go to the error screen. A tech walked me through the steps to fix this. About 30 days later, same problem. Called again, another tech walked me through the same steps to fix problem. Told me to just try it for another 30 days to see if this fixed the problem for good. Did not wait the full 30 days before same problem. This time I told them that someone had better come out and fix it or take it out. I had not been able to reach the installer, so Dish sent someone else. They had to rewire the entire outside because the first installer had pieced together about 5 sections of the cable and he said it would eventually be nothing but problems, especially when it rained and snowed. Dish tried to charge us a fee for this, but we got them to take it off because this problem had started before the 30 day trial period was over.

About 60 days after this, the receiver has error messages: check switch, reception error, signal loss. This has happened every other day for two weeks. They are sending someone out in a few days, but again at a cost to me. If I did not have the 2 year commitment, Dish would be gone. I tell everyone that I know interested in satellite TV to not get Dish. I think it is unfair that we would have to pay a penalty to get out of a contract that has not worked correctly since the day it was installed.

I still have problems with this unit. Has not worked properly since it was installed. No physical damage, just frustration.

Mike of Absarokee, MT February 29, 2008

Mike of Absarokee MT (02/29/08)
DISH ADVERTISES 100 MOST POPULAR CHANNELS IN THEIR Basic Program Package. COUNT THEM--73. Several are duplicates. Less than half can be considered Popular Advertising which has expanded from 1-2 minutes, and now it's 5 minutes. Why am I paying Dish for advertising when the corporates are paying also?

DISH TV uses the bait and switch game and plays dumb. They are cheaing thousands (especially old folks) out of their mney and offer nothing to help consumers.

Brian of East Brunswick, NJ February 15, 2008

Brian of East Brunswick NJ (02/15/08)
For the last six months I have had a cell phone provided to me by my employer. In those six months I have received automated telephones calls from Dish Network, both in English as well as Spanish seek payment for services. I do not have Dish Network services, never had nor at this point ever will have Dish Network. I have called their customer service line six times since receiving this cell phone number and have told that the person who used to have this number does not have it anymore and to please stop trying to reach them at this number. On each call they have assured me that the calls have stop and today I received 4 phone calls, 2 in Spanish and 2 in English. If this is an example of their customer services I feel sorry for their customers.

Billy of Rutherfordton, NC February 13, 2008

Billy of Rutherfordton NC (02/13/08)
I ordered dish network Jan 2007, got the high def package in Feb 2007. Local channels are not available in high def but was told they would be available in 2-3 months. I am currently paying for the local channels. I have continued to contact dish network since may 2007, asking them when the high def broadcast of local channels will be provided because I have been paying for the service since feb 2007 and they continue to not be able to provide me with a date, not even an estimate date. The interesting thing about this is, I contacted all the local channels in my area and they all provide high def broadcasts since apr 2007. They say the problem is with dish network not wanting to step up to the plate. The real interesting part is, direct tv is providing the broadcast of local channels in high def, they are not charging for local channels and they are charging $10.00 a month less for the high def package. So, based on this, dish network customers are really being unfairly charged for services that are clearly available to this viewing area and at a substantial higher cost.

I am not getting the service I am paying for and paying an additional $120.00 a year for the high def service as well as the $5.99 fee for local channels a month as well. Unfair that we have to pay twice as much for the same service provided by direct tv and not getting what we are paying for as well when it is clearly available to the public.

Chauncey of Oceanside, CA February 10, 2008

Chauncey of Oceanside CA (02/10/08)
We have been with Dish for over 3 years, we have made many complaints to them on their programming and all the PAID COMMERCIAL PROGRAMS that they show. Then when I went to turn on my television, we had NO services, NOTHING. I called Dish and they said they turned off my services so I would call them, they wanted my physical address! They had NO rights what so ever shutting me off, and NO rights to my physical address. We had this Dish installed in our RV and our bills have been paid and our bill WAS paid and they shut us off saying they would NOT turn us back on unless I gave them a physical address that they had NO right to!

