DISQUS

ek · 11 months ago

Directv doesn't tell you you are entering into a long term contract. They offer free dvr upgrades without mention of any contract and then hit you with an early termination fee when you cancel their service. I agree if the parties enter into a valid contract then they should be bound but the deceptive means used by Directv should be regulated. If I want to upgrade to dvr service I should know that I will automatically be entered into a long term contract.

Ryan Radia · 11 months ago

I'm no fan of any of those business maneuvers, but I see no reason for a blanket ban on service plans. If DirecTV is employing fraudulent tactics, that's fraud, which is already illegal (and punished quite severely in many cases).

I suspect, however, that DirecTV has contract language that includes mention of service commitments. Again, these agreements can be a bit confusing, but I believe that consumers ought to bear the burden of comprehending contracts before signing them. The alternative--a nanny-state solution where government treats us like children--is far worse, because it hurts those of us who are actually responsible enough to read the fine print every time.