Holy Cow

[teddybear]

All, I found an excellent rate for a new apartment to move to and am moving March 31.  I have Dish Network and called to have them transfer my service to my new apartment.  Well, the company that installs the dish called to inform me that this location has red flags that says they cannot get a clear view of the 'southern sky' from that location.  So they will not schedule a technician to come.  I then called Dish Network and they said 'tough titties' . . . they will still bill me roughly $13 dollar per month until the contract is expired and of course, since I will not pay for nothing, it will go on my credit rating.   Any suggestions?

[slugbait]

I don't see how they can bill you for a service that they are unable to provide. I would find someone there a little higher up the food chain and tell them Direct TV has no such problem...watch 'em scramble......

[teddybear]

Yeah, thanks for the comment, I will try that next.  I thought I was in the 'Twilight Zone' talking to this supervisor.  I will not base my residency on whether or not I can continue service with a dish service.  Totally ridiculous.

[Wolfy]

They will bill you because you agreed to a contract for a certain amount of many years.

[allbusiness]

TB, that is the kicker with DISH network and other cable providers/satellite providers. Cell phones are like that, too. Once you sign a contract, it doesn't matter if you move...you are responsible for the payments regardless of whether you are there or not until the end of the contract. If you agreed to X number of months/years, you are responsible.

How much longer until the contract is up? Is someone moving in where you are vacating? Can you get them to take over the remainder of the contract?...sometimes you can transfer something like that.

(((((HUGS)))))

[m_t]

Yep. Unless you can get someone to take it over, you're pretty much on the hook. Or, there's usually a cancellation charge. Which tends to be hefty.

[teddybear]

Looks like I'm stuck alright, just hoping I could find extenuating circumstances, dang.  Thanks all for your input.  Now the good part of the move is that it is a much larger apartment and it comes with a stackable washer and dryer, a private deck with a storage area, modern up-to-date appliances, beautiful landscaping, extensive shopping down the street from large malls, dining, ooh I am very excited.

[m_t]

I would urge you to continue paying the $13/mo, regardless. You signed a contract, and you are legally obligated by it. Not paying could have more serious repercussions than simply going on your credit rating. DISH *could* go after you in court - and then you will be paying the monthly charge, probably a surcharge/interest AND likely their legal fees for taking you to court. That's going to come up to a hell of a lot more than $13/mo.

[teddybear]

Yeah, you are most likely correct but it just burns my butt . . . thinking about dish reception was not on my list of what I should consider when looking for a home.  Lessons learned.

[Aim]

I did a quick search. A lot of trouble with their contracts.

$13 a month is not a bad amount to get "stuck" with (sounds like other folks have had a lot of problems dealing with them)

As your contract ends-  give them written notice that you will not be renewing (do not say you are canceling to avoid the cancellation fees) and make sure to stop any automatic payments through your bank or credit card (at the end of the contract)

[Wolfy]

You know, the statement from Dish seems unusual. They can mount those dishes almost anywhere. In the yard on a post, on the roof, etc. Are there a lot of trees that block the reception or what? Maybe you could beg a little and they would send a technician out and see if there happens to be a clear southern exposure from your new place.

[chill]

reread the contract.  And see if there is any loop hole for them not being able to provide services.  Google that.  Since you are "wanting" their services to honor the contract........They should be able to provide the service.  If they can't provide the service, then to me.....there has to be a way.  Tho 13 dollars to me is well worth paying then dealing with it.  Unless the contract states, that they can not be responsible for not getting the programs, then I think you would be stuck.......and personally I would never sign a contract that states that. 

[new chapter]

Teddy aside from the Dish issues...just wanted to say congrats on finding such a great place to live...sounds like it will add much joy and comfort to your life. New beginnings are a good thing.

[Couttexca]

Congrats on the move.    Sorry your having such a pain with the tv service.  ugh.

[teddybear]

Ya'll have given me great ideal, thanks, and I will reread the contract . . . I'm going to google Dish to see what type of problems are being reported about that company.  I was fully prepared to move that service to the new apartment, however, when I called their installation company, they told me that they already know that they could set up the dish in that area. I google earthed the address and saw that the building's physical position bears due northwest and there is no way to get reception from the southern sky.

Seriously, I will read contracts with both eye open from now on, but I'm am just tickled in anticipation, thank you all, thanks.