DirecTV Installers: Tell The Truth? Fined! Reveal That? Fired!
from the yeah,-that-looks-good dept
Earlier this week, we wrote about a bunch of DirecTV installers (who work for a contractor) who blew the whistle on the fact that their employer told them to lie to customers, saying that a phone line was required to be hooked up to the DirecTV box. If they didn't lie and get customers to hook up the phone line, the installers were fined $5 per box that wasn't hooked up that way. DirecTV wants the connections to make it easier for them to track usage and to push pay-per-view content on users. Of course, now that the story has been exposed, rather than apologize or explain their position... the contractor in question fired the complaining installers (found via Broadband Reports). It's not too surprising that a company that believes lying to customers is a good policy would also figure that whistleblower protection laws don't really apply either.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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lies....never
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Re: lies....never
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Re: Re: lies....never
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Exactly
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Re: Re: Re: lies....never
v. spelled, or spelt (splt) spell·ing, spells
v. tr.
1. To name or write in order the letters constituting (a word or part of a word).
2. To constitute the letters of (a word): These letters spell animal.
3. To add up to; signify: Their unwise investment could spell financial ruin.
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Re: Re: Re: lies....never
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Re: Re: Re: lies....never
people who fall for the satellite tv trap deserve to get customer service from New Dheli. The DirecTV installer that came to my house said they needed an extra $150 to put a post in the ground. When I told them to leave the stuff and I would set it up myself, they did it for free.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: lies....never
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Re: Re: Re: Re: lies....never
As for the pole mount - we were allowed to charge extra for for requests that did not fall under the "standard installation" umbrella. This includes pole mounts. We have to buy the poles and concrete and they take longer. Because we are paid by the job, a pole mount means you are wasting your time because any money you would have made is lost and you are behind the rest of the day. They did it for free because DirecTV would rather crap on their technicians than lose a customer. We are told that we can charge, but if the customer is going to cancel then we have to do it for free.
Being an installer is a terrible gig. You are treated like a slave and expected to work a minimum of 12 hours a day, six days a week. You have to be at their beck and call and you don't even know what you are doing the next day until after 11pm the night before. They do not care if you get sick, if your kid is graduating high school or is in a car accident or one of your parents die. You have to request a day off 2 weeks in advance - period. Tragedy does not give that much notice. This why you see my name is "Former" DTV Installer!
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Re: Re: Re: lies....never
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Re: Re: lies....never
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Re: Re: lies....never
Before you clown someone, check yourself first.
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Re: Re: Re: lies....never
Gullible is not in the dictionary either - go look it up.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: lies....never
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spelt??????
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Re: lies....never
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Re: lies....never
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Re: lies....never & The truth of Dish Network
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Re: lies....never
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Re: lies....never
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Re: lies....never
Get your facts straight.
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Re: Re: lies
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Spelting
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Re: Spelting
Verizon, as I'm sure other broadband providers do as well, has software that is supposed to assist in tracking problems. It has the side effect of slowing down your connection and making it take longer to connect if you need to do that. They don't tell their customers about it, and will dodge questions concerning it.
I know that because I used to work for Verizon.
None of this is really too surprising. It is nevertheless a bit nauseating.
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Re: Re: Spelting
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Re: Spelting
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Re: Spelting
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Re: Re: Re: Spelting
The "AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY" has TWO definitions for the word "SPELT", one right next to the other. The first is "A HARDY WHEAT". The second definition is "A past tense, and past participle of spell".
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Re: Spelting by Spell Checkerer
No gnus is good gnus with Gary Gnu! (I just soooo dated myself! HA!)
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to topic or not to topic
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Re: satellite to spelling. . . get a life
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Ohhhh!
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Re:
Oh, and I agree with the need for spell check on the first post. It hurt my brain to read that.
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Re: Re:i like your comment
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Lied? So what.
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Re: Lied? So what.
Hey, everyone! Party at John's house !
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DirectTV Lies
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Re: Re: Re: DirectTV Lies
blaming each other for lieing. whats the point they both lied over one thing or another, how many CSR's have lied to uou because they just didn't know the answer, how many lies did the customer make to get thier install date sooner or with diff equip, (I ORDERED A HIGHDEF) we have heard them all, if you just tell the truth to others as well as yourself the problems will be a whole lot smaller. and for heavens sake IT'S ONLY TV!!!!!
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Re: Re: Re: Re: DirectTV Lies
and every p.o.v. / c.o.v. that works there hates it.
I was trained by a tec that would talk himself out of more work then he would do.Our pay was cut already.The p.o.v."s{personally owned vehical}get paid by points.$5.97 per point.A 1box install pays 8
points 4 points each additional box.Problem is driving 200 miles aday to do your work 12 to 14 hrs aday ,trying to run the new phonelines and jacks being on the phone for sometimes 45min. or more (opening,the job which our call center is in Indina!'activating the acess cards and finally closing the job which HABIBB on the other line has to talk to the customer which they cant understand!I can go on and on about how bad it is for us techs.I think that the window has been closed for quite sometime to make good money and have a good job installing dtv.
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Re: DirectTV Lies
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Wow
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the need for correct spelling means nothing unless its so bad, that even the person who wrote it, is unable to read it.
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was anything that was messed
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Re: phonetic spelling
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Off Topic Rant
While it is sad that you suffer from dyslexia...
Yes it DOES matter. People are continuously complaining about how poor our education system is and we are being taxed to death to "improve" it. The OP should KNOW how to spell satellite, lying, and lineup. It isn't like he used the word floccinaucinihilipilification in the post. That I could ALMOST forgive a typo on. We preach ebonics, new math, and intelligent design constantly but noone seems to care that kids coming out of our school system can't fucking speak or spell in their native tongue! The National Anthem of the USA is now being sung in SPANISH because heaven forbid the illigal immigrants can't sing along at the baseball game. Let's get back to the basics. It is not ok to type "teh intarweb". It doesn't make you look L33t, it makes you look retarded.
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haha
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Re: haha
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Whistle Blowers?
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Re: Whistle Blowers?
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Re: Whistle Blowers?
Bogamol
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Clouds
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satelite sucketh
Satellite. Sucks. My. Balls.
so ther you have it. the number one reason to buy radio. like in the 1920's.
