Social Feed
So....
Back in April of this year, I was with DISH and Windstream, and I had a bundle. My bills were paid directly to Windstream, who I assume shuffled DISH's money over to them.
I was a customer for about 9 years I think? When a Comcast guy shows up at my doorstep. I know they had recently strung a line through, and I was getting 6Mbps from Windstream and Comcast was offering me 250Mbps. I was paying $210 for Windstream and DISH; Comcast offered me a $135/mo for 2 years.
It was a no-brainer and the date for the installation was set for May 8th.
May 8th arrived and the installation went smoothly. Comcast took care of Windstream, changing over our phone, cancelling our DSL but I had to call DISH.
When I called them, they informed me that they would be charging me a fee for the equipment which was to be refunded upon them receiving the equipment. They said they'd send me packaging materials and shipping labels. Okay, fine.
The box arrived ~8 days later I believe it was, and we packaged the requested materials, save one: They asked for a switch box which we did not have. We wrote on a piece of paper that our installation never had one of those, and we sent them the splitter instead. We included both of our remotes and the receiver box.
I later found out that they billed us on May 8th for the month of May (which we did not use) and that Windstream would later refund me $52 of the $210 that was billed, but I never saw the $148 from DISH.
DISH sent me another bill, $15.92 (I assume shipping fees?) that I kept but didn't pay because I assume it would be auto-billed (like every OTHER transaction from them!). I would later find out through a bank statement that they did not in fact auto-bill it and it was past the due date. I logged on to DISH right away and paid it.
That was back in June.
It is now November and I've not seen a dime of my money that they owe me. Not only did they keep the $276 for the equipment fees, but they ALSO kept $148 for the Month of May which I did not use. Windstream had the courtesy to refund this, but DISH did not refund their money. This means I'm out some $420 which is nearly 5% of my yearly income and I'm not very happy about it.
I just want my money back. What options do I have? Should I start seeking legal help? I'm not in the mood to wade around through robocalls and answering machines to try to find a human to talk to who would fix my problem...
Back in April of this year, I was with DISH and Windstream, and I had a bundle. My bills were paid directly to Windstream, who I assume shuffled DISH's money over to them.
I was a customer for about 9 years I think? When a Comcast guy shows up at my doorstep. I know they had recently strung a line through, and I was getting 6Mbps from Windstream and Comcast was offering me 250Mbps. I was paying $210 for Windstream and DISH; Comcast offered me a $135/mo for 2 years.
It was a no-brainer and the date for the installation was set for May 8th.
May 8th arrived and the installation went smoothly. Comcast took care of Windstream, changing over our phone, cancelling our DSL but I had to call DISH.
When I called them, they informed me that they would be charging me a fee for the equipment which was to be refunded upon them receiving the equipment. They said they'd send me packaging materials and shipping labels. Okay, fine.
The box arrived ~8 days later I believe it was, and we packaged the requested materials, save one: They asked for a switch box which we did not have. We wrote on a piece of paper that our installation never had one of those, and we sent them the splitter instead. We included both of our remotes and the receiver box.
I later found out that they billed us on May 8th for the month of May (which we did not use) and that Windstream would later refund me $52 of the $210 that was billed, but I never saw the $148 from DISH.
DISH sent me another bill, $15.92 (I assume shipping fees?) that I kept but didn't pay because I assume it would be auto-billed (like every OTHER transaction from them!). I would later find out through a bank statement that they did not in fact auto-bill it and it was past the due date. I logged on to DISH right away and paid it.
That was back in June.
It is now November and I've not seen a dime of my money that they owe me. Not only did they keep the $276 for the equipment fees, but they ALSO kept $148 for the Month of May which I did not use. Windstream had the courtesy to refund this, but DISH did not refund their money. This means I'm out some $420 which is nearly 5% of my yearly income and I'm not very happy about it.
I just want my money back. What options do I have? Should I start seeking legal help? I'm not in the mood to wade around through robocalls and answering machines to try to find a human to talk to who would fix my problem...
18 Replies
·
2631 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
This should hit a lot of folks with a dose of reality. I can only imagine how much more common this will get as AI progresses.
I read several stories on this and most are clear as mud. They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole. I guess time will tell if either of these statements are actually true.
www.cnbc.com
I read several stories on this and most are clear as mud. They say a lot of the stolen bitcoin has been "locked out" and that everyone will be made financially whole. I guess time will tell if either of these statements are actually true.
