Trying to cancel DIRECTV service, they want to charge us early term. fee, but they cannot provide signal?

Question

We've had DIRECTV service for close to 10 years.  Recently, we contacted them about upgrading to HDTV, and they said no problem, they will be out to install an upgraded dish.  

So we went out to buy  an HD DIRECTV Receiver.  After going through 4 install techs, and 3+ weeks of hell with them, it is determined that there is no where on our property to get a clear view of the sky with the 5-LNB dish.  The best signal they can get is a 12.  Which by their own admission is not acceptable.

We are trying to cancel DIRECTV since they cannot provide us with HDTV service, that we wanted, but they are saying that since we bought that new receiver we owe them $450 for canceling.

I would understand that cancellation fee, if they were providing the service and we were just canceling.  But, they are not providing the service and not fulfilling their end of the contract.  

Any ideas?  I thought about getting the names of the head people at DTV, wring a letter and CCing, the BBB and CA Atrny Gnrl.

Roland L · Accepted Answer

I've been with Comcast and now with Directv. They are like that because they know that your chances on them is very dim. Considering that its better on your part to pay $450 than hiring lawyers, seeking legal advices waisting time and money going to the court..and they have very good lawyers. And if you are agressive they may give in, but you already spent money. They will make you miserable in the end as sort of revenge because you demanded disconnection. I once had a problem with them..it was unsolved, called them maybe 10 times and later sent a complain letter but they replied that I am under contract. They don't have physical offices, you will be talking to different representatives over the phone until I noticed that one spoke my accent, So I spoke in our language.. They are not even based in the US!  even those installers are contactors and can not answer billing problems. They will send you stupid bill, and when you complain and demand disconnection, there! you are trapped. Pay it, or you can bring it to court.. to avoid the hassle, we poor consumers choose the less amount to pay. Please fight your consumer's right. I could have fight for it but i'm only new in this country and I don't want gamble my future since I'm only a greencard holder not a US citizen.

wires · Answer

The answer above is pretty real world.  But if you want to try, you can claim that DTV violated the contract first.  If you have a contract with them for HDTV and they aren't providing it, they are the ones who violated the contract.  Good Luck.

Trying to cancel DIRECTV service, they want to charge us early term. fee, but they cannot provide signal?

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