2 Messages
termination fee
I have been an ATT customer for close to 25 years, both for my business and for our family. I recently established a DirectTV account that we ended up needing to cancel. After an hour long chat/call with customer service to cancel the account I was informed of a early termination fee of over $400. This seems considerably excessive. I was considering re-establishing an account with DirectTV for my office next year but am reconsidering that option given the termination fee issue. I am also thinking i may want to terminate my services for internet and phone, all of which are long standing with ATT. This is a very disappointing rule regarding Direct TV. Would anyone know of any options for eliminating or reducing the termination fee they Direct TV is imposing?. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
David
Accepted Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
4 months ago
New accounts with DirecTV start with a 24 month service agreement. If you cancel before it is over than you get that Early Cancellation Fee (ECF) valued at $20 for each month remaining. The only way to reduce the ECF is keeping service longer as each month that goes down by $20. The service agreement is in the Terms of Service, fine print of the offers, and listed on your order confirmation. Regardless of your feelings of it being excessive, you agreed to it like all other customers.
The service agreement and ECF is the same as before AT&T acquired DirecTV, and remained unaffected by any standing you had with AT&T. And AT&T decided to get out of the TV business completely so sold off the TV providers (including DirecTV) earlier this year.
Since you mention an office, if you do consider that make sure to check the details as there are differences between residential and business/commercial accounts. Best to fully inform yourself.
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litzdog911
ACE - Sage
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46.4K Messages
4 months ago
That is, indeed, how their contract works. You're committed for a certain period of time and you'll pay an early termination fee if you cancel before the end of your contract commitment. Try calling DirecTV (number below) and plead your case, but it's unlikely they will waive the fee.
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DrIvey1
2 Messages
4 months ago
thanks.. i did that and as expected they said there was nothing they could do.. i think i am done with whole thing. i'll cancelling all of my ATT services shortly
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BARRIE096
2 Messages
1 day ago
I am very upset with Direct TV for luring senior citizens. Received a mail promo and I called and stress over and over that I did not want a contract ,boxes or Hidden Fees!! So after getting streaming ,I received a box in mail ,called & they said its free keep or send it back. I opened it because I did NOT need a box..till today when I called to cancel and was told I was on contact and I had to pay early termination fees! I am a retired widow and was looking to cut my budget but decided I need to cancel my streaming . Again I specified several times NO CONTRACT!!
How or who can I contact to dispute this abuse. (Edited per community guidelines) was very rude and not helpful at all.Does anyone have a corporate number or advise how to keep DIRECT TV debit my account and go in negative???
Please help!
Maria
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BARRIE096
2 Messages
1 day ago
They are sneaky and lure customers in! I so hate DIRECT TV
Cancelling and never again.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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21.1K Messages
1 day ago
There are two types of streaming services, DTV streaming requires a DTV receiver and a 2yr service commitment the other is DTV via internet that uses an owner owned streaming device like Roku, Firestick with no ETF/ECF.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.9K Messages
1 day ago
@BARRIE096
There are two streaming services.
DIRECTV STREAM - A bring your own device (BYOD) model. Use your chosen streaming option of Roku, Firestick, or even buy DirecTV's streaming box. No added fees.
DirecTV via Internet - You are required to use DirecTV's streaming box. There is a 24 month service agreement. Some added fees. Similar to how DirecTV's satellite is setup.
They are not luring senior citizens as they treat all customers the same. However if the agent sold the via Internet (24 month agreement) as the STREAM version that is a problem regardless. Since over the phone did not help, next step would be a BBB complaint. Doesn't guarantee resolution in your favor, but usually gets contact back from their Office of the President within a few business days. Allows your voice to be heard as high as it can go.
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