I plan on taking Dish to court for them turning off our services more than once to get our address that they have no right to. They have crossed the line. Furthermore, when we did sign up for Dish, we did NOT agree to pay to watch all these paid commercials and I have written Dish 5 times but have never, not once got a reply from them. NOT ONCE! And I feel that them shutting down my services even though the bill was paid, so they could acquire an address was not only intrusive, out of line but illegal and I want to bring charges against Dish for doing this.

Carly of Belle Vernon, PA January 22, 2008

Carly of Belle Vernon PA (01/22/08)
I used to work for Dish Network. I have read most of the complaints here. While I was working at Dish Network, I was aggravated by how RUDE the customers were. Now, not all of them were rude, but most of them. Seriously, do you expect everything to be free? Just like any other company, Dish has rules and policies that they have to follow. Now I know some people who are in the customer service field shouldn't be working in customer service. Trust me I know. I have about 7 years of customer service experience. I can deal and work with different types of people. But let me tell you, if you are extremely rude to the Customer Service Rep, they aren't going to help you. Just a piece of advice.

Victoria of Fuquay Varina, NC January 17, 2008

Victoria of Fuquay Varina NC (01/17/08)
I have been receiving harrassing phone calls from Dish network that my bill is in default. I have made several calls and been advised that my bill is not in default. I am now getting phone calls 2x week that they are going to turn my programming off, and now charge my credit card for the use of the equipment unless I return the equipment. I have made several calls to get these phone calls to stop but with no success, this has been going on for about 2 months.

The phone calls come in the middle of the day and in the evening. I feel I am being harrassed by Dish Network for no good reason. I have spoke to several representives and no one can explain why I am getting these harrassing call. I would like it to stop.

Jody of Henniker, NH January 8, 2008

Jody of Henniker NH (01/08/08)
Dish Network offered a $100 rebate to sign up for their service. After completing all of their forms and submitting them on time, they denied the rebate. Then, after making 6 or 8 telephone calls to resolve it, their representatives agreed to honor the rebate. After 3 months of 'no action', today we received a short, curt denial letter. Forget Dish Network - they lie.

John of San Diego, CA January 7, 2008

John of San Diego CA (01/07/08)
Beware! This company is hazardous to your credit! We had Dish for several years and received very bad customer service. The final blow came after we ended our contract. We moved to another city and decided to switch to a cable service. We sent back our equipment and paid our final bill and informed Dish of our new address in case there was anything else. Dish credited our account after receiving the equipment, but apparently over-credited us by $50.

They claim they sent out several notices asking for re-payment of the $50, but we never saw them. We would have been happy to re-pay the money, but we weren't aware of what had happened. The only bill we got was from a collection agency many months later, which we paid immediately. Now our credit has a black mark on it because of their mistake. But they've done nothing to fix the situation.

Maryjane of San Antonio, TX January 1, 2008

Maryjane of San Antonio TX (01/01/08)
I was getting poor reception and decided the choice of channels was about the same as I get with rabbit's ears (If you discount the PPV, Latino and porn channels I don't watch) so decided to cancel the service. They wanted to charge me $173 plus a fee from the installer.

I couldn't afford it so I am stuck for another 13 months paying for what I don't use. I hope a class action shows up somewhere!

Hanan of Laguna Niguel, CA December 25, 2007

Hanan of Laguna Niguel CA (12/25/07)
I needed service, and for a week, Dish network gave me the run-a-around. Twice they told me their retailer service center people would come, and they never showed up. When talking to their tech support, one hung up on me and the other left me on hold for 15 minutes waiting to talk to a supervisor--and then the line went dead. I am going back to cable.

Lawrence of Atlanta, TX December 22, 2007

Lawrence of Atlanta TX (12/22/07)
My Dish-Network Statement says that I am paying for America's Top 100 Programming with Locals. However, channels that were in America's Top 100 have been moved to the Top 200, and I am now only getting the Top 60--which according to them doesn't exist. However, they sent me a new channel line-up by e-mail that shows a Top 60, Top 120, and Top 180. I am getting the Top 60. When I asked for a copy of the America's Top 100 channel line-up by e-mail, they said they could not send me one.

Connie of Greeley, CO November 29, 2007

Connie of Greeley CO (11/29/07)
I took advantage of a Dish Network offer to upgrade my DVR as an existing client and receive a one time credit of $100. I had heard about their reputation of not sending the rebate money, but had been happy with the company in the past, not anymore. I have documentation of the rebate form, proof of certified mailing and receipt of rebate at DISH NETWORK.

