OT: Hate to do it...

[DudyDog]

but I searched but didn't see anything recent. Time for another TV/internet provider thread. Specifically, that my two year contract is up with DirecTV and U-Verse internet. This is the first time I've been with a sat provider and come to the end of my contract. I would prefer to stay with what I have, but I'd like to lower my bill if possible. Currently paying $148/mo with Direct and $62/mo with U-Verse. So what gives? Do I have any leverage in lowering my current price? What's the best way to go about this? Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[PineGroveBully]

This won't be a permanent reduction but if you are paying for any movie channels or the sports package once your contract is up you can call and ask and they'll give you them for 3-6mos free. My contract has been up for 3-4 years with Direct and I call a couple times a year and they'll take them off your bill. They do it to reward long time customers after getting so many complaints about only new customers getting freebies. I even got Sunday Ticket free a couple years ago simply by asking. A lot will depend on the mood of the person you talk to.

 

[BiscuitEater]

First .. what's available?

My only cable choice is Cox cable .. only wide band internet provider is Cox.

 

[was21]

It seems that the customer reps with DirecTV had more authority to grant reductions and provide freebies prior to AT&T buyout but have limited experience with it. DirecTV gave me $25 off my bill for 12 months when I told them I was considering moving to U-Verse, but that was before AT&T bought them out.

 

[Lakedawg]

I just cancelled with Directv after 11 years of service. We just don't watch enough TV that we can't get via streaming. My bill was $135 a month ( after climbing for several year from $108 ). Anyway, they have been calling me non-stop and have now offered a $55/month rate (Choice package), free movie channels for 3 months, Sunday ticket for free, and a $200 Visa prepaid card. Effectively like $35 per month. That rate is only good for 12 months at which time i assume I could go through all the "negotiations" again and still get a good deal.

My suggestion is tell them you want to cancel and watch them squirm to figure out a way to keep you.

I probably will cancel anyway - if price isn't the issue for me but rather I just don't watch tv much anymore, why would I still pay $33 per month? However, they cannot comprehend this point.

ETA the guy I cancelled with on the phone gave me a good deal but not this one. About a week later, some other guy kept calling me offering the deal above. I suppose there is a gamble in you hoping someone else calls as in my case.

 

[Lakedawg]

Delete

 

[121Josey]

Then in certain situations you have to deal with "billing errors" every month.

 

[00Dawg]

I've been with DirecTV for a number of years, and call pretty much every August to renegotiate. Last year I told them I could use SlingTV and Hulu for a combined $75 to replace everything they offer except the DVR. They ended up dropping $30 a month off my bill for 12 months, and my contract didn't renew. I'll be calling again in about 5-6 weeks.