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TV is such a waste
So everyone go pay your $97/month on your hi def cable/satelite while us poor people make the next eBay (i hope... but don't we all? :P)
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Re: TV is such a waste
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In the end
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not that you care
customers have told me that they have actually been hung up on when they start asking questions about what their bill will really be after every cost. as to phone lines, no they dont make a difference the service will work without it but in dish networks case it saves you a couple bucks a month. as for the installation, well i've done some pretty f ed up stuff just to get the service in, why? becuase i dont get paid if i dont.
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Truth?
A phone line is not required to recieve your monthly programming. If you ever choose to connect a phone line, it will enable you to order PPV from your remote [as opposed to calling the PPV order number] and give you the ability to enable some advanced features, like on-screen caller ID.
If the phone line isn't connected, the only thing the customer loses is some features and convience. It is not required except under very specific (and I do mean selective and specific) circumstances, and we let the customer know that.
The installer that lied was giving mis information to customers. I do not know if he was told to do that, or how high up that goes... but I know what I've been trained to do from day 1, and it's not incist on a phone line connection.
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Re: Truth?
So what we have seems to be duplicity on DirecTV's part. They don't train the CSR's to stress the importance of phone hook-up's. They will tell customers that don't want a phone line attached, that they don't need one. Yet on our (the contractor's) work order, it states that a phone line will be attached to all new recievers. I felt that DirecTV would do or say anything to get the customer's comittment, yet force the installers to do things that the customers weren't aware of. Installers aren't in the habit of lying to customers to make MORE work for themselves. From my experience,the issue here is DirecTV's habit of telling their prospective customers anything to get the sale, but pressuring their contractors to install land-based phone lines to increase their pay-per-view revenue by making it easier to order PPV events.
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Re: Re: Truth?
Dishnetwork as a subcontractor both companies play games
and decide if you get work from them at all!!
They pay low wages for the work involved, and require phone
lines. especially Ironwood communication the largest provider
for Directtv. When I worked for Echostar most of our equipment
we used was refurbished 34,44 switches refurbished DPP+ LNB's
refurbished DVR 625 dual turners. If you see a installer bring in a receiver with a green sticker saying DHA you know it is a
refurbised receiver. They always compalained about Trouble calls. but kept on giving us used junk.
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Re: Re: Re: Truth?
I found NO problem of any kind with the work or representations of the techs. For one of them I provided a tall ladder because his ladder would not reach a sufficient height to do the install.
It has been obvious to me before AND after reading these posts that the REAL scum-bag, culprits are the satellite AND cable T.V. companies AND the low-life owners of the CONTRACTING COMPANIES whom they contract with for installation and tech services. I gave the techs maximum high ratings on the service questionnaires I received from the satellite companies after the installs were completed, because I know that anything less, if not totally justified, would cause them problems with the damnable crooks for whom they sub-contract.
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Re: Truth?
It is extortion directed towards the hands that feed them. If it werent for the installers, there would be less than half the customers there are now.
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Re: Truth?
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Re: Truth?
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Re: Truth?
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Re: Truth?
10,000 systems you are way off the mark. Here's how it works. Directv charges back the contractor if they don't meet a certain percentage of phone line hook ups. The contractor charges the installer back $5 per reciever that doesn't "ping" As you probably figured by now this is a crazy policy since fewer people have land lines. This was just a way for Directv to steal money from hard working installers.
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Re: Truth?
It was the INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR COMPANIES who fired some installation techs when the techs "blew the whistle" on the CONTRACTOR COMPANY'S DISHONEST BUSINESS PRACTICES.
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Direct TV installers
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Re: Direct TV installers
It doesn't matter if the lie as no effect, it is still dishonest and wrong.
Self-control is another matter.
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Re: Direct TV installers
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Re: Re: Direct TV installers
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complaining about spelling is impolite
it's like trying to settle a political disagreement by saying "oh yeah, well you're ugly."
the internet is a place where the whole world can meet on equal terms to exchange ideas and opinions. not everyone in the world speaks english as their first language, and not everyone has the US equivalent of a highschool education.
believe me, there are plenty of things to judge a person by online. when you consider the number of flamers, trolls, attention whores, schills and newbs in any given setting online, you shouldn't have to resort to calling a person out for their typing if you want to look down on someone.
BTW, all businesses lie. show me a person who has never told a lie and i will show you someone who has never sold something for a profit.
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Re: complaining about spelling is impolite
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Re:
Take that you stupid cable companies
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And just for the record, my original DirecTV Tivo box would not work without a land line. So they were correct in that "lie". However, they were more than happy to replace it with a DVR without the Tivo name that works flawlessly. Love my dish at work and at home. Not that I don't have a choice, I do. I choose to have DirecTV so that I can have Sunday Ticket. Where else you going to get that?
Cable TV installed with "lifeline" service, channels 2-13
HD dish installed with every channel they have.
SDSL comes in throught the phone line.
Standard old POTS telephone, no VOIP allthought there are three services available to me.
One more comment, Caviot Emptor.
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Phone line
Two possiblities:
1) I need a phone to watch TV...not gonna illogical and not going to happen.
2) They lied to me. I won't do business with a company that lies.
So, no satellite for me. Oh well. Life goes on.
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Re: Phone line
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Re: Phone line
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Re: Phone line
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DTV phone lines
There is one other reason we do prefer to have the phone line whenever possible though. Having the phone line helps us to determine the location of the receivers. Sometimes ppeople will try to give us a false address so they can get locals or sports programming from another area of the country. (doesn't allways work for locals... but does for sports.) The phone line also helps us to insure that all the receivers really are located in the same house.
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Re: DTV phone lines
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Re: DTV phone lines
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Re: DTV phone lines
Sounds pretty good, huh? Nothing like working for a company that openly does everything it can to stab you in the back.
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As for DirecTV, does this kind of behaviour really shock anybody? This is just hard-selling, the majority of the more unethical companies engage in it - and there are several clauses in anybody's employment contracts that will say something along the lines of if you piss them off they can sack you.
People have just got to work out now what's worse, firing your employee's or suing your customers...
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What are all you complaining about...
Beats the hell out of cable.
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People like being lied to. That's why many hire the low bidder that does not comply to laws or code as long as it is cheaper. They hire a contractor based on price who has illegals working for him and then complain about the illegal immigrant problem.
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PPV
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Re: PPV
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Phone line
1. PPV
2. Regional Sports channels
3. DVR function (DVR's need to dial out periodically to stay updated)
4. HD Programming
Not all installers are crooks (I talked with a lot of crooks, but not all were crooked)
Why don't I work their anymore?.. Could handle talking with whiners such as you people.
