Is it legal for DirecTV to renew my 28 month contract when they have to replace my broken receiver?

Question

I just had to have my reciever replaced because it broke, it had a problem that other users have complained about in the DirecTV forums. They informed me that having the receiver replaced would cause my 28 month contract to renew, starting over. Everytime the receiver breaks the 28 months starts over, I could be stuck with DirecTV for the rest of my natural life. Is that legal?

Answer 1

Doesnt sound right to me, but not illegal since you are agreeing to their terms. Im sure if you called customer service and complained enough you will get someone to not extend it.

Answer 2

Let's put it this way - you're not paying a penny for the replacement receiver (the $19.95 is for the delivery), which costs at least $140 otherwise. Instead of making you pay the full price to replace the receiver, or even the lease price, they only ask you to have service for that much longer. If you want to avoid the extended programming commitment, BUY a replacement receiver for it's full price and get the protection plan so if it breaks they'll replace it with another OWNED receiver.