Ohio consumers to benefit from settlement with DirecTV

COLUMBUS — Ohio consumers who have outstanding complaints against DirecTV dating back to January 2007 are now eligible for restitution from the satellite television company.

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today announced that Ohio, along with 48 other states and the District of Columbia, reached an agreement with DirecTV as result of allegations of deceptive and unfair business practices.

From Jan. 1, 2007, through today, Cordray's office has received 1,714 complaints against DirecTV. Today's settlement addresses allegations that the company:

• Did not clearly disclose to consumers the price that the consumer would be charged and the commitment term that would be required of the consumer to keep DirecTV services.

• Did not clearly disclose to consumers limitations for honoring a certain advertised price.

• Enrolled consumers in additional contracts or contract terms without clearly disclosing the terms to the consumer.

• Enrolled consumers in additional contracts when replacing defective equipment.

• Did not clearly disclose to consumers that a seasonal sports package would automatically renew.

• Offered cash back to consumers but actually only provided bill credits.

The agreement requires DirecTV to:

• Clearly disclose all material terms to consumers.

• Replace leased equipment that is defective at no cost except shipping costs.

• Not require the consumer to enter into an additional contract when simply replacing defective equipment.

• Clearly disclose when a consumer is entering into a contract.

• Clearly notify consumers before a consumer is obligated to pay for a seasonal sports package.

• Clearly disclose all limitations on the availability of local channels.

• Not misrepresent the availability of sports programming.

• Not represent that a consumer would receive cash back if the consumer would actually receive a bill credit.

• Clearly notify consumers that they will be charged a cancellation or equipment fee at least 10 days before charging the fee.