DISH NETWORK

They would not even give me a quote for different packages unless I gave my SSN, saying that they had to run a credit check first to see which package I qualified for. Then after quoting the promotional price of $29.99 per month for the 1st year and $49.99 per month for the 2nd year, the rep informed that they are also giving out a free ipad and if I would like one. Of course I said, "that's great, yes." and then she NEVER said anything else about the price changing due to my acceptance of the "free" Ipad. At the end, I almost didn't catch it - thank goodness I was paying attention and caught her and asked - she spoke very quickly (I'm sure was intentional, part of the script) and said I was agreeing to the rate of $80 something per month. I stopped her and asked why it was in the 80's not 29.99, and she said something about the promotion and discount, etc., and I didn't fully understand. I don't think her explanation is meant to be understood. I then asked if they are averaging out the $29.99 for the 1st year and $49.99 for the 2nd year so I pay the same amount the whole 2 year contract period - not that it would still amount to $80 something. She was VERY evasive. I finally got her to admit that if I "accept" the "free" Ipad, the monthly is NOT $29.99 as she had quoted earlier, but it would be $80 something. I keep saying that b/c I do not want to misrepresent what she said, and I do not recall the exact amount. It was something like $89.99 or less. So... I told her that I was very displeased that they were not straight forward. She kept asking what I meant by that, and I said what they do is very misleading, and, in fact, it bordered fraud. She kept ARGUING with me. She had the audacity to say that if I stopped interrupting her, she would explain it fully, but I kept interrupting her so she could not. So, I told her to go ahead, she has my full attention and to explain. It was still the same deal. This time, she used different wording - said since I am getting the "free" Ipad, I will be paying the "regular" rate and not the discounted rate, so it would be the "regular" rate of $80 or 89 whatever, and she insisted that it was still free b/c the Ipad is $400 if bought it retail. I informed her that I will actually be paying MORE than $400 for it if I pay $40 more per month for 2 years! She sure did not say I would be paying their "regular" rate instead of the promotional rate by accepting the "free" Ipad when she asked me if I wanted it. How do they get away with that?? If the customer is not paying close attention and misses that last quote they say VERY quickly at the end and sign up for the 2 year contract - and then find out later that they were had - try to fight that! They have the written contract to hold over your head! SHAME ON YOU, Dish Network! I remember you used a very similar tactic about 10 years ago when I had called - I remember now. I ended up going with a cable company b/c of that. Now I remember. Too bad that they have not changed their business tactics, and that they are STILL in business!!! Buyers BEWARE!!