Hackers steal $6.3 billion from Binance in biggest-ever cryptocurrency theft
The company later added it began recovering assets impacted by the breach after pledging to cover losses using its Secure Asset Fund for Users.
www.cnbc.com
4 Replies
·
46 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAKxo3ThpI4
Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Space 234
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAKxo3ThpI4
Direct YouTube Link - This Week in Space 234
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
3 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
I was reading this article
thehill.com
That said this-
Last summer, for the first time, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime claimed the largest share of the television viewing audience, surpassing both cable and broadcast TV. Streaming captured 34.8 percent of July viewers, according to Nielsen data, compared to 34.4 percent for cable and 21.6 percent for broadcast.
And then, sometime in the second half of 2022, cord-cutters became the majority. The share of cable and satellite television subscribers dipped to 48 percent, according to a report from Samba TV, a television technology company.
Now I do not consider those with YTTV and the likes, Cord Cutters, but they still do not have Traditional Cable/Satellite delivered Live TV, so I decided to do the math.
There are, now, 129 Million Households in the United States.
In 2015, there were 100 Million Cable/Sat Subscribers , no streaming Live TV Service.
Today, there are 66 Million Live TV subscribers, including Cable, Satellite and Streaming.
Roughly, Streaming Live TV has 14 Million subs including all of them.
So that means, Cable/Satellite now has, roughly, 51 Million Households
So in just 8 years, lost 49% of their subscribers and by the end of this year, expected sub count to be, roughly, 45 million households.
That means a total loss of 55% since 2015 at the end of 2023.
But out of 129 Million households, 45 million will mean only 35% will get Cable/Satellite Delivered Live TV by the end of 2023.
Imagine what 2024 will be like.
Cable TV ‘cord-cutters’ became the majority in 2022
The steady decline of cable and broadcast television, and the rise of streaming services, reached a sort of inflection point over the past year. Last summer, for the first time, streaming ser…
thehill.com
That said this-
Last summer, for the first time, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime claimed the largest share of the television viewing audience, surpassing both cable and broadcast TV. Streaming captured 34.8 percent of July viewers, according to Nielsen data, compared to 34.4 percent for cable and 21.6 percent for broadcast.
And then, sometime in the second half of 2022, cord-cutters became the majority. The share of cable and satellite television subscribers dipped to 48 percent, according to a report from Samba TV, a television technology company.
Now I do not consider those with YTTV and the likes, Cord Cutters, but they still do not have Traditional Cable/Satellite delivered Live TV, so I decided to do the math.
There are, now, 129 Million Households in the United States.
In 2015, there were 100 Million Cable/Sat Subscribers , no streaming Live TV Service.
Today, there are 66 Million Live TV subscribers, including Cable, Satellite and Streaming.
Roughly, Streaming Live TV has 14 Million subs including all of them.
So that means, Cable/Satellite now has, roughly, 51 Million Households
So in just 8 years, lost 49% of their subscribers and by the end of this year, expected sub count to be, roughly, 45 million households.
That means a total loss of 55% since 2015 at the end of 2023.
But out of 129 Million households, 45 million will mean only 35% will get Cable/Satellite Delivered Live TV by the end of 2023.
Imagine what 2024 will be like.
898 Replies
·
72254 views
And again, 15 months in a row, streaming wins-
Cable and Broadcast added together-36.4%
Streaming with a massive 49.6%, 13.2% higher than Broadcast/Streaming.
Cable and Broadcast added together-36.4%
Streaming with a massive 49.6%, 13.2% higher than Broadcast/Streaming.
Pub Member / Supporter
Pissed off at the crappy healthcare costs
My health Insurance renewal for 2027 just came in. Going from $827 a month to $1,187 a month. Deductible going up a $1k to $9,350. Max out of pocket also going up $1k to $11,000. Doctor co-pay of $40. Urgent Care co-pay $50. ER 50% coinsurance after deductible. That's all in network. Out of network is double, should it be needed.
Have to think about this. I'm really tempted to just go without now. I only go to the doctor once or twice a year. I pay out of pocket for Tirzepitide and can do without the Rosuvastatin (crestor) now. Really tired of spending over $10k a year and getting nothing out of it.
