Required to switch to a Hopper

[bspei]

My daughter lives in a condo complex and has Dish network. A man came to her door and said everyone will have to switch to Dish and you will need a Hopper. She said no way will I upgrade.
The man came back and said they won't charge for the upgrade

Can a complex that is already wired for cable and Dish and direct require everyone to switch? She is very happy with what she has and doesn't want a Hopper.

 

[JSheridan]

Sounds like it could be some kind of a scam. Get all the details first.

 

[navychop]

But yes, they can. Especially as Hoppers have different wiring requirements and incompatible hardware.

 

[bspei]

But yes, they can. Especially as Hoppers have different wiring requirements and incompatible hardware.

But they are excluding cable and Direct tv.

 

[HipKat]

It sounds like a scam and one that I have seen and heard of several times. I would call Dash and get clarification. Does she has a fraud alert team and they might know about this but I’ve seen certain retailers go knocking on doors telling people that they have to upgrade to a hopper because obviously, that’s what they’re going to make the most money out of

 

[Tampa8]

Short answer, they can and there are many complexes who have one choice. You don't say if it is part of the lease, if she gets a discount through the complex or does she pay all of the cost.
That doesn't mean this isn't a scam so tell her to talk directly to management.

 

[ChadT41]

Tampa is correct. If the apartment has a contract with a provider, they can require that provider is used. Now, a customer can use the alternative satellite provider, assuming it falls in line with the FCC Rights to Dish. Most apartments, a different install will not fall in line with, but there are exceptions to every rule.

 

[bspei]

Short answer, they can and there are many complexes who have one choice. You don't say if it is part of the lease, if she gets a discount through the complex or does she pay all of the cost.
That doesn't mean this isn't a scam so tell her to talk directly to management.

It is a condo and I own it. It is a 200 mile drive for me to go see the assn. and see what is going on and i am not up to driving it.

 

[Tampa8]

It is a condo and I own it. It is a 200 mile drive for me to go see the assn. and see what is going on and i am not up to driving it.

Phone? Talk to a on site manager?

 

[navychop]

They can limit you to one provider. They can exclude cable from running a line just to you. They cannot stop you from putting up your own dish, within certain limitations.

 

[KAB]

It sounds like a scam and one that I have seen and heard of several times. I would call Dash and get clarification. Does she has a fraud alert team and they might know about this but I’ve seen certain retailers go knocking on doors telling people that they have to upgrade to a hopper because obviously, that’s what they’re going to make the most money out of

In the community I have a home in FL, our HOA fees include basic Comcast. The two have a contract. If I wanted to switch to Dish, I could, pending Arch committee approval. But I would still be paying for the basic Comcast. A few years ago we had to upgrade to their digital boxes, at our personal expense over two, and still pay monthly added box fee.

 

[HipKat]

That’s crazy. OTARD must not apply to a residence like yours?

 

[KAB]

That’s crazy. OTARD must not apply to a residence like yours?

They are not violating OTARD. We could do it if we want...on TOP of Comcast.

 

[Tampa8]

They are not violating OTARD. We could do it if we want...on TOP of Comcast.

Yes nothing prevents them having a TV service as part of the lease or homeowners association. They can have an agreement with just one provider if they wish. Often newer subdivisions will do that with Cable since it can put underground to keep the aesthetics.

 

[Bobby]

Yes nothing prevents them having a TV service as part of the lease or homeowners association. They can have an agreement with just one provider if they wish. Often newer subdivisions will do that with Cable since it can put underground to keep the aesthetics.

Newer subdivisions put all of the utilities underground, cable, telephone, and electric. In California it is a requirement.

 

[bwexler]

I live in a mobile home park located in a valley with little or no OTA reception. When the park was built in the 1970s they contracted with Cox to extend service to and through out the park on the condition that all the residents would pay at least the contracted rate.
The park pays Cox and collects the par capita fee from each resident along with the rent. It is stipulated in the lease. I have also chosen to pay for Dish. The park hasn't raised any objection even though I neglected to ask permission.

 

[Tampa8]

Newer subdivisions put all of the utilities underground, cable, telephone, and electric. In California it is a requirement.

At least at of 2013 there are maybe five States that require it and even some of those five don't make it mandatory if economically or other reasons not feasible. There are Towns or Counties anywhere that may have stricter development rules.