How can Verizon remove channels without adding new ones and still lock you into A CONTRACT
jpreda
Enthusiast - Level 1

I recently switched from comcast.  I am about 2 months into my contract and I received and e-mail stating that Verizon is removing two channels ESPN Classic and ESPN Goal line/Buzzer.  Without offering me an option of adding equivalent channels,  I just lose 2 channels.  I called Verizon and they stated that they have the right to add or remove channels and I still will be locked into a contract even though my original contract had those channels in them.  So I told a  customer service rep that according to that policy, Verizon could remove all my channels and I will still be responsible for my contract fee.  She said that is true but I do not think Verizon would do that.  That **bleep** me off!  I signed the contract to pay a specific price for specific channels and they have the right to change their side of there deal and I do not have the right to change my side without paying a venality.  At minimum I should be allowed to add 2 channels of equal value, reduce my price of be able to opt out of my contract without having to pay a termination fee.

 I am going to look into what legal avenues I have and I keep you posted.

Unhappy customer........

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Re: How can Verizon remove channels without adding new ones and still lock you into A CONTRACT
walt178
Specialist - Level 3

@jpreda wrote:

I am going to look into what legal avenues I have and I keep you posted.


You should spare yourself the trouble and stress.  None of us like it when a favorite channel is removed.  But Accoridng to Terms of Service agreement, which we agreed to, Verizon does have the right: 

  • "to change, rearrange, add, delete or otherwise modify the Service at any time, with or without prior notice to you, including changing, rearranging or otherwise modifying our Programming packages,"

My prior service provider had a similar agreement, and I expect Comcast does also.  No matter how unhappy changes might make us, there is no legal recourse.  The best course of action is to read agreements and contracts before agreeing.

Re: How can Verizon remove channels without adding new ones and still lock you into A CONTRACT
jackmcgann
Specialist - Level 1

AKA       "Caveat Emptor"

Re: How can Verizon remove channels without adding new ones and still lock you into A CONTRACT
armond_in_nj1
Master - Level 1

@jpreda wrote:

 ... I signed the contract to pay a specific price for specific channels and they have the right to change their side of there deal and I do not have the right to change my side without paying a venality ...



You did not sign up for "specific channels."  Instead you contracted for a "package," and as the other writers have indicated the VZ Terms of Service state clearly that the package can (and often does) change.  The reasons for this are more related to the demands of individual content providers than to the whims of Verizon programming executives.

You didn't ask, but while I'm on the subject let me just state that sports programming, typically the most expensive element in any ISP TV package, should be an option rather than a mandatory component.  There are many of us who have better things to do with our time.

Re: How can Verizon remove channels without adding new ones and still lock you into A CONTRACT
bobbo527
Specialist - Level 3
It stinks, I agree, but ALL cable companies do this (move channels around various packages) it and you have zero legal recourse. It's just another good argument for ala carte cable channels
Re: How can Verizon remove channels without adding new ones and still lock you into A CONTRACT
Greg26001
Contributor - Level 2

@bobbo527 wrote:
It stinks, I agree, but ALL cable companies do this (move channels around various packages) it and you have zero legal recourse. It's just another good argument for ala carte cable channels

Ala Carte Cable Channelling will literally bankrupt 75% of the cable channels overnight.  They all have far too small a viewer base to survive that kind of move.  Providers like Verizon would probably go for it though.

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Re: How can Verizon remove channels without adding new ones and still lock you into A CONTRACT
pamelah1
Enthusiast - Level 1

That really ticks me off to

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