If you're a loyal Dish Network subscriber, you might have received an email from the Dish Network Account Loyalty Team regarding a few new special offers for 2009. The email, which looks like this (PDF PostScript JPG), is pushing the Ultimate Turbo-Charged HD Package or the Super Programming Discount Package (non-HD). I don't have an HD receiver, so I was limited to the Super Programming Discount Package.After some thought, I decided to call Dish Network (1-888-208-4477) to get more information about this offer. As it turns out, I decided to accept the offer and agreed to a new 24-month commitment with Dish in exchange for the services and benefits of the promotion. Based on my investigation, here are some details you should know about before signing up (there are always fine print gotch-ya's with Dish). Continue reading for the gotch-yas ...
- $120 of Savings Off Your Current Programming (3 credits of $39.99) -- The three $39.99 credits are applied to your bill on the 1st, 10th, and 20th month of the 24-month commitment. In other words, you won't get 3-bills back-to-back-to-back with a credit of $39.99; the credits are staggered.
- Free HBO and Starz for 3-Months -- Sounds like a good deal, and it is. However, if you take this promotion be sure to ask the representative to configure your account to automatically cancel these services after the 3-month promotional period. Otherwise, you'll have to remember to call Dish after 3-months and cancel this programming manually. There is no fee to cancel premium movie programming once the promotion expires.
- Free Multi-Sports Package for 6-Months -- Another good deal. However, like the premium movie packages, ask the representative to configure your account to automatically cancel this service after the 6-month promotional period. There is no fee to cancel the multi-sports package once the promotion expires.
- 24-Month Commitment Required -- If you opt to get this promotion, be aware that you'll be locked into Dish for another 2-years. When I talked with a Dish representative over the phone, I didn't go into cancellation policy specifics (because I have no plans to cancel Dish anytime soon). However, I assume that canceling your Dish service before the 2-year commitment period is over isn't going to be cheap.
- Dish Price Increases in Feb 2009 -- When talking with the Dish representative, she casually mentioned that all Dish Network subscribers would see a minor price increase in February '09. I asked for more details on this, but she couldn't give me exact numbers. I did however confirm that agreeing to this 24-month commitment would not lock in a fixed price for the duration of the commitment. She then told me that Dish may opt to increase prices in Feb 2010 as well.
All in all, this Dish promotion is a pretty good deal. However, be sure you understand what you're agreeing to before you move forward. Hope this helps other Dish Network subscribers out there.
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