Dish Network has agreed to pay $5.99 million to 46 states, including Colorado, to settle claims of unfair and deceptive sales practices.
The Douglas County-based satellite- television company admitted no wrongdoing in agreeing to the settlement.
Dish also will pay restitution to customers who have filed complaints and has agreed to offer more disclosures in marketing materials and contracts.
Attorneys general in the 46 states had alleged that Dish and its dealers made telemarketing calls in violation of the Do Not Call Registry, offered incomplete terms and conditions in customer agreements, failed to disclose that some equipment offered to consumers was previously used, and made misleading references to competitors’ prices.
The Federal Trade Commission earlier this year filed suit against Dish for alleged telemarketing violations. That case is pending.
California, North Carolina, Illinois and Ohio have separate cases against Dish and did not join other states in the settlement.
“Customer satisfaction has always been a top priority for Dish Network, and we continuously implement new approaches to strengthen our customer relationships,” said Tom Cullen, executive vice president. “We are pleased to work with the state attorneys general in a cooperative manner to enhance our products and services.”
The Denver-Boulder Better Business Bureau and the Colorado attorney general’s office received a combined 13,190 consumer complaints against Dish over the past three years, said Dale Mingilton, president and chief executive of the BBB.
Dish will pay restitution to qualified consumers who filed complaints between Jan. 1, 2004, and July 9, 2009. People can also make complaints over the next five months with the BBB, the attorney general or Dish for problems that occurred within the past two years.
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
Numbers
$5.99 million Amount Dish Network has agreed to pay to settle claims of unfair and deceptive sales practices
13,190 Consumer complaints against Dish Network received in three years by the Denver- Boulder Better Business Bureau and the Colorado attorney general’s office