After years with Blue Cross I switched last year to Ambetter as my Blue Cross premium was going from $1200 to $1800 for a Silver plan and the Bronze plan was still going to be $1300 at BCBS. Ambetter was $827 for the same coverage with a Bronze plan. Didn't think it would jump this much so soon.
I'm guessing a Silver plan is probably over $2,000 a month for 2027.
1 Replies
·
26 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
Thanks to Fitch Ratings ( who gives the ratings on Credit and debt, as approved by the SEC, so they have accurate numbers) we have the totals.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
DIRECTV's video subscriber base is the third-largest traditional multi-channel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the U.S. with about 8.2 million subscribers at the end of 1Q26.
The last time it was reported, it was 8.8M at the end of 2Q25, so only a 600,000 loss for 3 quarters, which is a major improvement, since for many years before that, it was losing 500,000 a quarter, 2 Million a year.
It is now losing less than Dish/Sling combined, I believe the Genre Packs are helping to retain and get subscribers.
36 Replies
·
1482 views
A
have you tried to call in and threaten to cancel and see how that works out??? have you tried going back onto directv.com and making a new acct for discounts posing as a new sub.. it worked for me when ATT destroyed it
I got a big discount for returning.have you tried to call in and threaten to cancel and see how that works out??? have you tried going back onto directv.com and making a new acct for discounts posing as a new sub.. it worked for me when ATT destroyed it
A
, the deal breaker was id'e be stuck with an HR-54 and not an HS-17. and there's no more wired gemini's for new subs or that's what i was told. and billing and tech support is still in the ATT eco system
they offered me the new customer deals and a 300.00 prepaid visa to leave DISH along there were going to waive the 49.00 activation fee
, the deal breaker was id'e be stuck with an HR-54 and not an HS-17. and there's no more wired gemini's for new subs or that's what i was told. and billing and tech support is still in the ATT eco system
I just got a wired Gemini a few weeks ago. Also my bill comes from DIRECTV…not AT&T though I do understand not all peoples bill have been switched back to DIRECTV yet.they offered me the new customer deals and a 300.00 prepaid visa to leave DISH along there were going to waive the 49.00 activation fee
Personally, IF I ever went back with Sat, I would definitely take the HR54 ... but each set up is different from house to house, what works for you ... in reality, I would probably go streaming instead, as my needs have changed, I no longer need a portable recvr to use while camping.they offered me the new customer deals and a 300.00 prepaid visa to leave DISH along there were going to waive the 49.00 activation fee
Staff member
HERE TO HELP YOU!
Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68670 Replies
·
2680848 views
TWiT Tech Podcast Network
Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Be9G9c_t6nc
Direct YouTube Link - Fun Novelty Apps for the iPhone Duo - Toasty!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Be9G9c_t6nc
Direct YouTube Link - Fun Novelty Apps for the iPhone Duo - Toasty!
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed
0 Replies
·
8 views
Hello there
We are looking for Starlink installer that will be able to install a system in Burk's falls.
Please ping me if you are interested
Thanks,
Nimrod
We are looking for Starlink installer that will be able to install a system in Burk's falls.
Please ping me if you are interested
Thanks,
Nimrod
3 Replies
·
1834 views
It is really really simple install (no special tools or instruments required and they guide you through using their starlink app and a simple set of instructions.Hello there
We are looking for Starlink installer that will be able to install a system in Burk's falls.
Please ping me if you are interested
Thanks,
Nimrod
You can order direct from starlink online or from an authorized retailer.
Not at all like the special equipment needed for a satellite install.
Thank you Nelson,
Yes, I fully agree. I can install it with my teeth, and both hands tied behind my back...but this installation is for a commercial user that will not do it themselves, and myself, Im overseas...
But it looks like that we managed to find someone who can drive there for the work.
Thank you
Pub Member / Supporter
Lifetime Supporter
It states the average amount they are under water is OVER $7,000. 
Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.
www.zerohedge.com
Personally, I tend to be the type that drives a vehicle for a lot of years....do my own oil changes and other fluid changes. Just replaced the spark plugs and a couple coils. Youtube is great for things like this.
Nearly 3 In 10 New-Car Trade-Ins Are Underwater, Edmunds Finds<!-- --> | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
www.zerohedge.com
3 Replies
·
95 views
