Dish Network: TV Doesn't Have to Suck

Comments

Satellite sucks, and almost everywhere in the US has cable access now.

I have dish network.
I HATE DISH NETWORK.
I was actually just thinking about the power of one consumer, and I want to take this crappy tv-service down. Shoulda went with iDish...
(btw in the wilds of Brooklyn where I reside, no cable tv. sadness.)

Weeee, puns are fun!

DISH Network sucks! As a customer for just over a year, I have had NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS with the dish as well their Customer Service (which also sucks). It took about 6 visits from their highly incompetent workmen to get our Dish up and running correctly.

THEY REAM YOU!!! You pay for a crappy receiver that you don't actually own, yet you are also responsible for any repairs (after the pathetic 1 yr warranty is up) to this receiver you don't own. IS THAT LEGAL?

And forget about it when you call in! First you sit on hold for an hour only to be talked to like a 4 yr old!

Oh, and love this - you can get a package discount with AT&T -- only if you sign up for Dish through AT&T! If you discover this deal after you've signed up directly through Dish, you can't bundle it. Further, if you decide to cancel service so you can sign up through AT&T, they won't let you for at least 6 months.

DISH Network sucks! As a customer for just over a year, I have had NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS with the dish as well their Customer Service (which also sucks). It took about 6 visits from their highly incompetent workmen to get our Dish up and running correctly.

THEY REAM YOU!!! You pay for a crappy receiver that you don't actually own, yet you are also responsible for any repairs (after the pathetic 1 yr warranty is up) to this receiver you don't own. IS THAT LEGAL?

And forget about it when you call in! First you sit on hold for an hour only to be talked to like a 4 yr old!

Oh, and love this - you can get a package discount with AT&T -- only if you sign up for Dish through AT&T! If you discover this deal after you've signed up directly through Dish, you can't bundle it. Further, if you decide to cancel service so you can sign up through AT&T, they won't let you for at least 6 months.

Never, ever get DISH Network. If you have them, don't use DISH Pause. They told me they would notify me when the service was going to be re-started. They didn't and I my credit card got charged. They will not refund. They just want your money. I have talked to about 5+ reps, they keep on telling me "yes, we will refund", but they don't. Stay away from DISH!

i haaaaaaaaaaaaaaate dish network. they are stupid, and they can never get the job done in 1 phonecall. I have them for under 1 year and i have had nothing but problems, and NO TV!
They were putting my checks into the wrong account and then after a while charged me a disconnect fee for disconnecting my service- which i never did! Then when i told them i did not wish to disconnect, they wanted to charge me a restart fee. They were trying to get over $600 from me for absolutely no reason. They are very unorganized and i would definately not recomend them to anyone.

I called to cancel my Dish. They were polite and gave me no problem at all. I had a knot in the pit of my stomach. I knew that something was going on. Nothing over the last year has ever been this easy with Dish Network. I get the pre-paid mailer to return my receivers when what do you know these yahoos expect my husband to turn into Spiderman and get on our roof to remove some part off of our dish and mail it back in with our receiver. Correct me if I'm wrong but the cable company never asked him to put on lineman boots and shimmy up the phone pole to disconnect our service. These Dish Network people are a bunch of lazy morons. If my husband doesn't manage to break his legs while he's on our roof he's going to carry that part to their corporate office straight to the CEO and cram it where the sun doesn’t shine.

I'm writing to complain about your customer service process. This is a long, complicated, and painful story about how your system is set up so that no one EVER has to "step up" and be creative about solving a problem.

The story starts long ago . . . I am a German teacher, who lives in the wilds of Wyoming and I subscribe to German television programming. Unfortunately for me, you are way ahead of DTV in international programming or I would already have switched back to them! You are the "only game in town" so to speak.

Anyway. About two months ago I was enjoying German programming and everything was copacetic. The YOU decided to move the German stations to a new satelite. You gave me plenty of warning about the change and kindly offered to send a technician to repoint our antenna. It was good that the time-frame was so long, because my wife and I both work and you are very insistant about scheduling work to be done during working hours in 5 hour blocks (NEWSFLASH--many homes have no one at home during the day!). Well. Finally, we had a day off and the technician came (from a town 90 miles away, because for some reason our local installers are not "worthy" to install your equipment ((even though they installed the original equipment))).

