How to Keep Dish Satellite From Turning Off Your Service

Finances do not always play out the way you anticipate. You may fall behind on payments and need to work out a payment arrangement with a creditor or company providing you services, such as satellite TV service through DirecTV or Dish Network. Most companies will not terminate service as long as you explain the situation and agree to work out a payment arrangement. Although they are not obligated to comply with your request, it makes sense to attempt to keep communication open on your accounts.

Calculate how much money you can afford to pay towards your satellite television bill. You are going to know how much of your monthly income you will be able to allocate towards your payment before you call Dish Network or DirecTV. Satellite is entertainment, not a necessity for survival and you should treat it as such.

Call customer service. Connect with the billing department, and ask to speak to someone regarding working out a payment arrangement. They do not want to terminate your account. They want to keep you as a customer, and will be open to discussing your situation and how to make your payments current. Do not work out an arrangement that you will not be able to uphold. This will negate any agreements you have worked out, and your satellite provider will be less likely to work out another arrangement in the future if you need to.

Reduce the plan you have to make it more affordable. Consider lowering the package by eliminating movie channels, high-definition programming or the number of receivers you have. If the company sees that you are trying to downsize, they will realize that you're serious about trying to catch up on your payments.

Contact customer service if something happens that will prohibit you from upholding your agreement. As long as you communicate with them, they will be willing to help you. If your representative does not budge on the amount they would like to maintain your service, try making installment payments. Alternatively, you can try calling back at another time to speak to someone else. You may discover another representative is more compassionate to your situation.

Write down who you talk to and get confirmation numbers of arrangements. Always write down representatives names, times you talked to them, and what you agreed on. One of the biggest problems you might have is someone promising that your service will stay connected if you pay just a portion of the bill.