October 6, 2002

To All Lompoc and surrounding area residents; I am writing this letter to warn people regarding Satellite TV companies in are area. I changed over to Dishnetwork last year because the cable system in our area is so bad (picture and choices are just bad). Dishnetworks said they could offer better service.

First thing I wasn't told was that in order to receive ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS you would have to get waivers from the local stations if you were denied your only choice was to put up an antennae or have cable added to carry your missed networks. They make it sound like it's no problem doing this. I got waivers to carry all networks except CBS (Santa Maria station refused to give out waivers). If you could get waivers for all networks you can get a deal on the package, but if you have one station hold out like KCOY 12 you have to pay a la carte,which ends up costing at least $3.00 more per month for non local stations.

My most important point I would like people to be aware of is if at any point you want to disconnect, watch out. When I call to cancel service I was informed I would have to climb on my roof to take a part off the dish or I would be charged an additional $149.00 for non return of part. I was never told this until the day I turned off service. Personally I am disabled and cannot climb on my roof to remove this, nor was I ever informed I was responsible to do this. I feel they installed they can come uninstall it.

The picture was always good but the politics involved in satellite is just ridiculous. I am going to fight these excessive charges. If any people in the Lompoc area have questions about satellite service and would like some honest answers, please contact Andy at Andyat137@aol.com and I will help you make your decision. Its important for people to know of the pros and cons of satellite service.
-- William Turri