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Doesn't surprise me...
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actually, spelt is the proper english word. dont try to flame becuase you messed up our language.
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DirecTV Sucks
In three months, I got a buyer for my property, so I contacted them about closing my account. The CSR on the other end of the line was snippy, to say the least, when I told him I did not want to be transferred to a Customer Retention Specialist. I said I just want my account closed because I sold the property. He tried every tactic they had on his script, but I wasn't getting it through to him that I SOLD THE PROPERTY AND NO LONGER NEEDED SERVICE.
I finally got so fed up I asked for his manager. When he transferred me to somebody who was supposed to be his manager, this person tried some of the same closing tactics! I was really getting frustrated at this point, until by some miracle the guy finally said "Ok, you're all set, your account is closed. I thanked him and was glad to finally be rid of them.
Two weeks later, I get a bill from DTV. Now, keep in mind that I had "paused" the service 3 months earlier, so there should have been NO charges. I get a bill for $8.95. I contemplated just paying the damn bill but I couldn't let them get away with it. I called up to find out why I was being charged. Another Snippy CSR tells me "Well sir, I see you had it turn on 2 weeks ago and then abruptly turned it off again. Your being charged for time you were reconnected! I was at the point of wanting to reach through the phone line, realizing that the last A-hole had turned my service on and then turned it off again so I would be charged. Again I ask for a supervisor, get another run around, and 30 minutes later, I finally get somebody who takes the charge off and says it's all clear.
So that's the last time I'll EVER deal with DTV - and I tell anyone who'll listen how much they suck.
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Re: DirecTV Sucks
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They lie about HD
It is unwatchable. The first time I complained, they tried to get me to swap DVRs. But I had checked their own support forums and this is a problem nationwide, and they knew it when they sold me the service.
After soem negotiation, they now give me the "HD" service for 5.00 / month. Whoopie.
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No more messages after this point.
Man... Techdirt can really lower your IQ in times like these..
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Dammit
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Re: Dammit
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Re: Dammit
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Re: Dammit
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mass ignorance
Oh yeah, spelt has nothing to do with spelling except in half assed english. The only way spelt is acceptable is in an organic bread.
So if you spelt it otay on ur appication, u can wurk at a satelite compiny........
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every company lies about something
companies feel that they have to lie because to tell the truth is or not hide facts means that they would have to explain more than they are comfortable with.
the reason that satellite companies want you to have a phone is to bill you for ppv and to monitor and sell your watching habits.
tivo, dtv, dish, cable companies are all monitoring what you watch and storing that data in their dbs and when they start selling targeted ads to their clients or when the police come calling, they can, and will hand over a list of every tv show that you've been watching.
so remember that the next time you purchase a porno ppv movie or watch something that your boss would frown on.
all the information is being recorded and it's simply a matter of time before it's used against you...just like the Internet.
we've become a big brother society and it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that this is happening and it shouldn't shock these workers to get fired for admitting the truth.
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SAD TO WACH
TRY TO FOCUS YOU MORONS. A SMALL GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE TAKING YOUR FREEDOM, CHOICE, AND PRIVACY AWAY FROM YOU DAILY, AND YOU ARE LETTING THEM.
YES, the spelting and grammar intenshionaly uncorrect. NOW RUNTELDAT.
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laughing at all of you
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Re: laughing at all of you
Actually, it's ...spelled everything correctly. :D
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Why the phone line is "required"...
As for the spelling topic, find another forum. It was only funny for a brief moment...now it is just sad.
(What's worse is that someone actually looked up gullible in the dictionary, completely missing the point.)
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Re: Why the phone line is "required"...
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Re: Why the phone line is "required"...
1 -- the signal is not bi-directional. They send the signal to us, but have no way of getting info from us to them. Remembering the days of everyone having the hacked H cards and stuff like that, everything was fine as long as you didn't plug in the phone line. As soon as you did that, they can get info from your receiver and/or card.
2 -- It's their way of knowing your location. Since they love to advertise installing up to 4 receivers for free, they wouldn't exactly want you to sharing spare boxes with your friends 2 hours away.
The customer convenience reasons (ordering PPV and DVR list updates) are just nice things to tell the customer, which happen to be true.
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re: DirecTv Installers
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Re: re: DirecTv Installers
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Re: PPV
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Re: PPV
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Re: PPV
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Re: uploading info
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Hmm
The msot rteraedd tnihg abuot cmomnuicitaon on the Intnreet is liltte dmusabs kdis mtneinonig ohetr's txet bneig not porofaerd pfrceet.
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Re: Hmm
The human brain is pretty sweet, actually. As long as the first and last letters of the desired word are in place, the rest of the letters can be jumbled up as much as possible and we can stull comprehend it.
Prtety Naet huh?
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spelt
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Re: spelt
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buyer beware
work like this...
The corporations go out and offer a set fee for any install.
Each wire ran, pole set, extra equipment sold, is more money in the installers' pocket. The basic install fee is very small so techs will try to sell extras to increase what ever little money they can make from a single job. As an installer from the large dish ( C band) days, cable installers are just as dirty.
As an example...
I had pre-wired a customers new home. Two weeks after moving in, he wanted cable as well. He called the office screaming that we ripped him off, due to the fact that the contractor stated we used the wrong type of cable. After showing up and ensuring that customer that we used the same type (only higher quality) cable for our cable I confronted the tech. He kept telling the customer that the signal would be bad but after connecting to the house the signal was fine. The tech was facing a tiny fee for the hookup and trying to sell more drops to get more money.
The problem is that there are "shady" people in very business. People get taken advantage of all the time.
On the side of the techs... these folks are expected to work 12 to 16 hours a day to make quotas, and the fees for the installing the systems and wire are miniscule.
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100
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Whistle Blowers
But I really don't give a flying sh*t if it's "illegal" or not - it's unconstitutional... and in my book that makes it wrong.
Go ahead and turn a blind eye to little w hitler... soon it'll be Hillary with all that power. hahaha
Don't worry - I'll still fight the revolution with you, but I'll have to pause for a hearty laugh when you realize the irony of your situation.
V for Vendetta!
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Direct TV and Phone Lines
I got rid of DTV only because at any hint of rain I would loose service.
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Directv and Mastec firings
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They weren't lying to their customer...
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My cable installer
(Just a note. I didn't graduate, but my spelling is good.)
