Dish Network FlexTV Questions..

[snorkel]

***THIS IS FOR THOSE FLEXTV CUSTOMERS THAT MAY/WILL LET THERE SUBSCRIPTION END, AND HAVE A CREDIT CARD ON FILE WITH DISH****

I let my FlexTV lapse/end at the end of October, and I have until November 16th to pay the outstanding balance of $11.65, in order to keep my programming going, which I am not doing.

Anyway, over the past few weeks I have been getting call after call on my Cell from Dish telling me to contact them about my account. No big deal. I expected this, but I still had there number blocked from my phone(plus had them place me on a DO NOT CALL list).

Anyway, I decided to call the number anyway, just to make sure my account was setup the way I wanted, and too explain to them that I will not be reupiing the service until at least late next year.

So I get the CSR on and tell her this, and then she says she understands, and that when i come back i will have to pay the $5.00/reconnect fee, plus any additional channel lineup changes, PLUS the OUTSTANDING $11.65 I would owe for not paying to REUP the current programming setup I had!!!

WTF!!?? You mean, that if I came back in 6 months, I would not only owe the reconnect fee(which I completely understand), but I would also owe the outstanding balance on programming which I may no longer want?! I said the balance should go back to ZERO if I do nothing, and then I get hit with the reconnect fee, plus the cost of the channel lineup I want. I would OWE NOTHING since this is prepaid/flextv, and since I did not prepay for the upcoming month, my account balance would be at ZERO, and my obligations are done.

Well, after a few minutes of trying to explain to her that I am prepaid/flextv customer(Thank G*d I gave no Credit Card/SS# information on this account), she said she would talk to someone.

She came back, and said YES, since you are a prepaid customer, your balance would go to ZERO, when the time ran out for you to prepay your account, and that when/if you came back, you would be charged not only for the channel lineup you want, but the $5.00/reconnect fee. I said yes, that all makes sense.

The reason why I am telling you all of this, especially those who have credit card numbers listed on their accounts, is just too watch out. You may get hit with a charge which should never be there.

Just typing this too keep you informed, and your eyes open on your FlexTV accounts.

Very similar to you, I switched over from Dish Now in mid October just so I got onto the new plan and then just let the programming expire in November because the summer place is CLOSED for the winter. But as you said, they are now calling me maybe once a week trying to get me to re-up my service.

Is this going to go on forever or are they going to "figure out" that I'm not going to re-up any time soon??? Not until next April.

If they aren't going to give up on calling me, what's the cheapest thing I go do on a monthly basis to keep it activated all winter?? Even though I don't really want to do this (pay for something and not use it).


I'm just totally ANGRY that they got rid of Dish Now. I worked my butt off in April to get the thing installed, get the cable buried, get a new UPDATED smart card (because the old one would not allow activation) and then got to use it for four months before they decided to cancel Dish NOW. It was perfect because I'm only up there maybe 8 days per month (May - September) and paying just for what I use was a great deal. I keep hoping they'll bring something back that more closely resembles the true "pay as you go" model of Dish Now. Even if it were a weekly minimum, that would be wonderful.

Dish Network - ARE YOU LISTENING to all these mad customers that you have shafted????

 

[jeffmn]

About $10 is the minimum. That's for the welcome pack.
Or locals only I think adds up to $10 also.

Turn on the welcome pack and bring the reciver home with you and use it. It actually has a few decent channels IMO.

 

[STEELERSRULE]

Very similar to you, I switched over from Dish Now in mid October just so I got onto the new plan and then just let the programming expire in November because the summer place is CLOSED for the winter. But as you said, they are now calling me maybe once a week trying to get me to re-up my service.

Is this going to go on forever or are they going to "figure out" that I'm not going to re-up any time soon??? Not until next April.

If they aren't going to give up on calling me, what's the cheapest thing I go do on a monthly basis to keep it activated all winter?? Even though I don't really want to do this (pay for something and not use it).


I'm just totally ANGRY that they got rid of Dish Now. I worked my butt off in April to get the thing installed, get the cable buried, get a new UPDATED smart card (because the old one would not allow activation) and then got to use it for four months before they decided to cancel Dish NOW. It was perfect because I'm only up there maybe 8 days per month (May - September) and paying just for what I use was a great deal. I keep hoping they'll bring something back that more closely resembles the true "pay as you go" model of Dish Now. Even if it were a weekly minimum, that would be wonderful.