The first guy had no clue what to do. He got here at 4PM and seemed focused on getting the hell out of here, so he could drive the 90 miles and get home for dinner. (He's your installer in Powell, Wyoming--I believe Bruce is his name). Actually, Bruce told us it was impossible to point our dish at so many satelites all at once and said maybe we'd have to get a third dish and hook it up to it's own TV.

Well. With the date drawing near for the stations to disappear, we started calling both your customer "service" center and your "tech support" center. If you check your records you will find that we called at least 20 times and because your system is so MONOLITHIC, we were never able to speak to the same person twice. Many a cheerful helper was glad to try to schedule another appointment with an "approved" installer in a 5hour daytime block. In the meantime, no one in tech support seemed to have even a HINT about how to solve the tech problem. About half of your people thought all we needed was a "repoint" and the other half were convinced we needed some super-duper antenna, which would have to be shipped out of Denver.

It was excruciatingly difficult to get another appointment, where someone would be home, but, because my wife cancelled a doctor's appointment, we finally managed . . . this time the technician (out of Byron, Wyoming --80 miles away) called his office and said that he came to the house, but no one was home! So he "inspected" what needed to be done visually and returned home. (Amusingly enough, they fired the guy the next day).

Round three must have been on a weekend. This time it was my friends from Byron again, different technician, though. This person stood in my living room and called your tech center. NO ONE IN YOUR TECH CENTER could tell him to where he should point the satellite. They said we'd need the "Dish Master 5000" (I just made up that name, but it's something fancy like that.) Technician number three also succumbed to failure.

This is the point, where we finally lost the signal. My German students at the High School and I have been watching the German version of "Survivor" and many of us were rooting for a young guy named "Stolli" . . . well . . . Stolli got voted off, I was unable to tape the episode and now my students hate me.

This is also the point where I decided to see just how high I could climb your MONOLITHIC coporate structure. I started small, with a simple call to you "disservice" center and asked politely if I could just please talk to the person's boss. After trying unsuccessfully to schedule me for another 5-hour block of time with my "local" installer, I finally got to talk to a "floor manager." This person did not speak idiomatic English, so it was a challenge to do an end run around him, but I DID manage to get to talk to the center manager. I envisioned this man in a tiny office, carefully protected from reality by his trusty floor manager and the hundreds of worker bees merrily scheduling appointment times for other happy customers.

I told the call center manager I really didn't think any one is his office had the creativity OR the heurvos (spelling? I'm not very good at Spanish) to solve my problem and asked him if there were some final higher source of appeal (other than the Almighty). This was when I got to talk to ALFRED RODRIGUEZ, who actually has a phone number that can be called directly and who apparently "works" in your company's headquarters. Alfred was very polite the first (AND ONLY) time we spoke. He gently reassured me that none of the underlings really knew what was going on and that indeed, all that was necessary was to repoint the equipment that I already had and TA-DAH . . . that he knew where the satelite was located in the sky! We traded phone numbers like the good buddies we had quickly become. He told me, hey, go ahead and use the installers in your home town (no 5 hour block of time necessary, they could come when we were done with work)--it was gonna be a piece of freakin' cake. He even shared a secret code, whereby even though I would have to personally PAY for the "FREE" "service"--DISH Network would gladly reimburse my account (NOPE you didn't trust me with actual money) if I would FAX the bill and secret code to your Colorado(?) billing center.

I was ecstatic. For about 1 day that is. And that was when the local guys said: "Hey, you really DO need a new satelite" which would be time-consuming and costly to order (and expensive for me to pay for). Both THEY and I called Mr. Rodriguez NUMEROUS times and he was at work, but NEVER at his desk. Busy man, I guess. I left at least 5 messages for him to call me. Maybe he perceived me as a stalker, but for whatever reason, he NEVER called me or the local installers back and to quote Kurt Vonnegut: "I am not making this up."

