This simply isn't correct for many of the long term subs who actually purchased their equipment and did their own installs back in the late 90s etc. There weren't the package promotions and free installs back then. Not everyone jumps ship every couple years, although the solution for those who want the deals is to go to the other provider and take their deal and then return in a couple years or so.
One would have to go back to pre 1999 to not have had at least the old full-rebate offer. That will be nearly 14 years ago. Sorry, but the vast number of current subs did get the FREEBIE deals from the time Dish was just over 1 million subs, only the wealthy who had the $500 plus to buy the system between 1996 and 1999 may have a weak point, but they can afford to do what they want anyways, being rich as they are.
Today the cost is around $600 on average to provide the FREEBIE installs and that may not be a wise investment for Dish to make with a sub whose bill is around $40-$50 per month, never upgrades packages or equipment, never buys PPV, pretty much doesn't spend much at Dish per month and has indicated his is willing to jump ship at any moment. Would you really be offering to re-fill or let try a free sample a coffee of the infrequent or even frequent customer who spends about $10 a month or maybe just the coffee of the day at $1 a cup as opposed to the daily customer who buys coffee, higher priced (upsell/upgrade) mixed espresso drinks and a pastriy each workday and probably and drops about $100 per month in your coffee establishment presuming a $5 a work day habit? These deals from DBS companies, both FREE and upgrades, are designed to keep customers for several years and not jump ship as soon as the commitment is over. I say judicious application of who gets the better deal on an upgrade or even having ONE free install when first signing up for the service is wise business. And by the way, I was upgraded to a 922 FREE of any charge because of a new offer for QUALIFYING customers.
"I have to check," said the CSR. "Yep, you do qualify for a FREE 922 upgrade; no charge." BTW, the 922 was only a POSITIVE experience. Yeah, I have an expensive "coffee" habit, and I was pleased to see that Dish does do more for those who pay more. Further, I thought 2 Hoppers & 4 Joeys with 2 new cable run and 2 new holes drilled labor at no additional charge to me (and he replaced my LNBF's to eliminate my 2 DPP44 switches) for total upgrade fee of $100 (line item as $50 for each Hopper, no additional charges) is a sign a company is doing the right thing by its customers. Hey, I'll dump on Dish when they deserve it (I've had my PITA experiences with them regarding other matters), but overall, I think their upgrade polices are pretty fair. One is always free to give their business to DirecTV, AT&T, Verizon Fios, or the local cable company all to Dish's peril, but that good free market competition at work. Dish is very solid financially and its current upgrade policies aren't even close to causing Dish to close shop. There are other issues that cause some subs to leave at the end of commitment that could be fixed, but upgrade policies just isn't one of them, and the same at DirecTV.