Back in August EchoStar's Dish Network offered free satellite service for ten years to any town that would change its name to Dish. Absolutely no one took Dish Network up on the offer, and the company was shamed for even suggesting that a town would actually change its namesake for something as trivial as free satellite service. At least, that's how it happened in the dream world in which I live. In reality, the small town of Clark, Texas recently changed its name to Dish, and yes, all 125 of its citizens now have free service from Dish Network. I'll bet Bob Clark is extremely angry. That is, of course, if the town was originally named after Bob Clark, the director of Porky's. I haven't actually researched that.
Texas town changes name, gets free satellite service
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(Page 1)2. Dish Network's Unholy Alliances
Act 1
The Deception
Dish Network offered a no risk, cancel at anytime, "no obligation contract". I signed-up after reviewing the details of the contract with the charming Southern Speaking lady several times at Dish Network. This sales representative repeatedly assured me that there was no obligation and I could cancel it at anytime. After 11 months of use....and paying my bills reliably, I canceled my service, packed and sent the equipment back as agreed.
Act 2
The Hustle
Six months later, I was sent the threatening letter from VMC Satellite, Inc demanding immediate payment of $290.00! This letter said in bold letters
"OUR COLLECTION AGENCY IS VERY GOOD",
"We will aggressively pursue this until your debt is paid",
"we will turn this over to a collection agency".
I called dish network twice and spoke with 4 people. The initial two people told me they didn't know who VMC Satellite was but verified my account was paid in full and that I has a no obligation contract. They couldn't tell me however, how VMC Satellite got my Dish Network Account Number! Finally, they offered to jointly call VMC Satellite and I spoke with John who told me that I actually signed-up with VMC Satellite although I dealt directly with Dish Network!
VMC Satellite is Dish Networks largest retailer. Dish Network gave VMC Satellite my account information. What Dish Network didn't tell me was that I had to keep this account open for 12 months to avoid this $290.00 charge. How could they, they were strenuously telling me it was a no obligation contract. Of course they knew I was being exposed to a $290.00 charge while they repeatedly stated the other. Remember, VMC Satellite is Dish Network's largest retailer John later boasted. In the threatening letter, VMC Satellite complains of having to pay back Dish Network their installation commission. Dish Network persisted in not knowing of this arrangement.
Act 3
The Awakening
Dish Network has this unethical relationship with their retailers where they can advertise a no obligation contract... that really is an obligation contract. This is the heart of the matter...they get to offer no obligation contracts, (that pulled me in)...when in fact it is a 1 year obligation contract! They deny duplicity and wash their hands of involvement although any reasonable observer would recognize the bait and switch CON GAME Dish Network has set up with their retailers. You should have heard the performance by the Dish Network claims representative Casey Uney as she feigned no knowledge, involvement and an innocents seen only in a child. The Awakening unfolds when you encounter VMC Satellite who is the enforcement arm and their collection agency. They will try to make you feel stupid for not reading the small print in an Internet contract although it's contrary to everything you have in writing and have verified with the sales rep at Dish Network. This moment of deception by this unholy alliance is set in motion and consummated when you push the accept button on the computer only to be realized months later.
Act 4
The Stand
The bottom line and lesson learned. I will not pay the extortion money to VMC Satellite. Jon vowed to send my account to collection and thankfully let me know he still has my credit card number. I closed my credit card account. Benefit from my lesson and avoid service with Dish Network. They are responsible for these practices by licensing unscrupulous distributors like VMC Network. I also have an account with Direct TV. Although their automatic renewal scheme can be annoying, they have never approached the level of dishonesty that Dish Network has demonstrated. I will let you know how Act 5, The Prologue unfolds.
Posted at 3:17PM on Nov 26th 2005 by Thomas Anthony
3. dish network is aswesome as a personal user its great for everyone.
Posted at 2:30PM on Dec 4th 2005 by chrystal tuura
1. I'd probably change -my- name for satellite TV. No, I take it back: I'd change it for Tivo. It'd have to be free service for life, though--10 years of free service is pretty chintzy.
Posted at 3:03PM on Nov 18th 2005 by Evadne