They said I did not send the form in time, even though I told them I have proof of mailing because of their past reputation. Then they said they could refund me at $10. a month, even though my rebate form indicates a one time $100. credit. The associates start out pleasant and then they go deaf and are rude and unhelpful.

Cynthia of Savonburg, KS November 21, 2007

Cynthia of Savonburg KS (11/21/07)
In May, we received a certificate from a friend to sign up for Dish Network. On the coupon from her it said we were to get Free Activation, Free Movie channel for 3 months, Free Installation and a Free optional DVR or HD Receiver upgrade. We got the free activation and the free installation, but when the technician came to hook up our dish he told me that he did not have any DVR's with him as they were out but he would send us one. We never received it. I called back to Dish Network in August; they were going to send us one in the mail. We never received it! I called again in October. Same story.

I called today and now they want to charge me $149.00 to get it. I told them the situation and now they claim that when we called in to initially order our Dishnetwork that we failed to tell them we wanted the DVR. I told them of the certificate and what it was to include, but supervisor told me that we did not tell them we wanted a DVR. It was supposed to be FREE! I just think they should honor what they advertise!

Lory of Sherman Oaks, CA October 28, 2007

Lory of Sherman Oaks CA (10/29/07)
Dish Network is charging my credit card $300 for a broken equipment that I was never informed to return. I was told by an associate on the phone to trash the equipment. This is a pain of 3 months' mess in my account. I ended up closing the account--and learned my lesson not to believe all their offers.

`

Roger of Fort Worth, TX October 13, 2007

Roger of Fort Worth TX (10/13/07)
Both of these individuals were rude, hostile, and unprofessional. They treated us like we were idiots. Made promises that they immediately back pedaled on or attempted to change. They were rude and obnoxious to my wife and I and the Service Technicians from Dish Network. Mark spent 20 minutes arguing with us about transfering us to his supervisor, and then Ken...Who is supposed to be the supervisor continued to  argue with us about every single thing.

Ed of Vancourt, TX September 24, 2007

Ed of Vancourt TX (09/24/07)
I signed up for high speed Internet service with DishNetwork in December 2006. During the 1st week in September 2007 it no longer worked. After waiting 2 weeks for the technician to show, taking a vacation day, no one showed up. When I called, they stated their techs are very busy, apologized for the miss, and rescheduled the tech for the following Monday. I took another vacation day, and again no one showed up.

When I called again to customer service I eventually was told that DishNetwork outsources their service to a 3rd party, who in turn outsourced the service to a vendor who was not trained to repair DishNetwork systems. I was told it would take 3-4 weeks for someone to be trained. I promptly told them to cancel my service. They then had the audacity to try and hold me to my 18 month service contract - hold me to a contract that they couldn't honor themselves.

DishNetwork has a great product as long as it works. When it goes down, their service is the absolute WORST service I have ever experienced.

I earn 20% of my income from home through the Internet. This has resulted in me having to make daily trips into town to access the Internet, wasting my time, wear and tear on my truck, and wasted gas.

Sharon of Dammeron Valley, UT May 10, 2007

Sharon of Dammeron Valley UT (05/10/07)

I was a Dish Network customer for 5-1/2 years, never late on a bill and had premium package plus locals & HBO & Cinemax. When I signed up I received a Dish 501 DVR; when the hard drive died after 5 years they sent me a refurbished 501 with the same 30 hours of recording time. It was a piece of junk, and went out a few months later. I called and was told by a service Rep that their policy is to replace customer equipment with the same model, only a refurbished one. I was told that it would be several hundred dollars to upgrade to a new receiver. They don't make, carry or support the 501 any more.

I called Dish to disconnect my service and they passed me around to a couple of different people in an attempt to get me to keep my service. They offered a new dual channel receiver with 100 hours of record time for $69.00; when I said that I shouldn't have to pay anything for an upgrade she offered to give it to me for free. The way they do business is horrible - one shouldn't have to threaten to disconnect service in order to get Dish to treat valued customers (their words) in the same manner they treat new customers.

