Well, I haven’t had satellite service for about 4 days. Not by my choice, it’s just out and can’t be fixed. A technician is coming tomorrow to check it out and so I figured what better time to just cancel the service? Maybe the tech can pick up the equipment and whatever and I’ll just plan on buying the digital converter box for the tv.
I called Dish Network to ask what kind of fees would be incurred and if it were even an option to have the technician pick up the satellite and stuff.
Of course it wasn’t an option. Nothing is ever that simple. I found out that contrary to what the customer service rep told me last month, my contract is not fulfilled. I have at least 6 more months (February 2010) and my cancellation fee would be $10 a month for the remainder of months on the contract.
Now what? I still have to buy the converter box and I’m still a bit afraid of not having cable or satellite service. Plus paying $60 just to cancel the service is ridiculous to say the least.
So, in speaking with the very friendly CSR of Dish Network, I managed to at least get my bill down by $20 a month. I cut out some kind of protection (fingers crossed that the dish won’t be struck by lightening in the next 6 months), went down a package, and did away with something else I’d never heard of that was $5 a month.
In case you’re wondering, my brilliant suggestion of paying a quarter a month for the channels I actually watch was not even slightly entertained. “There’s no package for that.”
I’m getting that converter box though because even $50 a month is a waste. I may just cancel Dish Network for New Year’s and pay the $10 for February.
So, here’s to having an extra $50 a month in 2010! I don’t know, but it feels like a “Freedom from Satellite Service” party is in order. You bring the food though, it’s not in my budget…
Next up…Cutting the Water Bill by Living Under a Bridge…(just kidding).