In addition, DIRECTV did not clearly disclose conditions and limitations to their service agreements in advertisements or in any other type of communication with customers. The company buried additional fees in small-font text, which included a lease fee of $5.00 per month for a second and each additional receiver; a $19.95 fee for complex installation, handling and delivery; $6.00 per month for DVR Service; and $10.00 per month for HD Access. Offers of "FREE Professional Installation in Up to 4 Rooms" and "FREE HD DVR Receiver Upgrade" were not accompanied by conspicuously stated information about the fees. Moreover, consumers who believed they were signing a one-year contract based on advertisements that said, "LOCK IN YOUR PRICE FOR ONE FULL YEAR," were actually locked into a two-year contract. Advertisements also claimed "130+ Channels in Hi-Def" which includes local channels and exclusive sports packages. However, the fine print reads, "Eligibility for local channels based on service address. Programs not delivered in HD in all markets" and "Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply." These conditions did not clearly explain to the consumer, even those who purchased the most expensive package, that they would not be able to receive all the channels all the time.

DIRECTV is also accused of extending contracts without the express permission of customers. When various consumers, who had upgraded their equipment, elected to end their contracts when they expired, the consumers were told they could not do so without paying an early termination fee that could cost as much as $480.

The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. The defendants face 5 counts of violations of the Miami-Dade Uniform Trade Practices Law.

For more information on consumer issues, log on to the Consumer Services Department website at www.miamidade.gov/csd or call 305-375-3677.