Mislead by directv with local channels

[gregau33]

Hi,

I recently had Directv installed at my home. Before I ordered, I checked to see if local channels were offered in my zip, and I have NO local channels at all, which I can understand... I guess. But the problem is, when I was on the phone, the person who sold the Directv package to me said that I can get the New York City "local" channels for my ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC THE SAME DAY they installed my dish. I asked if he was sure, since I know you have to have the waivers approved which can take a long time. But, he put me on hold and asked a "manager" if they could give me my "local" New York channels, and he said his manager approved it.

So I'm sure you know where I'm getting at, but I have NO ABC, Fox, CBS, NBC. I just feel really used by what I was told when ordering my service. I do have a question though, the next town down the road has ALL local (HD) channels. My parents actually live in this town. Would it be possible for me to call Directv and tell them that I have moved to my parents adress so I can get the local channels I was promised? Is there a way they can tell that my HD boxes and satellite aren't at my parents address?

Thanks,

Greg

[raoul5788]

Hi,

I recently had Directv installed at my home. Before I ordered, I checked to see if local channels were offered in my zip, and I have NO local channels at all, which I can understand... I guess. But the problem is, when I was on the phone, the person who sold the Directv package to me said that I can get the New York City "local" channels for my ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC THE SAME DAY they installed my dish. I asked if he was sure, since I know you have to have the waivers approved which can take a long time. But, he put me on hold and asked a "manager" if they could give me my "local" New York channels, and he said his manager approved it.

So I'm sure you know where I'm getting at, but I have NO ABC, Fox, CBS, NBC. I just feel really used by what I was told when ordering my service. I do have a question though, the next town down the road has ALL local (HD) channels. My parents actually live in this town. Would it be possible for me to call Directv and tell them that I have moved to my parents adress so I can get the local channels I was promised? Is there a way they can tell that my HD boxes and satellite aren't at my parents address?

Thanks,

Greg

You can tell Directv you have moved, many people do. Technically it's against the terms of your service, but you can do it. Pensacola gets hd locals and you are most likely to be within the footprint of the spot beam the local channels are on. If you tell Directv you have already moved and have the dish set up, they should simply give you those channels. You might want to wait a week or two so that is doesn't seem suspicious.

[gregau33]

Thanks for the response. Is there any way possible Directv can track the box down and tell i'm not within the zip code though?

[raoul5788]

Thanks for the response. Is there any way possible Directv can track the box down and tell i'm not within the zip code though?

No, as long as you don't plug in the phone line.

[david_gilbert]

keep in mind that if you ever need a service call you will have to "move" back to your original address!

[Iceberg]

No, as long as you don't plug in the phone line.

you can leave the phone line plugged in. I did for the 4 years I "moved" and had no issues

[raoul5788]

you can leave the phone line plugged in. I did for the 4 years I "moved" and had no issues

Sure you can, but if Directv decided to check the number it could be problematic. Why look for trouble?

[dishrich]

Sure you can, but if Directv decided to check the number it could be problematic.

How? With today's VOIP/number portability, ANY # can be located ANYWHERE, so it isn't going to tell them much. As long as you are not using a number on another D* account, risk is basically non-existent.

I've been moved for 5+ years w/phone, as well as many of my clients - never a problem with any of them.

[raoul5788]

How? With today's VOIP/number portability, ANY # can be located ANYWHERE, so it isn't going to tell them much. As long as you are not using a number on another D* account, risk is basically non-existent.

I've been moved for 5+ years w/phone, as well as many of my clients - never a problem with any of them.

If the number that comes up on caller id shows it is from an address different than the service address, it could cause problems. Why take that chance? Just don't plug in the phone.

[dishrich]

If the number that comes up on caller id shows it is from an address different than the service address, it could cause problems. Why take that chance? Just don't plug in the phone.

OK again, how IS D* going to know this? They can't call the local phone co. to find out the "service address" of the phone #. (you know, that little privacy policy thing DOES apply to D*, just as if YOU were going to try to find this out) And again, with VOIP, service addresses are meaningless today. Have you actually heard of ONE instance where D* has done this? (I HIGHLY doubt it)

If you really think all this with the "helicopters & tin foil hats", then we'll have to agree to disagree on this one...