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Dish Network and phone lines
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easy come easier gone
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Sooooo
What about DVR?? Nobody gave a definitive answer. If they are SENDing the video signal via satellite, why can't they send the tv schedule the same way?
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Re: Sooooo
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its not a lie
u can order pay per view with out the phone line.. but the card stores the info then automaticly tries to call the computer down clear the history when it cannot clear u will get the message please call x 732.. now the phone line allows the call to be made hence keep on ordering.. it is also used to track view usage and programming preferences like most web sites give spyware to cater to the billion dollar advertising... go to 207.net and look at all the companies that use that one company for spy ware u be be annoyed. soooo dtv sellls advertising space as well and the phone line is real time spying if u think im lying crawl back under your rock.. Also the only way for true HDis from the satelites dope.. these content providers are not in this country to directly link u too the cable canle has a dish too dumb dumbs
the difference is the cable companies still use analog amps to boost the signal so it can travel the miles and miles through the
telephone poles... think im lying LEADTECHATLOCALNYCOMPANY
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its not a lie
u can order pay per view with out the phone line.. but the card stores the info then automaticly tries to call the computer down clear the history when it cannot clear u will get the message please call x 732.. now the phone line allows the call to be made hence keep on ordering.. it is also used to track view usage and programming preferences like most web sites give spyware to cater to the billion dollar advertising... go to 207.net and look at all the companies that use that one company for spy ware u be be annoyed. soooo dtv sellls advertising space as well and the phone line is real time spying if u think im lying crawl back under your rock.. Also the only way for true HDis from the satelites dope.. these content providers are not in this country to directly link u too the cable canle has a dish too dumb dumbs
the difference is the cable companies still use analog amps to boost the signal so it can travel the miles and miles through the
telephone poles... think im lying LEADTECHATLOCALNYCOMPANY u do not need the phone lines for any dtv recievers especially new dvr without tivo.
the caller id is the free thing to keep the spyware like u fools that use toolbars hello can u say spyware.. USE LINUX
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its not a lie
hows my spellin jerk off hahahah
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its not a lie
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email from DTV
Read from bottom to top...
********************
Dear Mr. C,
Thanks for writing us back. A phone line and DVR Service are required for full functionality of your DVR. DIRECTV TiVo service depends on Daily Calls and additional features with DVR (TiVo) Service are:
- Digital recording
- Season Pass
- Suggestions
- Showcases
- TiVolution Magazine
- iPreview
- WishLists
- Recording History
It is true that software upgrades come through the satellite but DIRECTV TiVo receivers also require a phone connection to complete the process.
Also, to receive the full benefits of your DIRECTV System, the receiver must be continuously connected to a land-based phone line, which means that both the phone and the receiver must have a fixed location. Unfortunately, a cell phone does not meet either of these criteria because it is mobile and usually not left on at all times.
If you can't connect your receiver to a standard phone line, several manufacturers offer wireless phone jacks that are compatible with DIRECTV equipment. There may be some limitations to using a wireless connection so we recommend that you check with your local electronics dealer to find out if one will work for you.
Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.
Sincerely,
Iza
DIRECTV Customer Service
---------------------------------------------------------------
Original Message Follows:
Mr H,
After calling DirectTV I was told that the phone line is only required for
the initial setup of the DVR. After that the phone line is only required
for the Pay per View and sport packages. Can you confirm that if I never
order Pay per View and never purchase any of the sports packages, I can
still install DirectTV with the DVR? I can connect to a land-based phone
line for the initial setup of the DVR, but thereafter will not be connected
to a phone line. As I mentioned in my initial inquiry, I live in an
apartment and use my cell phone for all phone calls. My understanding is
that the DirectTV box will download the programming schedule for the DVR via
satellite. The phone line would only be required for periodic software
updates? For which my neighbor says I can plug into her phone once a month.
Or, as an alternative, I have access to broadband internet in my apartment.
Can the receiver utilize that for the software updates? Seems like a much
more efficient method.
Steve
_____
From: DIRECTV Customer Service [mailto:directvcustomercare@directv.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:47 PM
To: steve@*******.com
Subject: Phone Requirement [Incident: 060405-003979]
Dear Mr. C******,
Thanks for writing. In order to use the DIRECTV DVR service, it's critical
to have a land-based phone line continuously connected to your DVR receiver.
In fact, we can't even activate the DVR service for you unless a phone line
is connected to your DVR. This important link is the only way your receiver
can check for DVR software upgrades and Showcase updates. Be assured that
this connection will not interfere with the use of your phone.
In addition, you must have a land-based phone line continuously connected to
your DIRECTV receiver so you can order pay per view movies and events with
your remote control. Without a phone line connection, you may not be able to
access your local Regional Sports Network (if it's included in your monthly
package), or popular sports subscriptions like NFL SUNDAY TICKET and NBA
LEAGUE PASS.
Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news
and information about our services.
Sincerely,
John H
DIRECTV Customer Service
---------------------------------------------------------------
Original Message Follows:
DIRECTV FEEDBACK MESSAGE
Name: Steve C****
Status: Prospect
[Account Number: ]
Email Address: steve@*****.com
[Topic Selected: GettingStarted]
Subject: Phone Requirement
Details: Hello,
I do not have a land-based phoneline in my apartment. I use a cell phone for
all of my phone needs. Can I still get DirectTV? I understand that I would
not be able to get Pay Per View type stuff, but I would like DVR/Tivo.
Thanks
Steve
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Re: email from DTV
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Mobile installations
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Mobile installations
My experience with boat installations is that Tivos still work but complain about not getting its daily call . Occasionally plugging into a phoneline and forcing it to phone home will cause it to upgrade its firmware/software but it's fine otherwise .
When you call DirecTV for activation they still give you the party line about "It might not work ......I don't think it will work" but you can tell they don't beleive it and hook it up anyway .
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like i said if u are nervous 024680enter will get them
but u dont need them unless u are using a two or more year old reciever that is try to access international programming.. in the two thousands to three thousands u know who u are otherwise dont worry about software updates.. phone is for over the screen ppv so they can bill u for what u purchase and monitor what u watch for advertisement and marketing resons.. they throw u the caller id thing so poeple will think it is convenient...nyleadtech
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"YES I THINK THEY'RE GUILTY AND I HOPE THEY BURN IN HELL!!"
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Directv installation charges
What a freaking rip off!
