ALLSAT

Our local cable provider (TimeWarner) came along with a better monthly internet/cable bundle about two months after signing up for DISH Network through AllSat. We missed having local access channels and the local News 8 radar typically found on channel 44 of TimeWarner's service. We did not sign a contract with DISH and it was not a problem canceling after only two months. However, I failed to recognize that AllSat was only a retail provider of the DISH Network and did not realize they have their own set of Terms and Conditions requiring an 18-month service period initiated when you sign up for DISH. Cancellation within that 18-month period results in a $300 penalty from AllSat. No one at DISH advised me of this nexus between the satellite provider and retail provider. AllSat did not send a bill for the $300, rather only a tert letter saying I had 21 days from the date of the letter to pay up or be sent to collections. Unfortunately, I mistook the envelope as junk mail.

Called to set an appointment for installation in Portland, Oregon, and they did not show up in the 5 hour window that they gave. Not too happy but thought that we'd give them another chance the next day so we rescheduled. Despite assurances from their 1-800 line that they were on the way, again they did not show up. 10 hours wasted! Stay away from this company if your time is worth anything.