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Before you sign that satellite contract ...

  • Published
  • By Paul LaPlante
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Office of the Judge Advocate
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  As summer fades into fall and football season begins, many Airmen will be tempted to purchase satellite dishes that come with programming like the National Football League Sunday ticket package. While most can wish for nothing greater than watching football all day, every day, there are some precautions that servicemembers should take before subscribing to any satellite television service.

Like many companies, satellite dish providers will often offer promotions in an effort to increase their sales. Recent promotions have included gift cards, iPods, free digital video recording boxes and high definition services.

While you might be tempted to call up right away and get the service, the legal office suggests you approach this with the seriousness that every contract deserves. Make sure you read the contract to carefully to make sure you are getting the deal you think you are.

Some considerations to keep in mind when shopping for satellite service are:

1) Subscriptions often last for at least 12 - 24 months. Early termination can result in fees of more than $100. Additionally, there are often fees that you'll have to pay when receiving service for more than one television, as well as fees for HD and DVR service.

2) Keep in mind that when you "buy" a DVR or an HD receiver, you may not actually be purchasing it. Instead, this arrangement is often set up as a lease. Most companies require the leaser to return the receiver once the contract is terminated. Charges for neglecting to return the hardware range between $200 and $470. This is true no matter where you purchase the hardware.

3) Only take equipment that you intend to use. Companies offer special deals that allow you to obtain free receivers for multiple television sets, as well as free HD or DVR services. If you do not activate all of the equipment, some companies will charge you as much as $150.

4) Only sign up for services you will be able to afford after the discount expires. Companies will often require you to maintain the same level of service you signed up for when you received the discounted service. Thus, if you try to downgrade to a cheaper service plan after the discount expires, you could be faced with a fee of up to $480.

5) When free gifts are offered as a part of your subscription, you should check to see whether the gifts will come from the satellite dish company itself or whether it will be another business, such as an affiliate that provides the gift. If the gifts come from a business other than the satellite dish company, the company may claim that they have no responsibility to ensure you receive your gifts.

Though this article has focused on satellite dish contracts, any contract (cable television, cell phone, gym membership, etc.) can contain similar clauses you might not expect. As with any contract, the legal office urges you to read the fine print before you sign it. Make sure you know what you are signing into. If you are not sure about certain contract details, the legal office would be glad to review it with you. For more information about contracts or any other legal concerns contact the legal office at 247-2838.