[steve86]

They all make you sign a two year contract. Just remember if you try to opt out of it early there’s a stiff penalty.

Both DirectTV and Dish offer no-contract "contracts", at least in this area. There is no penalty for stopping service at any time. But you do not get the benefit of promotional pricing for the first year.

I have neither cable nor satellite service, don't watch "entertainment" of any kind, but do stream Fox News and CNN occasionally over the Internets.

[Beowulf9]

She’s paying it to Direct tv.

[Beowulf9]

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/support/agreements_overview

“Cancellation Fee Varies If you do not fulfill your Programming Agreements, DIRECTV may charge you a pro-rated fee of up to $480.”