Barbara of Corona, CA March 31, 2007

Barbara of Corona CA (03/31/07)

For the past few months, our reception in our family room has gone from bad to worse. I started calling in Jan. of 2007 about the loss of signal. The first three calls took me through the troubleshooting process. The fourth call they sent an install tech to trouble shoot the problem. He said that he could not find anything. Two weeks later the same problem happened, they had me do the troubleshooting process AGAIN, this time with no progress. They tried charging me 39 dollars again to fix a problem that was never fixed in the first place. They sent out a troubleshooting technician. This tech replaced 3 connections that were using substandard connectors. They got the signal to come back on.

Two weeks later the same thing happened, only with one satellite this time, not both. They sent an experienced tech out who looked at the system, and found the problem. He said that it was the cable that was coming into the house, and that it needed to be replaced. The tech finished his work, made sure the system worked properly and said that the problem should've been fixed by the first tech, and that if there was any other problems that the whole system would have to be replaced.

Well, the same problem happened again today, March 30, 2007 and the customer service rep. that I talked to was rude. She told me that it would be 99 dollars to have someone come out and fix the problem. She had me go through the troubleshooting process again and talked to me as if I was seven year old little kid.

Deloris of Danville, IL March 11, 2007

Deloris of Danville, IL (03/11/07)
I have been with Dish since 1996 and have been quite happy with them until last year. They have sent me 2 replacement receivers this year. Since last year, my receiver has been powering off and on by itself and interupting my programming. I have called so many times I can't count. Finally when they sent me the 1st replacement, I started keeping a log of all the times I had a problem and I ended up calling about every other day.

Then they sent me the 2nd replacement a few weeks later as well as a technition to hook it up. He left and it started doing the same thing so I called again and they sent 2 more technitions out to check the dish and the wiring. That didn't help, it is still doing the same thing.

They want me to either keep unplugging the receiver and powering it back on or spend more money to upgrade.

M of Mountain View, CA February 26, 2007

M J of Mountain View CA (02/26/07)
I repeatedly receive calls from Dish Network asking me if I want to sign up. My phone number is on the Do Not Call list and I have repeatedly asked them to not call me again to no avail. This has continued for months. One time I asked to speak to a supervisor and both the representative and his supervisor got on the phone and were extremely abusive and made sexual references. I hung up and called the police and I have also filed complaints on Dish's website and with the BBB and am waiting to see what happens.

Talal of Los Angeles, CA February 12, 2007

Talal of Los Angeles CA (02/12/07)

I have not had proper connection service since the beginning of December 2006. I have been contacting Dish Network on a daily or weekly basis and they have failed to fix the problem. As of to date, I still don't have Dish Network reception. Technicians come to the house to fix the problem, but the problem is never fixed. We have not had TV reception and we are still charged for service.

In addition, it is really time consuming to be sitting on hold for over 30 minutes at a time without even getting the proper help.

Shawn of Redding, CA December 13, 2006

Shawn of Redding CA (12/13/06)

We ordered Dish Network a few months ago when they advertised a lot of free gifts and cash back. They have honored almost nothing. 1. We followed all the procedures to get the free pizza for a year for ordering Showtime. After three letters back and fourth over 5 months, they still didn't honor it. 2. They had a free system which we never got. 3. They had a free airline ticket which wasn’t “free”. 4. We were supposed to get $10.00 off a month, but it took four months. 5. They charged us an extra $5.00 every month for multiple TV’s when we only had one. We tried to resolve the problem with them but they will not honor their agreement so we feel we do not have to honor ours.

Donna of Richmond, TX September 30, 2006

Donna of Richmond ,TX (09/30/06)
This is one of many solicitors that call with a recorded message from a number that appears like a residential number on the caller I.D.  I am already a Dish customer!

When I push "1" to speak to a human being, the minute I say that I am already a customer, I am rudly hung up on.  There is no way to contact anyone to get my number removed from this list as these continous calls are both intrusive and annoying.

Charlie of San Antonio, TX September 8, 2006

Charlie of San Antonio, TX (09/08/06)
I was paying Dish Network $81.00 per month. After I had my roof shingles replaced, my Dish network did not work. I called and asked if they would send someone out to fix it. They said they would charge me $99.00. I mentioned that I had been with them for over five years and they should do it gratis. Support said no.