This was the point when I realized that everyone, who works at DISH network is simply a drone, with no motivation to try to think of a creative way to solve a problem, because NOBODY in your entire organization is RESPONSIBLE to anybody else, because you can NEVER talk to the same person twice. With one sweet lady to whom I talked (!surprise!, she was going to solve my problem, by making appointment number 4 for a technician to come) I made a bet, that whatever she did would NOT help (allah, bless her, she actually KNEW that there was a kit necessary that has to be installed on the current antenna, so that it can "see" the extra satelite). I asked her to give me her number so I could call her back and tell her that she lost the bet. Well. Of course it's against your silly company's rules to give out numbers. I offered to let her call me. Imagine my shock to find that apparently your phones are so outdated they can't call out (don't you guys pay your phone bill?!). I was on a creative roll and said, hey, you've got a cell phone, call me on that. But hey, that might look like she was a slacker and she would get in trouble for not offering kindly help to the next poor caller . . .

This was the point where it finally dawned on me that no one in your entire company from the lowly call-center drone to the the mighty Alfred Rodriguez was going to help me. But you had made a mistake . . . the last woman had actually let it slip what needed to be done.

I called the people in Byron and told them what needed to be done. They ordered the kit. We waited a week (I can't even fathom the number of people I'd have to talk to if I decided to try to get YOU to reimburse ME for the week of missing service I had on the German channels . . . I know, there were plenty of wholesome AMERICAN channels to watch, what am I, some kind of snob?). The part came. The kid from Byron came after I got off work and installed the damn thing in THE DARK (thank buddah, he didn't fall, I'm sure your legal division is not as incompetent as the rest of you and that you would've been quick to sue) and bless his young heart . . . Ich kann wieder fernsehen! (no, that is not a German threat). I am not stalking you. I'd just like to talk to the same person more than once.

Am I surprised I haven't gotten a kindly follow-up call from the "service" center, to apologize for the missing service and to offer me a rebate on my next bill? No.

And the most hilarious thing of all is: I'll BET that no one will respond to this e-mail.

Oh, wait, I forgot. It's against company policy to bet with customers!

Hochachtungsvoll!

PS: It's possible to get German programming through the web and I could conceivably switch to a new company. But my connection isn't fast enough for it to work very well, because my internet provider is also a MONOLITHIC, unmotivated company, too. Oh well, that service doesn't have "Survivor" anyway.

PPS: The German station didn't show "Survivor" the other night, even though it was listed on the program guide up until the time it was supposed to come on. I wrote them an e-mail about it and haven't heard back from them either. Care to make a bet?

I am honestly so ANGRY!!!!! I have a story to tell but it would be too long for anyone to read. Just know that Dish Network is the worst company I have ever had to deal with. I hate them with every ounce of my being and if I could shut them down I would. They are scam artists.

I am honestly so ANGRY!!!!! I have a story to tell but it would be too long for anyone to read. Just know that Dish Network is the worst company I have ever had to deal with. I hate them with every ounce of my being and if I could shut them down I would. They are scam artists.

I feel for all of you. I HATE DISH NETWORK. Most customer service call centers are monolithic and not very helpful; I have NEVER been so blatantly disregarded by a company that I give money to. DISH NETWORK DOESN'T GIVE A $#!% ABOUT IT'S PAYING CUSTOMERS. I recommend to everyone that you avoid this company like the plague. Also--DON'T EVER LET THEM HAVE YOUR CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT NUMBERS, TELL THEM YOU'LL PAY THEM WHEN THE INSTALLER ARRIVES!

Dish Network sure does suck!!!! I looked at my bank account tonight and saw that $461.00 was being taken out of my checking account!! I called Dish and asked why, I got a real stupid reason and was told there was nothing they could do until the money posted then in 3-5 days they would send it back. I spoke to 3 different people each one just as ignorant. I got Jason Montoya on the line and never in my life have a heard suck canned answers. When I called him back and got some woman named Amber on the line she said that she couldn't transfer me back to him but wow a miracle occurred and she had the same supervisor as the last stupid woman and was able to transfer me back to the lovely Jason Montoya. In that connection process I got his voicemail. I tried to reach him 15 times tonight, he just doesn't want to answer his phone. All I needed him to do was send a fax to my bank telling them that they took the money out in error, and they did!! But Dish Network doesn't do that. I would never tell anyone to work with this company, they suck. I tried to tell them what a hardship this was for my family, already going through a ton of things right now but they don't care. I hate them and tonight I can't feed my kids because they put my checking account in the negitive. Hey they did offer to reinstate my service yeah that would be great since my house is going into foreclosure. Who needs that when you don't have a house. Wow what a bright bunch of people they hire over there.