$200 to connect a couple of wires?? Are you f------ kidding me???????
Something needs to be done about this.
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Re: Directv installation charges
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wow what a shitty job
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Re: wow what a shitty job
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Mastec Firings
BTW: Get Dishnetwork thats where all the good Mastec Techs are going to. At least you will get a quality install.
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I like it when Gus Rey
Go see: A DAY WITHOUT A MASTEC MEXICAN
Great Flick playing now...
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No hard line phone-no DVR
"In order to use the DIRECTV DVR service, it’s critical to have a land-based phone line continuously connected to your DVR receiver. In fact, we can't even activate the DVR service for you unless a phone line is connected to your DVR. This important link is the only way your receiver can check for DVR software upgrades and Showcase updates.
Since the receiver must be continuously connected to a land-based phone line, this means that both the phone and the receiver must have a fixed location. Unfortunately, a cell phone does not meet either of these criteria because it is mobile and usually not left on at all times. If you can't connect your receiver to a standard phone line, several manufacturers offer wireless phone jacks that are compatible with DIRECTV equipment. There may be some limitations to using a wireless connection so we recommend that you check with your local electronics dealer to find out if one will work for you."
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Re: No hard line phone-no DVR
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forget the phoneline unless its a tivo
if its a tivo such as the HR10-250 then your screwed.
anyways if you do this on your installs your nonresponder report will always be 0%!
keep in mind that report is f^&*ed up anyways! its not at all acurate and my regional manager has put a hold on using the figures for any sort of action against techs.
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Re: forget the phoneline unless its a tivo
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Charged for not connecting IRD's to phone lines
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directv hsp's
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Re: directv hsp's
One, is that we had to go thru and and guarantee all of our work. doesn't matter if its an install, upgrade,or service call we have to guarantee our jobs for 60 days, if there is ever an issue with the system within the 60 days wee catch a chargeback. i catch alot of cahrgebacks on little shit like customer education or bad switch. this is not my fault that most of these customers have there dish for years and then all of a sudden dont know how to operate something, and its definetaly not my fault that directv quit having good name brand companies producing these ird's. it seems like anymore all the hardware is mass produced by the lowest bidder somewhere in malaysia.we have to guarantee our service longer with cheaper parts that are pushed out by directv. i also get hit $5 for every phone line that does not respond. i cant help it that customers are getting rid of land lines, they want there cell phones its cheaper and more convenient after all isn't that why they are switching to directv. if directv wants ird's hooked to phone then they should provide the landline for the customer. my paycheck shouldn't be a gamble every week wether or not its phone lines or cheaper parts. just goes to show you how well you actually are taken care of. my opinion is that customer service is horrible and that technical support isn't on the same page as the field techs with alot of issues. i can argue till im blue in the face but my company doesn't give a shit about me and it shouldnt be an ass kissing contest for irate customers either
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Charges
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Re: Charges
http://yro.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/12/13/1947230
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Re: Charges
obligated to that customer's system for 3 months.
even if it is do to faulty equipment or bad switches.
Most of the time we are sent out with refurbrished receivers, LNB's . which create trouble calls. I live in California where
gas prices are $3.40 a gallon. I have to pay for my own gas
I am looking to get out of this business no way to make money!!
Directv and Dishnetwork are corporate hilters and if you don't play there game your out!!
As a former installer there was to much bullshit with not enough pay.
Some how the installers from Dishnetwork and Directv need
to get some source of Union together.
Until then Directv or should I say Ironwood communications
and Dishnetwork will constantly screw over the small guy!!
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What really gets me
#1 DirecTV could give 2 craps about anyone.
#2 HSP's are under such pressure they could too
#3 Sub Contractors are so overworked so could we
#4 Installers get the brunt of all of the above
In our contract, we are required to run 2 cables to every tv dvr or not
We are required to run a phone line in the same manner that coax is. ie: 150 ft, through walls etc...
We are being charged 10 bucks for each phone line that isnt hooked up. 40 for a 4 box.
Our pay has been cut 4 times in the last year.
Gas price has nearly doubled in recent years. Wages have dropped.
There is even more demand for DirecTV then ever, so we have to slam out as many jobs as we can, our HSP Doesnt care if we dont have all the techs to complete the jobs they give us. We give them schedules weeks a head of time and every saturday I still have to go out and work, and I own the damn thing.
We hear pretty soon we'll be required to use 100% copper cable at over twice the cost. That would put a lot of smaller companies out of business. They could go work for In and Out and make as much with a lot less hours and sweat.
If DirecTV would learn how to run their operation more effectively they would not have to earn their money on the backs of the people who keep them in business. If their response is you do crappy work. Then give us the money it takes to keep talent. Dish does.
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HR10-250
that's all i want to know.
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hr10-250
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i want to know
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Mastec
Its time to break up the satallite install companies and the telco's they are all to big for thier britches AGAIN!
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mastecemployeeguy
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Re: mastecemployeeguy
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Re:
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kiss ass
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WHO SHOULD I COMPLAIN ABOUT DIRECTV TO???
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forget the phoneline unless its a tivo
viewing the nonresponder report for my site over the last month I have put this to my manager and asked how they can justify this, we have been told that turning the IPV off is no longer applicable due to abuse. our subcontractors are feeling this hit more than anyone as they are directly charged for every box on the report.
not sure what to say beyond that, I definately do not like the everchanging contract between hsp's and directv. ofcourse right now the phones are the least of my worries as dtv has made it clear that i need to get productivity up in my site or face having another company contracted to take all of our installs.
which is hard to do when you don't have the man power, Pretty much wanted to slap the heck out of the FOM when he told me I can't overbook techs but I have to keep productivity up.
I know DTV is not the only home entertainment comapny pulling this crap, but it doesn't make them look any better.
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DirecTV phone line-people have become too paranoid
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the hell with directv
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Re: the hell with directv
It is true we were told to hook up a phoneline by any means neccessary, and yes that includes lying. They overbook us and pay us by the job, and not the hour. How can you promise a customer a install time of between 8am and 12pm and load the tech with 4 Am Installs.
What tends to happen is if your scheduled in the AM you git pushed further to the PM if your the last pm you git rescheduled.
Directv doesn't tell you about DVR's needing second lines and thats because they don't want you thinking there will be any added extra cost. Well hello me dropping a cable down your wall will run 52.00 that's not my fee its the company I work for fee, and out of the 52.00 i git 30.00 why does the company git paid 20.00 who knows, so what do tech's do, they start doing them for under 52.00 and pocket it all, then and only then does it become worth while.