Dish Network - ARE YOU LISTENING to all these mad customers that you have shafted????

Honestly snorkel, the best thing you can do is actually call them, or answer the phone one timethey call, tell them that you will not be re-upping until some time next year, if at all(THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR THE CALLS TO STOP), and to PLACE YOU ON THEIR DO NOT CALL LIST(again, this is important).

You will contact them when you are ready. This should stop the phone calls. It did for me. Have not gotten one in over a month.

 

[snorkel]

I did answer the phone the two or three times they have called so far and listened to their little message and then hung up when it was done. I was hoping that if I did LISTEN their message vs. hanging up, it would turn off the automatic calling, but it hasn't yet.

I did call them and the dude knew nothing about FlexTV and that was AFTER they transferred me from the first person that I talked to. He had to go talk to someone else while I was on hold. I figured I'd better not ask him to do anything to my account if he had no idea about these FlexTV accounts, so I told him to leave it alone. But then I got a call yesterday, so that's why I decided to post.

So, just like Dish NOW, most of the operators don't know much about FlexTV. I'm just totally mad that I went to all the trouble to get the Dish NOW set up and they changed it to something that I don't want or need.

Final Thought
If I sell the receiver and dish, can the buyer get it switched over to him and make it work without major hassle???

 

[jakesnakemd]

Just paid for some more service last week so we could use the box at our place in Myrtle Beach over the weekend. Don't know why, but I apparently got two months of programming for my original payment. Everything worked like a charm, other than changing the zip code and doing a check on the switch due to the new location and different LNB. Lost the signal one night, but the tech shot me a new signal and everything worked fine. Brought the box back north and intend to hook it up here again once I get 100 feet of cable as a second box. Can't complain yet. Works for me.

 

[k1ng]

Can you use 2 GDMP numbers to pay your bill ?? If you only have $6.00 left on a GDMP number and your bill $11.00 will the the other GDMP number make up the $5.00 ?? If so , how do you enter 2 GDMP numbers ? I just payed my bill and have $6.00 left on the GDMP number.

 

[STEELERSRULE]

Can you use 2 GDMP numbers to pay your bill ?? If you only have $6.00 left on a GDMP number and your bill $11.00 will the the other GDMP number make up the $5.00 ?? If so , how do you enter 2 GDMP numbers ? I just payed my bill and have $6.00 left on the GDMP number.

You can enter as many GDMP's as it takes to pay off the debt.

Just one at a time though online, I believe. I think you enter the first one, and then enter in another one.

Or better yet, call the toll free number, give your account #(and pin code), and give the GDMP's that way. i am not 100% certain about doing it online, but I did do that on my initial setup. I had 2 GDMP's(one of them had like $2 on it) and the CSR took both to cover the cost of the programming.

 

[hensts]

I am very interested in this subject. We are having lots of trouble with the local digital broadcast and have tried to get on Dish, but running into the normal obstacles it would seem. I got on this site a few months ago and finally gave up getting service, but now it's winter and we'd like TV, so I'm back.
A local installer is running ads and that seemed good, but when I ask for the Flex, they insist that I can do that, but I have to take the $39.95 package. I'd be willing to get the Family Package, but would really like the Welcome Package. We just don't watch/want all those extra channels, so only the locals really, but might be able to get some use of the minimum on those packages.
I am a disabled Vet on a VA pension and along with many in today's financial climate, just don't have money to blow on things we don't want. I pay for our cell phone ahead each month and they have been happy to take my money for half the use they are selling me, why not Dish?

Tom

 

[jeffmn]

Call Dish direct and tell them, they should be able to find you a installer that will do what you want.

The welcome is a small package, but good channels much better than that Family package.

