3 June 2011 – Rumors have started floating around social networking sites like Facebook claiming DIRECTV customers who suffered damage from the 2011 tornadoes are “…being told to send in a box or remote control or pay a fine of $500+ to cancel service.”
Jade L. Eksdedt, Senior Manager of Public Relations for DirecTV, expressed sympathy to those who suffered losses as a result of the storms and assured that DIRECTV is “…currently working with customers affected by the tragedy to determine a solution that best fits their needs.”
In a statement sent to In The Field, Eksdedt said “if service cannot be restored at the customer’s home due to the damage from the storm, DIRECTV will cancel the account and waive any fees associated with the inability to return equipment, along with any remaining agreement on the account.”
Eksdedt went on to say that customers without electricity for an extended period of time have the option to temporarily suspend accounts until proper services have been restored. DIRECTV is also offering “no-cost service calls” to properly fix any technical issues resulting from the storms.
For customers that suffered damage but did wish to retain their service, Eksdedt said DIRECTV will “…offer to waive equipment replacement costs if they continue services.”
Eksdedt concluded the statement by saying “customers who have been affected by the tornado should call 1-800-531-5000 so we [DIRECTV] can remedy their situation immediately.”
-MDS