10% off ain't squat ...
Also, you CAN get that 10 % off rather easily if you ask.
Thats nice if you have Verizon Fios to swap too, problem is they are only available in specific areas, just like ATT is ... so you can't really look at that as being an option for everyone.
If you like Fios (for example) why switch every 2 years, why not just stay there if thats happens to be the provider you like best ?
Why force your family to change providers and channel line ups every few years ?
This big time, 1. I wouldn't ever leave DirecTV, and 2. Verizon and AT&T aren't in my area at all, even DSL isn't here, let alone FiOS. It's ridiculous.
If you want some sort of discount, you need to call up, and ask for it, I do it when I feel my bill is a little high, I usually get discounts on my Base package($10 off for 12 Months), and Sports Pack and Starz(Between $5 and $7 a month for 6 months). Also got NFLST Max upgrade for free this year, I can't complain as DirecTV has treated me well every year since I've been with them(Started in 2006-2008, came back in 2010 after financial issues were resolved, and haven't have an issue since), I got the free upgrade as they putted because I had a great account, and loyal customer, I don't do the 2yrs here, and 2 yrs there thing, just too much of a hassle to have someone come out every 2 yrs to switch stuff out.
My only cable option is Time Warner, and it sucks compared to DTV, I would rather pay a little more, even though I don't, to get better quality, and a chance at the package I desire, like the Ticket, than have crappy CS, and crappy Technology, I mean my internet Is through them, and it is unreliable, but I have no other provider out here, not in the booney's either, live near the Capital of NY, yet Verizon can't get FiOS here for some reason, nor can AT&T get U-Verse here.
But anyway, if you want the discounts then stick with whatever company you're with, and they will, and they will also accomidate you. My brother died last monday, and AT&T pushed back my due date because of this, gave us extra time to pay our Cell bill. Also have had DirecTV do that numerous times over the years where I've been short for the month, either call in, get a person, or just do the automated and I get a couple extrav days to get the money together.