 

[STEELERSRULE]

I am very interested in this subject. We are having lots of trouble with the local digital broadcast and have tried to get on Dish, but running into the normal obstacles it would seem. I got on this site a few months ago and finally gave up getting service, but now it's winter and we'd like TV, so I'm back.
A local installer is running ads and that seemed good, but when I ask for the Flex, they insist that I can do that, but I have to take the $39.95 package. I'd be willing to get the Family Package, but would really like the Welcome Package. We just don't watch/want all those extra channels, so only the locals really, but might be able to get some use of the minimum on those packages.
I am a disabled Vet on a VA pension and along with many in today's financial climate, just don't have money to blow on things we don't want. I pay for our cell phone ahead each month and they have been happy to take my money for half the use they are selling me, why not Dish?

Tom

hensts,

Contact Dish directly, and if you have a Credit Card, buy the equipment from them, and then hire someone to install it.

The upfront costs may be more than you like, but at least you will be able to get the equipment, and have it around for when you need it.

And YES, you can just sign up for the Welcome pack(with or with out locals, if available to you) so that crap about signing up for the $39.95 package is just garbage, unless the store selling it specifically set it at that limit, but I still think it is bogus.

By the way, I have been using TRACFONE for the last 5 years(I mainly use my cell phone for making phone calls. Who would have thunk it?!), and I have been more than happy with them. When I work out the average cost per month for getting and using the phone(after initially buying the phone with DOUBLE BONUS MINUTES FOR LIFE and a 1-year prepaid card, $107 with tax)the average per month cost for me is around $8-$9/month.

I don't know how often you use you phone, but I still think this is a good deal. As long as you don't need/want Wi-Fi internet, or any of the extras.

Some, like my Samsung, found at Sears: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...Pre-Paid+Cell+Phones&keyword=tracfone+samsung

have blutooth, camera, some internet connections capabilities, etc...

I like it, and for me, it is super cost effective.

 

[jakesnakemd]

Its been several months and I have forgotten, but I think it is $99 to get the receiver and dish and the install comes with it if you call dish. I have my own equipment and did my own install so didn't need that. And you can check with them about the available programming which should include the Welcome Pack or at least the Family Pack and locals are $4.99 more. Think someone also said you can order a movie channel like Showtime and just add the locals to that if you don't want the channels. But be sure to say you want a FLEX setup.

 

[hensts]

Thanks guys, I might maybe should have taken another day before acting, but still, I might be in good shape. I told the local that I was walking if I didn't get a less costly program. It Worked... They went for that and signed me up for the Family Plan. Hope I can stand all that junk, but it's got a few decent channels and since we don't watch much now, maybe it will stay that way.

I've got a 211k box and a new lnb for my dish. The book says I "HAVE" to use the RG 6 cable instead of 59. I don't know if my new cable is or not. Can I use the 59 for a day or two until I get back to town? Or, is it not strong enough to handle the power for the lnb?

It also is a single lnb they sold me for it, does that mean 119 only? If there will be more questions, I'll move to a more technical thread after I hook things up in the morning, but I thought any that are following this would like to know it can happen. Now to see if it actually works and we got locals and we...... I've got my fingers crossed.

This group has been a big help in keeping me at 'em and I certainly appreciate it. My wife may finally be able to watch her shows steady.

As for the cell phone deal. That's part of what's been keeping me going here. We've been on prepay phone for about six years now, we both have a phone and it's about $15 each a month with the minutes rolling over since we renew in time. Since we actually use them very little, it's still a bit expensive, but a lot less than a regular service and the convenience is fantastic, especially now that pay phones are disappearing from the street. I remember how painful it could be standing in the rain or blazing sun making doctor appointments and such. Haven't used the bluetooth yet, but the camera is neat.

Tom

 

[r10fret]

So I am still on flex but I am down to one receiver and I have downgraded farther, I dropped the welcome pack no locals for 9.99 a month which I never really used anyway and instead I pay the 6.00 service access fee now and pay for KTLA ala carte for 1.50 a month, this keep my account active which avoids the 5.00 reconnect fee. I used online chat to make the changes. After the change still getting the free PI, dish earth channel and the free monthly preview channels.

The Dish website seems to be even more disabled then ever lately, now it does not even give you a rundown of your current programming or due date. DDDC

 

[Amiga]

FYI: Added unactivated DishNow 301 Prepaid DEC 09

Just a quick FYI since the prepaid thread is closed. I just activated a 301 (unactivated refurb) on to a postpaid DISH account (not Flex). The CSR was clueless par for the course. I thought I better get this done in case DISH starts swapping these puppies out.

