Direct TV Bill

What that agent said definitely is Not True. Call again (number in my greeting below) and say ‘cancel’ to the robot to be sent to the retention/loyalty department where a more experienced agent can assist. 
As a note, all leased equipment gets returned to a FedEx or UPS authorized store. This won’t include HDMI cables, outside equipment like splitters or multi switches or dish stuff, or the power inserter. It is only the box, power cord, and remote. Be sure to keep the shipping receipt that the clerk gives you as it is your proof of return in the case DIRECTV ever believes you never returned equipment. 

@Mamacass 

We received our bill today. It has gone from $158.88 to $205.12 without any notice. I called and they told me our promotion had expired. 

Your promotion shows on your bill such as $10 off for 12, 1 of 12 (2 of 12, 3 of 12, etc.). As such no further notice is needed. It is on your bill every month for you to read.

They can disconnect it at any time they want...

Not any more. AT&T updated their services, including DirecTV, to no longer prorate the final bill so cancellation does go through at end of cycle. This changed in January 2019, so this is the rule for over 4 years now which they informed us in 2018 (and has been in the Terms of Service ever since).

Please read this if you receive DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse® TV, AT&T Internet, AT&T Phone, and/or AT&T Fixed Wireless service(s). We want to remind you that you’re billed in advance for recurring service(s) and/or programming charges and applicable fees based on the terms of your current service agreement(s) with us. Starting January 14, 2019, subject to applicable laws, we’re updating your agreement(s) to include your recurring service(s)/programming charges and fees won’t be prorated if you cancel the above service(s) on any day other than the last day of your billing cycle. Your service(s) will continue until the end of your billing cycle but you won’t get a refund (prorated credits) for any remaining days left in your billing cycle. For products not listed above, refer to their terms of service for more information.

Juniper is right about any promotions you get. I was given a $30 per month credit for a year and it showed up as 1 of 12, 2 of 12, etc. on my monthly statement. Although happy to get it at the time, I still elected to drop DIRECTV in the middle of that promotion due to this censorship issue. Even though I lost the $30 per month credit, I'm still paying less now than I was with DIRECTV, plus I get the news channel I wanted. It was a good move for me.