Reply #21: I've had both DirecTV and DISH [View All]

[csziggy]

And I found that any time you want to change anything - receivers, dish, location, etc. - other than minor programming changes, it pays to get an offer from the one you currently don't have. Since you were with DISH, you could have gotten a "new installation" deal from DirecTV along with free premium channels for a few months. There is a slim chance DISH might have matched the DirecTV offer, but it's doubtful.

I had DIrecTV and all I needed to do was move the location of the dish - a service call would have been over $100. But DISH offered multiple, new receivers, free installation, free premium channels for three month, AND a $50 rebate. DirecTV would not match that deal, so I switched. When we moved, DirecTV offered DVR, more receivers, HDTV, even more free channels, and a $100 rebate. DISH would not match the deal.

Now I am with DirecTV. When my equipment gets old or the trees get tall enough I need the dish moved, I will get an offer from DISH. If it is a good one, I will be back with DISH.

Over the years, I have found the customer service to be nearly equal, the channel selection pretty much the same with minor variations and the costs about the same. SO if the companies will not match their competitor's offers so that they can keep steady customers, the customers should take advantage of their offers when it is in their best interest.