If a installer installs a system, that customer becomes his for 2 months. now if in this 2 month time frame anything goes wrong a service call is placed. Did you know if a service call is opened it is given to another tech, and the original tech has to PAY the new tech out of his check. If you look at it on a large scale its basically free labor for service calls.
As far as phonelines are concerned, can i run them.. Yes, will i run them.. ONLY IF ASKED. Or i will say thats the phone company's job. How can i do 7 jobs a day and run phone lines to each reciever and still be home before 11PM. Because if your not home by 6 or so your day breaks into like 9.00 a hour.
We dont git paid for driving to a jobthats 150 miles away, and if by chance they do decide, the somehow figure 75 miles = 1 hour so are they condoning we speed?
Life as a tech really sucks, and as soon as i find a better job im out. It would be great if they pay was a little better and if it wasn't half the bullshit we put up with.
And customers please dont think we ride around with laptops looking to mapquest your house. the procedure is. attempt to call you if you dont answer you go in Can not find status. wait 45 in between each try and on the 3rd try your cancled. They don't give us time to hunt customers down.
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Yes you do!
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I have to disagree. Life as a tech is great.
In your case it sounds like the company you work for abuses theire installers. if you are ever in New jersey I will give you a job. Your radius is 75 miles, you get paid for the phone lines, Master Tech bonuses, No more than 4 jobs a day 2PM and 2AM.
All you have to do is install and take pictures of your installs, so you can submit them back to me.
If interested shoot me an e-mail.
Thanx
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i jus applied to be a directv installer..
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lier,lier!
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Phone lines, etc.
DTV tells contractors that phonelines are required on every job and they are only used for PPV ordering, caller ID, and to check reciever firmware so they can send an update if needed. Reciver PPV orders are an additional $3.50 charge, Phone orders are $1.50, and online orders are free. A tech can tell activation that there is no landline in the house. It is not used for any type of programming features.
As far as finding customers goes, we are told to print directions to the house, and call all the days customers at 7:30 am to give them an estimated time after looking at work orders. If we arrive at customers house or can't locate it and can't get in touch with a customer we're given a 30 min. time frame from the time we arrive or are in the general area. Keep in mind that new subdivions and roads are not on mapquest, etc. So if we can't get in touch, we can't get there.
As far as life as tech for the company goes. Average 700/week but that's usually 8-12 hours a day 6 days a week non-stop. Gas expenses are covered and we can make a decent amount of money on custom work but because DTV never tells their customers there may be additional charge we almost always have to waive these fees in order to maintain customer satisfaction. If a tech tells you he's going to have to do additional work for an additional fee he's usually not going to lie. I know I avoid as much work as possible. The reason the fee is there is because of the extra work and time these jobs require. I like to be home before 8pm everyday. If a tech tells you there's only one way to do something then they are NOT supposed to charge. Ex- If you cannot get signal from the roof of a house or if the dish cannot be mounted to it and REQUIRES a pole mount then the tech CANNOT charge for it. The pole mount charge is if it's a customer REQUEST. A wall fish is a customer request, it's a lot more simple for us drop it out of the attic along an exterior wall and into the house from outside.
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Re: Phone lines, etc.
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Re: Re: Phone lines, etc.
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I am a DTV installer, tech, sub-contractor, whatever... I also install Dish Network and have for the last four years. I deal with customers on a daily basis that have flat out been lied to by the sales associates in order to get the conusumer to purchase the system. Happens on a regular basis. As far as the different retailers telling their techs to lie, yeah it to happens every so often too. Usually white lies with little consequence other than a scolding. So I can see why the techs who blew the whistle did and from a techs point of view I can see why the retailers charged and subsequently fired them. Retailers (for the most part) are the lowest of the low, doing whatever it takes to make a buck. The company I work for currently is one of the best I have ever worked for and yet I still feel they are little more than slime.
So, in conclusion my point is... it's not right, but it is what it is and will not change anytime soon.
On a completely different note, post # 181 is from a current tech and alot of what he says is not true. It might be true at the place he is currently employed but is def. not the standard. Like Gas expenses paid... never seen that before. Not being able to charge for something required... hell that's how I make my living. It varies from tech to tech, retailer to reatiler, just like how a sub-contractor is treated and/or backcharged for different things. There is no standard set in place.
By the way, I never hook up phone lines, and no-one cares... however my employer backcharges for being late to a job and threatens to fire you if you wear jeans... what a world.
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I am a DTV installer, tech, sub-contractor, whatever... I also install Dish Network and have for the last four years. I deal with customers on a daily basis that have flat out been lied to by the sales associates in order to get the conusumer to purchase the system. Happens on a regular basis. As far as the different retailers telling their techs to lie, yeah it to happens every so often too. Usually white lies with little consequence other than a scolding. So I can see why the techs who blew the whistle did and from a techs point of view I can see why the retailers charged and subsequently fired them. Retailers (for the most part) are the lowest of the low, doing whatever it takes to make a buck. The company I work for currently is one of the best I have ever worked for and yet I still feel they are little more than slime.
So, in conclusion my point is... it's not right, but it is what it is and will not change anytime soon.
On a completely different note, post # 181 is from a current tech and alot of what he says is not true. It might be true at the place he is currently employed but is def. not the standard. Like Gas expenses paid... never seen that before. Not being able to charge for something required... hell that's how I make my living. It varies from tech to tech, retailer to reatiler, just like how a sub-contractor is treated and/or backcharged for different things. There is no standard set in place.
By the way, I never hook up phone lines, and no-one cares... however my employer backcharges for being late to a job and threatens to fire you if you wear jeans... what a world.
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installers need a change now!
TIRED OF BEING ABUSED BY OVERTIME PAY,NON-RESPONDERS,COST OF LIVING INCREASES,BENEFITS,PENSION AND 401K[WHAT IS THAT]?
WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ORGANIZED A UNION here.!!!
NO pay increases in this industry for over 10 years.Just pay cuts!
Sick and tired of busting your @## for what?
Big wigs flying around in lear jets while your in an attic/crawl spaces.........
Join us
we are many,do not believe the lies about DTV cutting your contract/shutting your office down,firing you...
heard it all,I found out what my federal law rights were..
knowledge is power...WE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL HERE...
Putting respect back in work place.
