Satellite : Attorneys General settle with Dish Network

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Attorneys General settle with Dish Network



October 5, 2009 -- CHEYENNE — The Wyoming attorney general announced last week that DISH Network LLC will pay $5,991,000 to settle consumer protection allegations with attorneys general in 46 states, including Wyoming.

“I am pleased to announce the settlement and the possibility of consumer restitution for eligible consumers,” said Attorney General Bruce Salzburg.

The states alleged the satellite TV provider and its third-party retailers engaged in deceptive and unfair sales practices. The company denied any wrongdoing. In addition to the $5.9 million, DISH Network agreed to pay restitution to consumers and to enter into an agreement that limits how it can market services in the future.

Unresolved complaints sent to Dish Network or the attorney general since Jan. 1, 2004, are eligible for the restitution program. Dish Network will notify consumers that they are eligible for the restitution program by sending a claims notice to those consumers. Additionally, consumers can file a complaint against Dish Network with the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division by Dec. 14, 2009, to be considered for the restitution program as long as the complaint is about activity that took place within the last two years.

Consumers who are not satisfied with the company’s offer of restitution may choose to file a claim to be decided by a third-party claims administrator. Questions or complaints regarding the refund process can be addressed to: DISH Network, LLC, Dispute Resolution Team, P.O. Box 9040, Littleton, CO 80120 or by e-mail at CEO@dishnetwork.com.



The DISH Network settlement resolves the states’ allegations

including that DISH Network:

• Refused to accept responsibility for the misconduct of its third-party retailers and installers;
• Made telemarketing calls to consumers in violation of do-not-call rules;
• Failed to disclose all terms and conditions of their customer agreements, including the availability of rebates, credits and free offers;
• Did not disclose that purchased or leased equipment was previously used and/or refurbished;
• Made reference to competitors’ price offers when the goods or services being compared were materially different; and
• Charged customer credit cards and debited bank accounts without providing adequate notice and obtaining appropriate authorization.

Tennessee led the multistate investigation along with Md., Mo., Pa. and

Washington.