I suggested that DirecTV would install a whole new system for free and if they wouldn't be flexible, I would change providers. They wouldn't budge so I now have  DirecTV with five months free Showtime, $10.00 off my bill for 15 months, and 12 Pay Per Views free!

Robert of Lowell, MI July 29, 2006

Robert of Lowell MI (07/29/06)
Dish Network calceled service without warning because a receiver was used in Florida. I have used this receiver in Florida during the winter months for the past 5 years with the full knowledge and approval of Dish Network. I have always paid all Dish Network charges and fees in full and on time by credit card on file with Dish Network.

Dish Network states that service was concelled for failure to pay for service although they have a credit card number which they have been charging for the last 5 years. The alleged failure to pay will have an adverse affect on my credit rating.

Kajal of Sunnyvale, CA June 23, 2006

K of Sunnyvale, CA (06/23/06)
I have been getting daily calls from Dish Network.  I have repeatedly ask them not to call us and told them that we are registered in the Do Not Call list. 

Today some one called at 6:40 pm.  I asked to speak to his supervisor.  When I requested Dish Network comply and stop the phone calls he let down a string of obscenities which I cannot repeat.  I could also hear muffled laughter in the back ground. I am shaking at his verbal assault.

I called Dish Network to complain and was told that since it was a 3rd party call they could take my complaint but could not take any action.  Isn't Dish Network responsible for the action of its employees whether they are either directly employed or contracted by them?

John of Sacramento, CA June 21, 2006

John of Sacramento CA (06/21/06)
I was told that if I sign up for dish network for 18 month contract, I would get a free digital camera. I mailed in all the necessary paperwork, and they told me that they had transferred me to an outside company in our conversation and that they are not responsible for the camera. I was not aware I was being transferred and would not receive the camera. I would like them to stick to their offer.

Lisa of Mckinney, TX June 9, 2006

Lisa of Mckinney, TX (06/09/06)
We have had issues with the Dish Network receivers from the day they were installed. At least once a month we have to call in and have them walk us through resetting the receiver because they have lost their signal. This is for 3 different receivers. The same thing happened last night when we had a houseful of guests to watch the first night of the NBA playoffs for the Mavericks.

The dual DVR receiver was working in one room but not the other. We called the tech support line like we always do and they start walking us through the reset process. During this process we lost the signal on the other TV so we had no signal whatsoever and a houseful of guests. When we explained this to the (4th) rep on the line, he told us was a Spurs fan!

We told him we were going to cancel our service and he told us he would cut it off right now, and he did.  I have never seen such horrible customer service/support.

Jerry of Gordon, TX May 1, 2006

Jerry of Gordon TX (05/01/06)
I received a promotion in the mail telling me that I had been selected to receive a dish system at no charge. This included up to 4 tv connections, free installation, free channels and a DVR at no charge to me. I called and said all I wanted was 1 additional TV connection and the DVR. I was informed that since I had dish and was such a good customer it would only cost me 49.95. I said no it said I had been selected to receive the items free. I was told it was free I just had to pay shipping and handling, this is a come on and Dish should be fined for doing this. I was selected for free equip and installation it never said a word about 49.95. This is a cheap trick on Dish's part and should be stopped.

Sindi of Tualatin, OR May 1, 2006

Sindi of Tualatin OR (05/01/06)
I responded to a promotion for DISH Network and received confirmation from the telephone representative for the following: Two free American Airlines tickets, a year's worth of free ice cream, a year's worth of free DVR service and a monthly charge of $29.99. It's been two months and NONE of this was given. I have not received anything as far as obtaining free ice cream and airline tickets. I am paying over $40 a month in service fees.

DISH Network employees give me the run around and do not answer questions. I am given double talk and "coupons" that are supposed to give me discounts on monthly service that were never mentioned during the sign up. The installer said the contract guarantees everything I was told over the phone. DISH Network is in breach of contract and I want my money back. They also charged my credit card fraudulantly by signing me up for some membership service called E-Club which I specifically denied more than once over the phone. I have received my money back for this, however.