YOUR INFO IS 100% CONFIDENTIAL AND SECURE!
I WOULD LIKE TO HERE FM YOU!!!
dtelephoneman@yahoo.com
Trying to feed my family and do quality work.
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DIRECTV INSTALLATION
The original order was placed on or about June 28th. The DirecTV website claimed that the Choice package would be $29.95. A second order was placed on July 11th.
On July 12th the price changed to $44.95 a $5.00 savings. This bothered me and that is why I called to verify.
The following is an email I received from DirecTV on July 15th.
From : DIRECTV Customer Service
Reply-To : "DIRECTV Customer Service"
Sent : Sunday, July 15, 2007 9:06 AM
To : zimmett@hotmail.com
Subject : RE: dvr [Reference #: 070711-001750] [Reference #: 070714-002184] [Reference #: 070715-000253]
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Subject
RE: dvr [Reference #: 070711-001750] [Reference #: 070714-002184]
Discussion Thread
Response (Maricar T) 07/15/2007 07:06 AM
Dear Mr. Zimmett,
Thanks for writing us back. I understand that you ordered for your mother on July 11. As you are aware, if you have placed an order for new equipment for your mother anytime between 5/2 and 7/11, she can be eligible for a Choice package offer at $49.99 with $10 monthly credit for 12 months. Also, she may be eligible for the cash back offer which will be paid in $10 monthly programming credits over 10 months. Here's the breakdown for your reference.
--------------------------------------------------
Choice - $49.99
DVR Service - $5.99
Less:
Programming Discount (12 mos.) - $10.00
Cash Back Credit - $10.00
--------------------------------------------------
Total (Monthly) = $35.98 plus tax
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you wish to discuss the matter further, please call us at 1-800-531-5000 and one of our Customer Service Representatives will be happy to assist you.
Thanks again for writing.
Sincerely,
Maricar T
Employee ID 100130112
DIRECTV Customer Service
Make the most of DIRECTV by registering your account on directv.com. You'll learn about exclusive online promotions, new features of DIRECTV and the latest programs and packages. Visit www.directv.com/register today.
Customer 07/15/2007 05:55 AM
Again, if someone could verify this perhaps there is no need to cancel. But as it stands right now, I wish to cancel this order and get a credit for $5.94, the amount I paid for the installation service. Please get back to me as quickly as possible.
Respectively,
Steve Zimmett a customer of DirecTV for over 4 years.
Buy the way, my mother has Dish Network and was billed an additional $6.00 on her last bill and way unhappy with this.
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unfair wages
1-724-813-0197
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DirecTv Contractors in Arkansas
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Re:truth?
Here's a tech tip, the phone line gets "pinged" for no more than 72 hrs after that, you're good on the $5.00 backcharge.
I personally don't trust idiot customers to do that so I don't hook up phone lines at all. When you activate, tell the csr @ directv to disable IPPV and you won't get charged.
By tha way, as with any service, you get good guys and bad, so don't hate everyone....that's just ignorant.
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hooking up the phone lines messed up our phones
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spelling
I wonder if Noah Webster would have reformulated the spelling of English if he'd known how many stupid arguments it would cause over the centuries?
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overtime pay lawsuits against directech and others
To read about some of those cases, see:
http://www.getmanlaw.com/investigations.html
http://directechovertime.com
http://jbmovertime.com
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another sub that got screwed
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RE: Lying to the customers!!
but I also tested the waters to see what would happen if I didn't disable the IPPV and I was Charged back $65 !!!!
what kind of crap is that anyway?
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over time work
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You dont have to pay for any of your tools or equipment and you only have to work four days of week (sometimes five). You get paid by the hour and i think their starting pay is over $11.00 per hour.
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You dont have to pay for any of your tools or equipment and you only have to work four days of week (sometimes five). You get paid by the hour and i think their starting pay is over $11.00 per hour.
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onley
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onley
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onley
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Phone lines
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Ripe off
This was a company called Interlink through Directv. I cant seem to find anyone at DTV that really cares if their contractors are not are paying their installers.
Any help would be appreicated.
Thanks, Jack
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Re: Ripe off
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Re: Ripe off
look for a better sub company or start your own
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Re: Ripe off
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Direct TV installers
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directv, mastec
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piss on comcast
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direct phonelines
and location of that reciever there is a way to get free ppv if you unplug the phone line before you order after watching your ppv event go to settings menu goto reset reciever goto reset everything it will erase all your history including ppv purchases (not recomended for dvr you will lose all your recordings) once your reciever restarts you will need to do the set up once thats done check history it should be erased and connect phonline again without dtv recieving a hit from the reciever they will deactivate your ippv, that is being able to order through your remote the reciever will say check phone connection error 732
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Directv
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Yes it is needed
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Re: Yes it is needed
1. Remote--Phone Line Connection needed w/out movies will not be reported. Information is sent down from sattelite, not up.
2. DirecTV.com--No phone line needed in back of reciever.
3. Call in--no phone line needed in back of reciever.
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directv
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Re: directv
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Corporate scum
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Can some one tell me why DTV wants phones kids room?
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Lies never
They will fire employees if they don't hook up phone lines to the receivers, unless they are a cell phone only customer, if a home phone is used when signing up, its required. The customer service people at 800-DIRECTV, aere only trained in signing up customers and don't know what DIRECTV requires installers to do.
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Empty Promises
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Re: Empty Promises
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Class Action Coming Against Skylink
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and once you will connect the phone line to the receiver, they will charges for ppv immediately.
when techician activates account, he tells to the agent if the phone line is connected or not)if the phone line is not connected to the receiver, agent must cancel this option with ordering ppv in their system)
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and once you will connect the phone line to the receiver, they will charges for ppv immediately.
when techician activates account, he tells to the agent if the phone line is connected or not)if the phone line is not connected to the receiver, agent must cancel this option with ordering ppv in their system)
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OFFER FOR SUB CONTRACTORS
I can save your FSR Otg's OOP and also take care your customers
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DIRECTV
*Danielle
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DIRECTV
*Danielle
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DirecTV Installers (Technician) Lying
The only thing DirecTV pulls from your receiver is your Pay Per View programming and your viewing habits so that it can track what the most popular programming is. Many times this can result in a channel being kept in the lineup. DirecTV obviously does not want to spend MILLIONS of dollars per year for one channel in the lineup that noone is watching. NO Directv is not spying on you. They are simply keeping strack of network usage.