Dish really has poor service in more than one way, I have worked for them and experienced firsthand, just how "well" they treat their customers. Get cable, read a book, or surf the net, but don't be stupid enough to get Dish.

DISHNETWORK SUCKS, POOR, BAD!!!!!
Receiver has gone out 3 times. Last time they sent me a new (rebuilt) receiver that was broke as well coming up on 2 weeks without service...waiting on yet another receiver...god help me...here's my 3rd IM conversation because I was on hold for over a hour...enjoy...
this receiver I just got, plugged it in and got a 587 error....
Please wait while we find a representative to assist you. In order to ensure we are providing you with the highest level of customer satisfaction, this conversation will be recorded.
You have been connected to (24DrDcb) Jessica B.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Thank you for chatting with Dish Network Technical Support. Please give me 2-3 minutes to review the information you have already provided.
dave askew: i'm givingup...ask the last "IM" i talked to....
dave askew: 2 units...week without TV...its a test isn't it!
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I'm sorry that you are frustrated with your service.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Please allow me a few minutes to review your account.
dave askew: please review...but it is hard because i know those other guys would be here to help me...because they live here...i see there trucks
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I'm showing that we are sending a replacement for your receiver, because you have the 587 message on your screen correct?
dave askew: i can see now...yes mr. askew...we'll get you going...there, don't cry...
dave askew: yes...the second one in a week
dave askew: the dish doesn't like me
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: This has nothing to do with the dish liking you, it's simply an equipment malfunction.
dave askew: end of story
dave askew: i hope you don't have the dish
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: If we cannot get that error number to go away on it's on there isn't much else we can do other than to replace it.
dave askew: our family is missing the oympics
dave askew: poor poor poor service, you would think someone could get us going here in the orlando area
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I do apologize for any inconvenience. Do you have a phone line that you can connect to the receiver?
dave askew: cell phone...it's my fault i understand...
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I'm not saying that it's your fault.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I was only asking to see what options we have available.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Is the receiver still powering on and off?
dave askew: sorry kids you have to go the neighbors house that has cable because the 2nd receiver still doesn't work....
dave askew: i'm about ready to shut it off for good
dave askew: yes it is
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I can understand your frustration, but in order for me to assist you, I need you to answer my questions so we can try to resolve this.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Okay.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Did you bypass your surge protector?
dave askew: yes
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Is the receiver hot to the touch?
dave askew: directly to the wall
dave askew: no
dave askew: would you like me to torch it
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: No.
dave askew: that wouldn't be good...
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I would like you to disconnect the receiver from the power, then wait 5 minutes, after 5 minutes I would like for you to reconnect the receiver to the power, and connect it at a different outlet.
dave askew: ok unplugged....and if it doesn't work, i thinking sling shot acrossed the lake...I'll take pictures.
dave askew: whos counting?
dave askew: 9:57
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I can keep count if you would like.
dave askew: yes thanks
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Please keep in mind that the equipment is leased and if you decide to destroy it then you will be held accountable for the cost of replacement.
dave askew: jessica...please humor me...i can't watch tv so i must write
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: We only have to wait about two more minutes to plug it into a different outlet.
Network connection re-established.
dave askew: ok...i have been talking nice to the receiver...any type of music it likes???
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
dave askew: I'll get it a drink?
Network connection re-established.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Please plug the receiver into the power.
Network connection re-established.
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
Network connection re-established.
dave askew: jessica...are you pulling the plug on me....ahhhhh....bye...it was fun....i'll write
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I'm here.
Network connection re-established.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Please plug the receiver back into the power.
dave askew: YAHHHHHH! i'll plug her in!
Currently experiencing network delays, one moment please....
Network connection re-established.
dave askew: here we go
dave askew: green light
dave askew: no light
dave askew: 3 lights
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Okay.
dave askew: ATTENTION 587
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Okay.
dave askew: AHHHHH
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Please allow me 2-3 minutes to process a few things.
dave askew: SLING SHOT!
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: It will be just a few more minutes.
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: Thank you for your patience.
dave askew: this is like servicing you vehicle over the phone...my learning curve...powering off at this point from 587, restarting...is there a local service rep?
(24DrDcb) Jessica B: I'm working on trying to correct the issue for you.
dave askew: summer break, 3 kids, ....
dave askew: thank you