NFL Network dropped from AT 100

[tymekeeper]

Anyone hear about this? Dish put the NFL network on AT 200 and above this morning. What a rip off, first $3.00 raise in February and now this! I just got Dish in December (locked in for 18 months)because they seemed better than Direct TV. Not now. We need everyone, even those in the upper tiers to call and complain. I know if they don't change I'm gone as soon as I can go!!

[tymekeeper]

I just did an "online chat" with CS and he said the NFL Network was "free preview for 1 year" on AT 100 and it has been removed from AT 100. I never saw anything on their site about NFL being a preview and the literature that came in the February bill with the new prices still has NFL HD in the AT 100 column, He said "they can change programming at any time" Nothing but "i apologize" He did suggest upgrading during the NFL season, which would be an option. Still a crock of BS. I only care about cowboys games so I'll see.

[coldfu]

I just did an online chat as I noticed that same thing today NO NFL NETWORK..

I will include a transcript of the chat, but what is more interesting is that fact that when I ordered dish network less than 30 days ago, I specifically asked if NFL network was included in the AT100 package. I was told it was so I signed up. Now, all of a sudden it is now apparently retroactively a free preview?? If you look at your laminated channel card, it is listed as part of the AT100 package, as well as on their website (as of 2.21.08) http://www.dishnetwork.com/downloads/pdf/programming/SD_Channel_Lineup.pdf

I have gotten other channels as free previews and they are of course not listed as being part of my lineup

So it appears to me, that to legally get out of their contracts, they are asserting that it was a free preview.

The person I spoke with could provide no evidence that NFL network was ever intended as being a "free preview" before they decided it was one earlier this year. Meaning that it was not intended or ever was a "free preview" but was actually a part of the package.

I will be looking into it further, and calling direct tv and seeing what they have to say, as well as reviewing my contract. If it is as it appears I will be contacting my attorney general and the BB in my state and I urge others to do so as well (along with making a big stink on forums :).


Here is my brief conversation, notice the automatic response to questions about NFL network.

Sorry If I appear to be a Moron, but I was fishing a bit ;)

Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...
You have been connected to (05-03) Jared P.
(05-03) Jared P: Thank you for choosing Dish Network the leader in DVR and HD. How may I assist you?
Nathan: Yes, For some reason I am unable to get NFL network
(05-03) Jared P: ok
Nathan: I just get a screen that says available for upgrade
(05-03) Jared P: NFL Network has moved out of Free Preview into the America's Top 200 package. Due to the high value of their programming, DISH Network has moved the NFL Network to the America's Top 200 package. DISH Network understands this may be frustrating for you, but the America's Top 200 package allows for a variety of high valued sports networks to be available to you.
(05-03) Jared P: .
Nathan: No
Nathan: It says its in the 100 package
Nathan: http://www.dishnetwork.com/downloads/pdf/programming/SD_Channel_Lineup.pdf
(05-03) Jared P: i understand
(05-03) Jared P: but that was because it was a free preview
Nathan: No it wasn't
Nathan: I was told it was included
(05-03) Jared P: yes sir it was
Nathan: not as a free preview
Nathan: when I ordered it
(05-03) Jared P: ok
Nathan: and is listed in your permanently laminated sheet
(05-03) Jared P: it was for the last year
Nathan: and on your website
Nathan: http://www.dishnetwork.com/downloads/pdf/programming/SD_Channel_Lineup.pdf
(05-03) Jared P: i understand sir
Nathan: so what replaced it
(05-03) Jared P: nothing
(05-03) Jared P: they were moved back up to the AT200 and above
Nathan: so now my top 100 is 99
(05-03) Jared P: no
(05-03) Jared P: AT100 is actually more then 100 chs
Nathan: well when I ordered it less than 30 days go I was told NFL network was included
Nathan: ago that is
(05-03) Jared P: I apologize for any inconvenience.
Nathan: So.. in reality it wasn't even included for the first month
(05-03) Jared P: but like i said it is now moved up to the AT200
(05-03) Jared P: I apologize for any inconvenience.
Nathan: so who do I file a formal complaint to for the false information
Nathan: and for a refund
(05-03) Jared P: sir you were not paying extra for that channel
Nathan: yes but when I ordered it they said it was included
Nathan: now its not
Nathan: and its been less than 30 days
Nathan: so it was included for the first few days??
(05-03) Jared P: i do apologize but a refund cannot be provided
(05-03) Jared P: it was a free preview
Nathan: Where can I find documentation about the free preview?
Nathan: All information I have indicates its part of my package
Nathan: Please direct me where it says otherwise
(05-03) Jared P: one moment please
Nathan: hard to find huh?
(05-03) Jared P: http://www.dishnetwork.com/footballupgrade/
(05-03) Jared P: Is there anything else I can do for you?
Nathan: That is not what I am looking for
(05-03) Jared P: ok
(05-03) Jared P: thats what we have about that
Nathan: Where does it say that NFL network was a free preview
Nathan: mhmmm
Nathan: so you see my point then
(05-03) Jared P: Please give me 2-3 minutes to research this.
Nathan: ok
(05-03) Jared P: thanks
Nathan: you cant post date a free preview offer
(05-03) Jared P: Please give me 2-3 minutes to research this.
Nathan: k
(05-03) Jared P: I am diligently working to complete your request, please allow me 2-3 more minutes to complete the task. Your acknowledgement of this message is not necessary.
(05-03) Jared P: i do apologize but the only online link is the on stated before, this did start on 02/19/08
(05-03) Jared P: Is there anything else I can do for you?
Nathan: yes just fulfill the contract
(05-03) Jared P: sir
(05-03) Jared P: there in no other link i can submit
(05-03) Jared P: is*
(05-03) Jared P: only the information i can provide to you
Nathan: so you have no documentation whatsoever that before 2.19 NFL network was a free preview?
(05-03) Jared P: yes there is
(05-03) Jared P: but it is on our server netwrok, outside IP addresses cannot access this information
Nathan: I'm sorry, you have no documentation published before 2.19 that indicates that NFL network was a "free preview"
(05-03) Jared P: SIr is there anyhting else i can do for you
Nathan: Could you please tell me if you have any documentation published before 2.19 that indicates that NFL network was a "free preview"
(05-03) Jared P: i do not have a link for that sir
Nathan: where may I find that information
(05-03) Jared P: i do not have a link for that sir
Nathan: So it appears to me, that prior to 2.19 NFL network was not a "free preview"
(05-03) Jared P: that information is taken off of our web site to make room for new promotions
Nathan: Well then the evidence to the contrary appears overwhelming
(05-03) Jared P: this channel was not always free, at on time it was on AT100
(05-03) Jared P: Is there anything else I can do for you?
Nathan: thank you that is all I needed to know
Nathan: Have a nice day

[tymekeeper]

COLDFU; Icalled 1-888-284- 116 which is current customers phone number and got the same load of Cr.. again that it was a free preview, but they can't prove it just give the same references as you got.

It doesn't look like too many are interested in this rip off, maybe most already have AT 200 and don't care about us poor folk LOL

I think I will put a complaint into the Texas AG. Let us know what kind of response you get from your AG