DirecTV - Changing local stations

[DonandBonnie]

When we change locations we call DirecTV to have our service changed to pick up the local area stations. This apparently is a major traumatic experience for the DirecTV phone reps. They seem dumbfounded when we explain that we have a mobile lifestyle. The rep had to put us on hold three times to consult with her supervisor to figure how to change service. Twice in the past DirecTV changed our billing address to the campground where we were staying. After a lengthy discussion today I'm still not sure that they understand that we are in a campground and are not changing our address. Has anyone else encountered this high level of intelligence from the DircTV phone reps?

[pineranch]

I found that honey works best with the Reps. Tried the more direct approach and didn't get the local channels as it seemed to tough for them to do. If you don't have HD, some towers/locations cannot xmit local channels.
Mike

[vangoes]

I changed mine over the winter a couple of times and it worked seamlessly. Had antenna already tuned in and the rep. stayed on phone with me to insure they switched it correctly. I have no complaints whatsoever. I told them I was changing my physical zip code area and that my billing address would not change.

[Carl n Susan]

Do you have a RV Account or are you using a receiver from your home? It makes a difference.

With a RV Account, call 800-531-5000 and always tell the operator it's a RV account. I have an RV Account but I use DNS stations and never change locals. My friend who fulltimes with a RV Account moves every two weeks. He calls when he moves from one spot beam to another. They actually know him by name and the stations are changed almost immediately.

If you have a home account, don't mention a RV. It will only cause confusion. You are better off telling them you have temporarily moved to your summer cabin, beach house, or such and you need to change the service *BUT NOT* the billing address.

[mobil]

We do the same as others; Tell the rep we're traveling, which receiver we have with us, and to change our service address but keep our billing address the same. When you call the 800#, follow the prompt for tech help. We have the local channels before we hang up the phone.

[DonandBonnie]

I suppose I have royally confused them. When we sold the stick house we took the receiver with us like the commercials say to do when you move. We then reestablished our service in the Big Sky. They probably think that we move everytime we change our location. As for the billing address, I have repeatedly told them to no avail that we are not changing our address.

[1retired06]

After 7 years wintering in Florida, the rules have remained the same for us. If we want local channels, we have to change our billing address to our zip code location, and then our bill jumps because of Florida taxes. I intalled a a/b switch, and watch the locals thru the roof antenna and DTV for everything else. Guess we will try again next winter based on the comments above.

[bw2]

While wintering in Florida, I call and ask them to change my 'service' address to my Florida location. When I return home I ask them to change my service address back to my billing address. So far, it has worked each time over four years.

[DonandBonnie]

Well here we go again. Just got an email from DirecTV congratulating us on our recent move. We can't access our online account. I've sure it's because they've changed our address. So here we go with another phone call to some clueless rep. I think I'll see if the Good Sam's Club action line could help.

[mhs4771]

When you call DirecTV, ask to be transferred to the "Retention Department". Those folks are there to try and make you happy to keep you as a customer and have the power to make decisions on their own. Has worked for us when we had an issue getting HD receivers.

[Recumbent]

We do what bw2 said, and it has worked well. We have changed our service address in 28+ states, works every time when locals are on the 101 degree satellite. Be sure to use the words "service address". As pineranch said the locals are not always available on the 101 satellite for the round 18" dish. If you have HD and the oval dish (slimline 5 LNB) I believe you can get locals everywhere.