Almost Comical Chat with Dish online rep regarding "No Phone Line Fee"
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The same reason they let comcast and time warner to make you lease a remote every month for a $1.
I am thinking more a Phillipino accent.During the time it took me to read the OP's thread, I could hear the CSR's words (in my my mind) said with an east Indian accent.
hmm honestly what is so hard about understanding a phone line fee?? doesnt direct tv charge you like 4.99 for each additional tv? does direct tv have dual tunners?
digital cable.. doesnt that service charge like 7.50 per additional box for so called digital service?
I think the problem is that dish should not call it phone line fee and just call it additional tuner fee.
Thats why with dual tuners they ask for a phone line.. you get waived your tv tunner number 2. it really is simple.
Now.. why do they ask us for this?
well dish has a tool called the STBHEALTH dash board... meaning your receiver will dial out ONCE a week to give dish the status of your signal strength.
What happens if the STDHEALHDASHBOARD detects low signal?
Dish network's outbound teams call you to offer a FREE service call.... called and STB service call.
now how fair is that?? really?
how simple is that to understand?
I quit that place not to long ago because of diff things i didnt like, but there are tons of reasons why some fees are there, thats why you cant tell the "fcc" to tell dish not to charge their "phone line fee"
With the other companies, got two tvs of digital reception? pay up the additional receiver fee even if connected to phone line...
hope that was clear for some.
digital cable.. doesnt that service charge like 7.50 per additional box for so called digital service?
I think the problem is that dish should not call it phone line fee and just call it additional tuner fee.
Thats why with dual tuners they ask for a phone line.. you get waived your tv tunner number 2. it really is simple.
Now.. why do they ask us for this?
well dish has a tool called the STBHEALTH dash board... meaning your receiver will dial out ONCE a week to give dish the status of your signal strength.
What happens if the STDHEALHDASHBOARD detects low signal?
Dish network's outbound teams call you to offer a FREE service call.... called and STB service call.
now how fair is that?? really?
how simple is that to understand?
I quit that place not to long ago because of diff things i didnt like, but there are tons of reasons why some fees are there, thats why you cant tell the "fcc" to tell dish not to charge their "phone line fee"
With the other companies, got two tvs of digital reception? pay up the additional receiver fee even if connected to phone line...
hope that was clear for some.
they already charge an aditional tunner fee
they already charge an aditional receiver fee what's next
they already charge an aditional receiver fee what's next
Absolutely Smith, reading your minds is one of the fun things of coming here.{Pepper, are you readed my minds ?
What a bunch of crap. If these asshats are going to poke sharp sticks in our eyes, the least they could do is get the story straight. This is just another example of the lack of competition killing the consumer. Wouldn't it be great if there were as many satellite providers as there are ISP's? Come on IPTV, bring it baby!
torp
torp
exaclt.
so let me get this straight.,. this is what you guys want right?
you want to have lets say.. a
625 and a 322
which gives you FOUR tvs.. right? and you only want to pay for ONE additional receiver.. and the other tvs free right? for no reason??
also not only you got 2 tvs with DVR functionality? and you only pay ONE dvr fee?
well why not switch to direct tv?? ask them..
"hey i want 2 dvrs and 2 tvs more but only charge me one additional receiver ok?"
see what they will say... honestly do it.
not to mention direct tv does not have an stb health dashboard..
now if direct tv will give me that for free hey im switching! so let me know.
No, what he's saying is that even to use a 622/722 in single mode you still pay the phone line fee in addition to the DVR fee.
That's great. I just love all the creative excuses they give as to why you need a phone line hooked up. "It uses more resources for the second tuner" ROFLMAO! That's the best one I've heard yet! Why can't they just tell the truth as to why you need one hooked up? The truth isn't a big deal. "With other services, you would need an additional receiver, which would be charged a $5 fee. Hook the dual tuner to a phone line, and you get the second room free." That's not so bad. "Why do you need a phone line hooked up?" Why not just answer truthfully? "The phone line allows you to order PPV, and assures us all receivers are still at your location." That's not so bad. But instead, they say "It allows us to send important software updates." or "It uses more resources" Why do they insist on treating us like we're stupid? That's insulting.
what nonsense...this is typical..And it is why some of my customers are so aggrevated by the time i get to their homeHad a long chat with an online service rep initially asking about needing a phone line for service. After a lengthy run around, I finally got a straight answer about the "No Phone Line Fee":down, even though I really didn't get a straight answer on exactly what the phone line is actually used for. I still plan on dropping comcrap to go to Dish, just thought I'd share. Still think the No Phone Line Fee is do-do from large male cow.
You have been connected to (01) Zyra G.