It makes sence that DirecTV pushes technicians to install the phone lines. As a technician myself I can tell you that we are rated on how much we are installing them. However we are NOT and I repeat NOT Told to lie to our customers. More times than not a customer does not have Home telephone service and I am unable to install any phone lines. I am not giged on it but it does reflect upon my numbers. I am given a bonus at the end of the quarter if I meet a certain percentage. Yes I have heard of some technicians getting charged for not installing phone lines if they do not meat the number. That depends upon the Contractor that they are working for.
Remember the technician that comes to your house will most likely be an independant contractor. Who is working for a company who has a contract to install DirecTV services for an authorized Retailer or Contractor for DirecTV. Most of those Independant coontractors PAY for thier own DirecTV services themselves. They do not receive ANY type of discount on thier service.
Yes I most definately to have each and every one of my customers best interest in mind when I am at thier house. Yes every Customer Service agent I have talked to on the phone reguarding customer issues HAS THE CUSTOMERS BEST INTEREST AT HEART. Remember though that DirecTV is a Business and Has a responsibility to earn a Profit for its Owners (Share Holders). Giving away free services is not in their best interest. Providing a top of the line service is in everyones best interest.
I WILL NOT LEAVE A CUSTOMERS HOUSE UNTILL THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED TO THE CUSTOMERS SATISFACTION IF IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE. We all know that we can not satisfy EVERYONE but we can do our best. IF the customer knows that then we have done our job.
MacPointMan
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This blog
2. Phone lines are to be connected by Dish because they require it. DirecTV wants them connected only to track where the receivers are in order to keep tabs on their equipment and eliminate fraud/piracy. Sure they help with charging the customer with the PPV they have used, but when the receivers get turned in they get charged anyways.
3. As a former DirecTV installation tech for an HSP here in northwest ohio. If we didn't hook up phone lines we got docked $5 per receiver that wasn't hooked up.
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DIS-CONNECTED
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directv
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so call phone line requirements and fees to techs
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VERIZON vs. APPLE
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directv
Learn how to get a $100 for the tech being late.
Learn what it is he will do to your install.
Protect your family
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FUDIRECT TV
I recently moved to Lake Havasu City AZ from California. The plan was to RENT a house while i was actively looking for one to BUY. I moved into my rental house at the end of 2014. The house had already had direct t.v prior to me moving in. ( nicely installed dish on the roof etc. We went a couple of months just watching Netflix and DVDs but around Christmas we decided to get Direct T.v. I called Direct and explained my situation (rental house but looking for a house to buy) and asked the sales person "what happens when i find the house i want to buy here in the next few months? the answer and i quote :"no problem at all sir , we here at Direct T.V want to make your move as painless as possible... simply take your receivers and remotes to your new house and leave the dish on the rental house... we will come setup everything and get you going again FREE OF CHARGE with a 2 year agreement". Great!!!! so i thought!! When i found the house that i was to buy .. i did EXACTLY what i was told and took the receivers and remote with me to the new address. I then called Direct to have them come set it up.Direct T.V then told me it was going to be $214.00 to move my service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I explained calmly what i had been told when purchasing my contract .... directs response " sorry sir there is nothing i can do " ... i then talked to a manager .. same result !! I HAD BEEN BOLD FACE LIED TO AT THE SALES STAGE OF MY DIRECT T.V EXPERIENCE.. !! LIARS!!! WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD SIGN A 2 YEAR AGREEMENT KNOWING THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS WHEN THEY BOUGHT A HOUSE 6 MONTHS LATER???!!!!!!!!! NOBODY ...LIARS!! Anyhow I RELUCTANTLY paid to have them "move my service . IT GETS BETTER WAY BETTER ... when setting up the appointment for the tech to come out .. I explicitly said " there is already a dish here at this house .. HOWEVER it is on a tripod on the side of the house. I cannot have it on a tripod because i am adding on to the house and having a concrete slab poured in the next week right where the existing dish is" The person on the phone said that they noted it on the work order and it would be on the roof or high up on the side of the house.
Well guess what ?? Yesterday when i was out of town the installer came to connect everything. My wife and daughter were home in pajamas on the couch sick ( it was 8am) My wife AGAIN told the installer that the dish had to be on the rood or up high on the side of the house ( like everyone else that i know has theirs), the installer said "no-problem". The installer did his thing and came back into the house telling my wife that everything was done and all good to go .
I came home about 3 hrs later from California and being a typical man , I decided to check out the installers work . HE USED THE OLD DISH AND LEFT IT EXACTLY WHERE IT WAS !!! HE LIED DIRECTLY TO MY WIFES FACE!!! (he should be fired immediately !!) he also installed the SWM box directly behind my t.v and allowed just put it on the ground ! ( It should be mounted on the wall in the garage nicely ( like everyone else that i know has it) !!!!!! IT GETS EVEN BETTER .. I call Direct and after their ridiculous automated crappy phone system i finally get a human on the phone. He was actually quite nice and told me that the Local Dispatch office would be contacting me to setup a time to come fix it withing the hour (the call not the fix) He took my number down because my wifes number is on the account and she was going to work. EVEN THOUGH HE TOOK MY NUMBER THE continually tried to call her and couldnt get through because she was working!!!!! GETS BETTER ......DIRECT T.V LEFT A VOICEMAIL THAT SAID THEY WERE SORRY BUT THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE TO CHARGE US AGAIN TO COME MOVE THE DISH!!!!!! WTF!!!!! THIS COMPANY IS NOTHING BUT THIEVES AND LIARS !!!!! I WILL BE POSTING THIS EVERYWHERE THAT I POSSIBLY CAN , YELP , YELLO PAGES , CRAIGSLIST , FORUMS , EVERYWHERE AND I WILL NOT STOP UNTIL I AM COMPENSATED CORRECTLY !!!! If you are DIRECT TV and are reading this my phone number is 928-846-7647 Chris
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DirecTV
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DirecTV Tech Scam?
When he is finished, he tells me that it is $90.00 total and tells me cash or check only. Says to make it payable to himself. I wrote the check but had second thoughts when he was leaving.
I chatted in with DirecTV to only be told that it was NOT a valid charge and I would NEVER pay a tech directly. Said they would bill any extra charges. Placed a stop payment on the check immediately and now I am being stalked by this guy. He just sat outside my house for an hour. He is harassing my family and my neighbors.
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