EXCLUSIVE: Dish Network to me on $300 receiver demand to fire victim family

Just a few minutes ago I received an email from Dish Network spokesperson Francie Bauer.

Francine commented to me on the incident earlier this week in which a Dish Network customer service rep asked for $300 from the Azola family for a satellite dish receiver that had inside their home which burned in the Southern California fires.

Here's the statement from Dish:

Taking care of our customers who have been impacted by the fires is our top priority.  We are deeply sorry for the unfortunate situation that occurred with Ms. Azola.  We do have a disaster policy in place and regrettably that policy was not followed.  She will not be charged for service cancellation or equipment fees.

We attempted to get in touch with Ms. Azola to clarify our policy, and we are committed to taking care of all customers affected by the fires. We are providing several no-cost options for fire victims to suspend their satellite service, including a pause of service, with no equipment fees.

Hopefully, that should straighten matters out. Unlike some technology and communications companies that turn a deaf ear to customer relations, I am glad to see Dish doing the honorable thing and admit they were wrong.