(01) Zyra G: Welcome to Dish Network, the home of Better TV for All. To better assist you with your buying experience and ensure that we can contact you in case this session gets disconnected, may I have your phone number please?
Jacob: I'd rather not, thanks. just have a simple question
(01) Zyra G: That won't be a problem.
Jacob: I was wondering if there is anyway to get around needing a phone line for service. Say connection to ethernet?
(01) Zyra G: How may I help you today?
(01) Zyra G: For me to better assist you, are you a former customer of Dish Network?
Jacob: no, only have had comcast
(01) Zyra G: Thank you for that information.
(01) Zyra G: If I understand you correctly, you don't have an active home phone, am I correct?
Jacob: correct, I only have a Cell Phone and Cable Internet service
(01) Zyra G: We do not require a phone line, but if you have an active phone line that you can plug into the receiver we will waive the $5.00 No Phone Line Fee.
(01) Zyra G: The phone line needs to be connected at the back of a dual tuner receiver.
Jacob: why is a no phone line fee charged?
Jacob: does not having a phone line impact service? If it does, why is it not required?
(01) Zyra G: The $5.00 programming access fee or no phone line fee is an administrative fee to transmit all of the programming from your primary tuner to the additional tuner(s). It requires more resources from our uplink center and our satellites to transmit the additional feed and signal to the additional tuners.
(01) Zyra G: The receiver will still work even if you don't have an active home phone. However, you will not be able to take advantage of our interactive TV services, Customer Support Application, or Caller ID applications. You will also not be able to use your remote control to order any Pay-Per-View events or movies. You also need to take care of the $5 No Phone Line Fee.
(01) Zyra G: Have I answered all your concerns?
Jacob: So you don't have the option of internet connection for service?
(01) Zyra G: Are you referring to having ethernet hooked up to the receiver?
Jacob: yes
(01) Zyra G: Please give me a few minutes while I research that information for you.
(01) Zyra G: I checked my resources, however ethernet can't be hooked up to the receiver.
Jacob: Well that sucks, I should think then that fee should be included in the DVR service fee since all DVRs have dual tuners.
(01) Zyra G: We have different types of dual tuner receivers.
(01) Zyra G: We have a SD dual tuner receiver, SD DVR receiver, HD dual tuner receiver and the HD DVR receiver. These are all dual tuners.
Jacob: right, but all of your DVRs have dual tuners right? and you charge a DVR service fee right?
(01) Zyra G: That is correct. Our DVR receivers are dual tuners.
(01) Zyra G: If you get a DVR receiver, there is a $5.98 video-on-demand fee.
(01) Zyra G: This fee is different from the No Phone Line Fee.
(01) Zyra G: Have I answered all your questions?
Jacob: So the fee isn't for "DVR" service, but for the video-on-demand? So what is the phone line actually needed for besides interactive TV services, Customer Support Application, or Caller ID applications, or Pay-Per-View?
(01) Zyra G: This will also prevent or avoid you from paying an additional $5 on your monthly bill.
(01) Zyra G: Even if you don't have a phone line attached at the back of the DVR receiver, this box can still record, pause live programming, skip commercials and a whole lot more.
Jacob: haha, that's funny. I need a phone line to avoid paying extra money for something I wouldn't use anyway?
(01) Zyra G: The reason why we manufactured a dual tuner receiver is for you to be able to save money since you don't have to pay additional lease fees for each receiver that you will get beyond your 1st box.
(01) Zyra G: Have I addressed your concern?I can assist you in placing your order online.
Jacob: ok, but that still doesn't make sense why I need to pay an extra $5 a month for not having a phone line, when the only thing it's used for is content that I wont use?
Jacob: seems like I have to pay for something that I won't have access to anyway if I don't use a phone line.
(01) Zyra G: If you don't want to be charged the No Phone Line Fee, then you can just get single tuner receivers.
Jacob: But I want DVR service, which you say only have dual tuners
(01) Zyra G: This way you don't have to have an active phone line attached at the back of the receivers.
(01) Zyra G: Yes, that is correct.
(01) Zyra G: I can see your concern about the No Phone Line Fee, however this is just a minimal cost for us to be able to to transmit all of the programming from your primary tuner to the additional tuner(s).
(01) Zyra G: I can assure you that once you have Dish Network service, you would realize that it really pays off.
Jacob: The extra programming is transmitted through the phone line?
Jacob: This is a rhetorical question of course. That extra fee just doesn't make sense to me when all programming is actually sent through the satellite link
(01) Zyra G: As what I have told you earlier, it requires more resources from our uplink center and our satellites to transmit the additional feed and signal to the additional tuners.