Then, there's "L," who would just like to get that rotten DISH dish off her mother's roof.

L. of Petaluma CA (8/29/04):
DISH Network equipment is on my mother's new home due to a contract the previous owner had with DISH. The previous owner states that he called DISH and was told to leave the equipment as the new owner may wish to acquire a contract as well. When we called to have the equipment removed, DISH said it was not their policy to remove it. My mother will be forced to have this equipment attached to her home or will have to pay a private company to remove it.

Don of Portage, MI November 14, 2008

Don of Portage MI (11/14/08)
I had service for several years and was on a month to month, after completing the contract. My receiver went bad and DishNetwork want to charge me to have a technician come out. I decided to cancel service and go to my local cable company. DishNetwork customer service specifically indicated they would cancel the service, I had to request the refund be mailed to me (otherwise they keep your money), and they sent a box and return label so I could return the receiver...indicating that I was not to climb on the roof to remove anything. The service was cancelled, the refund check received, the equipment returned (make sure and keep all copies of the UPS label) and now I have received a bill for 159.00 for unreturned equipment.

I emailed feedback and have kept all emails from Richard P at DishNetwork. He continuously apologizes for any inconvenience, but will not zero out our statement and indicates that until the equipment is returned he can't zero it out. I have the proof of delivery, date signed and received...so what more is a person to do? I have filed form 2000F with the FCC and I am waiting to hear from them. I will also file a complaint with the BBB. Something needs to be done about DishNetwork and their fraudulent billing people for equipment that was returned.

To top it off...I've paid rental on this equipment long enough to pay for it probably over 10 times. DON'T USE DISHNETWORK...stick with your local cable company...and don't sign contracts to watch TV. This could possibly be placed against my credit report. DishNetwork has no right to charge the fees, do not itemize the charges and refuse to zero our statement even after submitted proof of return.

Katharyn of Las Vegas, NV November 14, 2008

Katharyn of Las Vegas NV (11/14/08)
The individual that is giving me harrassing phone calls has called three times today alone. He calls every day at least one time. When I tell him no he yells profanities at me. I want it to stop. I have called Dish Network to report him and make sure that I am on their do not call registry. I am on the National Do Not Call Registry and have been since it was initiated while doing regular updates.

I am being harrassed by Dish Network. I have the right to say no and not have profanities yelled at me when I do. I am on the National Do Not Call REgistry and I expect a certain amount of privacy with that. I certainly do not expect to be harrassed.

Nurys of Milford, CT November 11, 2008

Nurys of Milford CT (11/11/08)
On a tuesday morning in this instance I recieved 3 conseciutive phone calls about dish network. The first call at 9am was a recording and I snipped at it no just stop calling me! and hung up. At thant point I recieved two more calls all from dish network or it's affiliates, listed above. On the third call I waited for a rep and asked for a supervisor- Larry said no I dont belive you and I dont have a supervisor but you can speak to customer service. I said thank you I'll hold and he disconnected the call.

I have placed my # on the do not call list and have asked numerous times to be placed on the do not call list for this company yet I still get harrassed to the point that I believe I am a joke to them now. If I dont answer a message is left that clogs my message system, preventing me from recieving true messages.

Economic, it takes time away from my studies and I shoiuld not be called if I am on the list.

Alex of Raleigh, NC November 11, 2008

Alex of Raleigh NC (11/11/08)
Dish Network is awful. In 6 months I'm on my 3rd receiver. On dual mode TV1's sound and picture don't match. I installed a Bose 321 to TV2 and now can't get a picture or sound on that TV. Went through 3 different technicians both online and on the phone who were obviously reading from a script. Service experts? Who are they kidding? No one knows what they're doing, if it gets cloudy the picture goes out and it takes an act of Congress to get them to agree to send a technician.

I can't wait until I can get AT&T U-verse so I can cancel my Dish. I still can't get TV to work right.

Ronda of Loving, TX November 10, 2008

Ronda of Loving TX (11/10/08)
i have had a tech at my house and i have called in and did everything they ask me to do and i am about to cancel my dish if someone cant fix the problem. the problem is that i have 3 receivers in the house but only 2 of them pick up the channels they are to. the thrid one works but dont pick up every channel tht it is suppose to.

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