I believe you have the option of paying $99 and not being tied to a 2 yr contract or agreeing to a 2 yr contract and not paying the $99 if you qualify first...good credit and having a valid credit or debit card. In either case, the Platinum Pak is $10/month. The rest of the HD programming would be free ie., the programming in HD that is not a part of the Platinum Pak, which is 99% of the HD channels. To get the Free HD for life promo you also have to agree to autopay thru your credit or debit card. If I'm wrong, someone else will correct me shortly I'm sure! Pretty good deal in my book tho! It will be interesting to see what the other providers will do in response to this offer.