[asphaltgambler]

I much prefer DirecTV over Dish........................really no comparison but still costs some. Funny thing is for both these providers (as well as a lot of other media providers) is their business model is all about new customers. Less value is placed on keeping them.

One ploy my wife and I 'partake' in with DTV is that she will sign-up for new account with DTV only if they give her the best possible deal. It takes some patience to get the rep to actually cave-in and then commit to price structure including all relevant taxes, etc.

Most of the screaming deals occur for a limited time such as first 6 mos. Some can be used in conjunction with others. She only commits for 1 year. when the end of the year arrives and our bill is moving upwards, she cancels. I call a day later to sign up for DTV service, asking for the best possible deal. They have a guy come out and install new equipment and off we go for another year. Lather, rinse, repeat.

We have done this 6 years in a row. DTV astoundingly enough, never puts 1+1 together that this all is the same address, same last name.