 

[jeffmn]

I thought I better get this done in case DISH starts swapping these puppies out.

OK I'll bite, swapping these puppies out for what?
What are you talking about

 

[Amiga]

301 / 501 / 508 / 510 can't handle 8PSK nor MPEG-4

OK I'll bite, swapping these puppies out for what?
What are you talking about

301 / 501 / 508 / 510 receivers don't support 8PSK nor MPEG-4. Check out this DISH Network receiver comparison chart. A few posts on this site indicate DISH has swapped some 301 receivers out in the Eastern Arc.

 

[rajmarie]

301 / 501 / 508 / 510 receivers don't support 8PSK nor MPEG-4. Check out this DISH Network receiver comparison chart. A few posts on this site indicate DISH has swapped some 301 receivers out in the Eastern Arc.

As far as I know Eastern Arc was Mpeg4 from the start...& Dish always installed VIP receivers for Eastern Arc subs.

 

[wasjr]

Autopay??

Have not posted since I initiated the Flex service in October at our lake cabin. All went smooth in installation and service is fine. Monthly cost with tax is $16.22 and worth it to us for the limited use at the cabin.

The one issue is the autopay. I signed up for autopay, but they are not charging my card (I have a Bank of America card whereby I can create a separate number for Dish with my set limits and expiration). I get a statement that I am past due. I look online and it shows autopay and past due, but I call the bank and they have no record of attempted charges (they would see an error message if a charging attempt was rejected). I call Dish and they charge the account while I am on the line. Not much autopay to it. Just curious if anyone else is having this hassle?

 

[sxmfl]

So I am still on flex but I am down to one receiver and I have downgraded farther, I dropped the welcome pack no locals for 9.99 a month which I never really used anyway and instead I pay the 6.00 service access fee now and pay for KTLA ala carte for 1.50 a month, this keep my account active which avoids the 5.00 reconnect fee. I used online chat to make the changes. After the change still getting the free PI, dish earth channel and the free monthly preview channels.

The Dish website seems to be even more disabled then ever lately, now it does not even give you a rundown of your current programming or due date. DDDC

So, I'm just assuming that you live in FL since that's what your location says And I see that you get KTLA, which if I remember correctly is a LA channel If this is the case, can I have the receiver in Washinton D.C. and somehow get my NY locals/networks because they are being broadcasted on the CONUS 119 not a spot beam? I believe it's the same as KTLA. If this is possible, what information will I need to give Dish Network to achieve this? my name, an address, zip code??Thanks in advance

 

[AlaskanPrincess]

Dish Flex TV, Dish FlexTV, DishFlex and Dish Network Flex From Dish Network Satellite Televison
Dish Network Flex TV | No Contract Dish Network | Satellite One
The above are a couple of links for FlexTV. From what I've read, fees and eqpt vary by provider.
I understand reluctance at commitments - and each person's needs are different.
As far as Comcast, they're not available in my area - so I'm not familiar with what they offer. The following is diect from their website:
Digital Cable Offer ends 01/04/10 and is limited to residential customers satisfying applicable eligibility criteria. Not available in all areas. Offer limited to Comcast Digital Preferred Cable service. AFTER THE PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, OR IF ANY SERVICE IS CANCELLED OR DOWNGRADED, REGULAR CHARGES APPLYAFTER THE 6 MONTH PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, COMCAST?S REGULAR CHARGES APPLY. Comcast?s current monthly service charge ranges from $72 to $78, depending on area. Limited to service to a single outlet. Equipment, installation, taxes and franchise fees extra. May not be combined with other offers. Certain services are available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic Service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at the time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Call for restrictions and complete details. Comcast ©2009. All rights reserved.
Digital Cable service limited to a single outlet. Service subject to Comcast standard terms and conditions. Prices shown do not include equipment and installation charges, taxes, or franchise fees. Certain services available separately or as a part of other levels of service. Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. Not all programming available in all areas. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at the time of purchase. Converter and remote required to receive certain services. DVR service may require a deposit. A monthly DVR service fee applies. HD programming limited to the programming provided to Comcast in HD format. Call for restrictions and complete details. Comcast ©2009. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

It seems regardless of whether you choose satellite or cable service, costs are higher for 'short term' service.