Jacob: that still doesn't tell me exactly what the phone line is used for in that regard
Jacob: forgive me, but I couldn't find online what it's used for
(01) Zyra G: The Phone Line is used for you to be able to have access to our interactive features and other cool features as well like ordering pay-per-views through your remote control.
(01) Zyra G: Have I addressed all of your concerns?I can assist you in placing your order online today.
Jacob: and we come back to that. If I don't have a phone line, I don't have access to those services. Why should I be charged for something I will not be using because I don't have a phone line? Seems like it would be a trade off
Jacob: no phone line, no extra features
(01) Zyra G: I can see where you're coming from. As much as I would like to remove the $5 No Phone Line Fee for you, however I really cannot do so. Our system will recognize that your receiver is not attached to a phone line and it's automatically charged by our system.
Jacob: So is there no way this can be waived (besides getting a phone line) in order to aquire a new customer
Jacob: Man, that sucks
Jacob: Well, thank you for your time.
(01) Zyra G: Please give me a few minutes while I research that information for you.
Jacob: ok
(01) Zyra G: Thank you.
(01) Zyra G: Since you told me that you don't have a phone line and you don't want to be charged a $5 No Phone Line Fee, you can purchase a wireless phone jack which is only for $39.
Jacob: ?? what is that?
(01) Zyra G: In this case, you don't have to have an active phone line attached at the back of the receiver.
Jacob: what does that do?
Jacob: Wouldn't I still need phone service for that?
(01) Zyra G: This serves as a replacement for the active phone line.
Jacob: Seems like the same thing as if I were to plug into one of the inactive phone jacks in my house?
(01) Zyra G: You need to plug the base unit into an electrical outlet and an existing phone jack, then plug the extension unit where the satellite receiver is located.
(01) Zyra G: This turns any electrical outlet into a modem or phone jack.
Jacob: ?? Like I said, seems like the same thing as if I plug the receiver into an existing wall phone jack.
Jacob: So I would not need an active phone service?
(01) Zyra G: As long as there is an existing phone line that will do.
Jacob: Again, please answer this question:
Jacob: Do I or do I not need to have active phone service with a phone company in order to waive the phone line fee?
Jacob: Regardless of whether or not I have existing phone line jacks in my house?
(01) Zyra G: You don't need to have an active phone line.
(01) Zyra G: As long as there is an existing phone jack, that will be fine.
Jacob: So I can plug the receiver into a dead phone jack in my house and I will not be charged the phone line fee?
(01) Zyra G: You need to have the wireless phone jack plugged into an electrical outlet and an existing phone jack.
Jacob: You just said I don't need the wireless phone jack if I have an existing phone jack near the receiver
Jacob: "(01) Zyra G: As long as there is an existing phone line that will do. "
(01) Zyra G: What I meant is that, you don't need to have an active home phone as long as you have a wireless phone jack plugged into an electrical outlet and an existing phone line or phone jack.
(01) Zyra G: You may already have your order placed online today so you can enjoy the service.
Jacob: I just read about this wireless phone jack and all they do is make it so you can put a phone where there is not already a phone jack.
(01) Zyra G: Are you currently on our website?
Jacob: You keep dancing around my questions. I just want a clear answer. Can you just tell me that "Jacob, if you plug your satellite receiver into an inactive phone jack, you can waive the $5 No Phone Line Fee. You do not have to pay for Land Line Phone service."
Jacob: yes I am
Jacob: "... and you do not need to pay for a "wireless phone system"
(01) Zyra G: You can't have an inactive phone jack directly connected to the receiver.
(01) Zyra G: That will still charge you the $5 No Phone Line Fee.
Jacob: Why not? You're telling me the wireless phone base can be plugged into an inactive phone jack. What's the difference?
(01) Zyra G: Please give me a few minutes while I check on this information.
Jacob: Sure, take your time
(01) Zyra G: I tried to check my resources again, I do apologize for any inconvenience. Let me correct myself, you really need to have an active phone line so you won't be charged the $5 No Phone Line Fee.
Jacob: Ah, I see and there really is no way to get around that?
(01) Zyra G: Yes, as much as we would like to waive the $5 No Phone Line Fee we really can't do so unless you have an active phone line attached to the receiver.
(01) Zyra G: Let me correct myself, the wireless phone jack needs to be plugged in to an existing and active phone jack.
Jacob: LOL, ok. Well, thank you for your time. Have a good day.
(01) Zyra G: You're welcome.
(01) Zyra G: Have I answered all your questions? I can assist you in placing your order online today.
Jacob: You have, but no not today. Thank you.
/end session
I don't think they're doing it intentionally, I think they really are stupid. I know there have been posts here from people who were told they could use their external hard drive to copy programs to their computer. I also remember a long time ago seeing somebody say that they were told the reason they have a downgrade fee is because it costs them to send out the command to deauthorize the channels.
