Tips for Canceling Dish Network Satellite TV Service

Dish Network is an expensive TV service which usually requires a signed contract. If you decide that you can no longer afford Dish Network satellite TV service, you may be in for a surprise. Dish Network will charge you hefty fees to cancel your service before your contract has expired. Even if you cancel after the completion of your satellite service contract, you may still end up with a headache. Although Dish Network will send someone to your home to install your satellite TV service, they will not send anybody to retrieve the equipment. You may also get the run around while trying to cancel your Dish Network satellite service.

Call Dish Network Customer Service

Call Dish Network at 1-800-333-3474 and press "0" to speak with a customer service representative. Inform the representative that you wish to cancel your Dish Network service. If you like, you may schedule your cancellation for a future date. If you have prepaid for a month's worth of service, the best time to cancel is at the end of that month. Keep in mind that Dish Network perceives a call to cancel as an opportunity to sell more service to the customer. They don't want to lose customers, and they will offer you less expensive service options to try to keep you. You will probably have to say "I want to cancel," multiple times before the customer service rep finally accepts your request. Keep detailed notes about when you call, and take down the names and numbers of each Dish Network customer service representative you speak with.

Dish Network will send you a box by mail so that you can return your equipment. The box contains complete instructions for returning the equipment, along with helpful diagrams. Keep an eye out for this box, as you must return your Dish Network equipment within ten days of canceling your satellite service. You may also receive a shipment tracking number by email. If the equipment box doesn't arrive in a timely manner, call Dish Network again to ask about it.

Disconnect and Pack Your Dish Network Equipment

On the date of your cancellation, disconnect your receiver and remove the batteries from the remote. As soon as you are able, get a Philips screwdriver and use a ladder to climb up to the location of your dish. Use the screwdriver to disconnect the LNBF (pictured in the Dish Network equipment return instructions). If you are unable to disconnect the LNBF, call Dish Network to let them know. They may let you out of returning it. Also look for a switch, which should be attached to the dish with a cable. In some installations there is no switch, so don't be concerned if you can't find one; Dish Network probably won't charge you for it.

Remove the foam inserts from the Dish Network equipment return box. Pull out the inner foam segments, then place a foam insert over each end of the receiver. Wrap the remotes in plastic and tie them off with twist ties or seal them with tape. Place the receiver in the main compartment. The foam inserts should create a barrier between the receiver and the top and bottom of the box. If there is any extra space around the receiver, pack it with crumpled newspaper. Push the cardboard insert inside the box over so that the two sections are square. Place the LNBF and switch, if any, inside one section. Place the Dish Network remotes in the other. Pack newspaper inside any empty space within these compartments. Seal the box well with box tape and apply the included shipping label to the outside of the box. Deliver the equipment box to the shipping carrier (usually UPS) within 10 days of the cancellation of your Dish Network service.

What to Do if Your Dish Network Service Isn't Canceled

If you call, log into your online account or check your email, you may discover that your Dish Network service is still active and a balance is still due. If this happens, your service has not been canceled. You must contact Dish Network customer service as soon as possible to complain. When you call, press "0" to speak with a live customer service representative. Mention each time you have called to cancel your service. Give the names of the customer service reps you have spoken with, if you have them. Specify the date you had requested your Dish Network service to be canceled. Then ask that your service be canceled immediately, as of the date you previously requested.

Other Problems with Canceling Dish Network

If you see any charges on your credit card for satellite service after the cancellation date, you may need to call again to dispute them. Also dispute any charges for equipment you returned in good working condition. To do this, call Dish Network customer service and ask for the billing department. If you can't get Dish Network to reimburse you for the charges, you may need to dispute them in writing with your credit card company. Make sure to speak with Dish Network about the disputed amounts before writing to your credit card company. Again, keep detailed records about your discussions with Dish Network customer service so you can provide them to the credit card customer service department. However, don't wait too long to contact your credit card company. Most credit card disputes must be filed in writing within 60 days of the disputed charge.

For tips on getting cheaper home entertainment, read How to Stream Netflix Movies and TV on an HDTV.

Sources:

"Contact Us," DishNetwork.com