Dish Charges You Extra For Not Having A Phone

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Dish Network is charging Dee a $5 "programming access fee" because she doesn't have a phone line.

Dish Network is charging Dee a $5 “programming access fee” because she doesn’t have a phone line.

When she emailed customer service to ask how to get the fee removed, Dish told her she could get a phone line installed.

Great idea! Spend $35 to save $5!

Correspondence inside…

    “_____________________________________________

    From:
    Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 6:10 PM

    To: FeedBack

    Subject: Billing,

    Full Name: Dee

    Account Number:

    Question: 1. What is the $5 programming access fee shown on my latest bill?

    2. Why does my account always show that it is delinquent on the website?I just want to pass along one of DISH network’s added charges.

    —-Original Message Follows—-

    From:

    To:

    Subject: RE: Billing,

    Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2006 20:48:15 -0700

    Dear Dee ,

    Thank you for your email. The programming access fee is for not having a phone line connected to the receiver. Concerning the delinquent message online please disregard.

    As a current customer, you may also use our website to view your current or previous billing statements, add services, or make payments to your account. Please use the link https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customercare/UserManagement/login.jsp to visit our Online Customer Support Center.

    Your business is greatly appreciated and we thank you for allowing us to be of assistance to you. If you have any further questions or concerns, please refer to http://www.dishnetwork.com or reply to this email.

    Sincerely,

    Nicholas P.

    TID:PB-Delta

    DISH Network eCare

    _____________________________________________
    From: Dee
    Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 3:46 PM
    To: FeedBack
    Subject: RE: Billing,

    I obviously missed that somewhere in the fine print. What can I do to have that charge removed other than to have a land line telephone installed? I think its outrageous that I am being penalized for NOT having a land line telephone. Please advise me of my options.
    _____________________________________________________________

    From:
    To:
    Subject: RE: Billing,
    Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:45:42 -0700

    Dear Dee ,

    Thank you for your email. Concerning the phone line if you have one available you will not be charged the $5.00 access fee.

    As a current customer, you may also use our website to view your current or previous billing statements, add services, or make payments to your account. Please use the link https://customersupport.dishnetwork.com/customercare/UserManagement/login.jsp to visit our Online Customer Support Center.

    Your business is greatly appreciated and we thank you for allowing us to be of assistance to you. If you have any further questions or concerns, please refer to http://www.dishnetwork.com or reply to this email.

    Sincerely,

    Nicholas P.

    TID:PB-Delta

    DISH Network eCare”

— BEN POPKEN

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