It's not logical!!!
would you pay an extra $5 for every computer that's connected to your dsl/cable connection? I highly doubt it. I have 4 computers in the whole house, which would make comcast filty rich havin' an extra $20 fee going back to their pockets. To have a basic landline service, it costs $22 (Qwest) in washington state with the most basic features. that's $22/month on top of every extra IRDs you have in the account.
would you pay an extra $5 for every computer that's connected to your dsl/cable connection? I highly doubt it. I have 4 computers in the whole house, which would make comcast filty rich havin' an extra $20 fee going back to their pockets. To have a basic landline service, it costs $22 (Qwest) in washington state with the most basic features. that's $22/month on top of every extra IRDs you have in the account.
If I recall correctly, several of the "broadband" Internet providers DID try charging extra for each additional computer connected. I also remember the days when the cable companies used to charge extra each month for each additional TV that was connected. In both of these cases the fee for extra computers or extra sets went away, but in conjunction with a general rate increase for everyone else. Sooner or later Dish will do the same.would you pay an extra $5 for every computer that's connected to your dsl/cable connection? I highly doubt it. I have 4 computers in the whole house, which would make comcast filty rich havin' an extra $20 fee going back to their pockets. To have a basic landline service, it costs $22 (Qwest) in washington state with the most basic features. that's $22/month on top of every extra IRDs you have in the account.
I can see it now... "We are doing away with the requirement to be connected to a phone line, the DVR fee and other miscellaneous fees! However, there will be a modest, across the board increase of just $5/month assessed to ALL users."
ugh i hate that hard drive access fee i think thats stupid.
I also think the hd access fee is dumb. there are some fees i dont agree with. bleh!
lets all go fta!
I also think the hd access fee is dumb. there are some fees i dont agree with. bleh!
lets all go fta!
(01) Zyra G: If I understand you correctly, you don't have an active home phone, am I correct?
Jacob: correct, I only have a Cell Phone and Cable Internet service
(01) Zyra G: We do not require a phone line, but if you have an active phone line that you can plug into the receiver we will waive the $5.00 No Phone Line Fee.
Sounds like the reps I usually get stuck dealing with.
Sure seemed to want to end the conversation too. "Have I addressed all your concerns" how many times? LOL
Jacob: correct, I only have a Cell Phone and Cable Internet service
(01) Zyra G: We do not require a phone line, but if you have an active phone line that you can plug into the receiver we will waive the $5.00 No Phone Line Fee.
Sounds like the reps I usually get stuck dealing with.
Sure seemed to want to end the conversation too. "Have I addressed all your concerns" how many times? LOL
Yet another reason why I don't waste my time calling tech support for anything these days. To easy to find a book and learn for myself it seems. That or talk to the neighbor. At least he speaks and comprehends English.
Hey guys, I’m new to these forums, but I think I have some info you might like:
I used to have the 322 receiver and no phone line so I got charged the extra $4.99. I tried to get this fee waived on multiple occasions, but the customer service/tech support guys have zero authority to waive this fee.
Eventually I decided to cancel my dish network and I told them one reason for cancelling was that I hated the $4.99 no phone line fee. He then transferred me to a second customer service agent and I told him the same thing. INSTANTLY, the second guy offered to waive that fee. I also told him that my signal dies when it rains and he also offered to send someone to check out my dish for free.
So the moral of the story is, if you don’t want to get charged the $4.99 no telephone fee, call to cancel. Then, talk to the SECOND customer service rep (the one with all the authority) and he’ll waive it. Although $4.99 may not seem like a lot, over the course of a year, that’s $60. More though, we shouldn’t be charge $4.99 for that BS expense.
I used to have the 322 receiver and no phone line so I got charged the extra $4.99. I tried to get this fee waived on multiple occasions, but the customer service/tech support guys have zero authority to waive this fee.
Eventually I decided to cancel my dish network and I told them one reason for cancelling was that I hated the $4.99 no phone line fee. He then transferred me to a second customer service agent and I told him the same thing. INSTANTLY, the second guy offered to waive that fee. I also told him that my signal dies when it rains and he also offered to send someone to check out my dish for free.
So the moral of the story is, if you don’t want to get charged the $4.99 no telephone fee, call to cancel. Then, talk to the SECOND customer service rep (the one with all the authority) and he’ll waive it. Although $4.99 may not seem like a lot, over the course of a year, that’s $60. More though, we shouldn’t be charge $4.99 for that BS expense.
Correct give the man a prize. You prize is you will never be a Dish CSR because you know how Dish works.]]
(gosh and to think I was once A Dish CSR I am glad I left and got my brains back.)
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