Right now DirecTV has a special offer for BRAND NEW CUSTOMERS only until the end of the year. If you've been thinking about subscribing to a satellite service, then this is definitely the most opportune time to do it. Normally costing current members $55.99/mo, DirecTV is offering their Choice programming package which consists of over 150+ digital channels for only $29.99 until 2011. If that price isn't juicy enough, they are also throwing in a $100 prepaid Visa card! I didn't get that juicy bonus when I signed up back in 2005. To get the $100 Visa card, all you have to do is enroll in auto bill pay during checkout. By subscribing, new members also get Showtime 3 months for free. You also get free shipping (a $20 value), free professional installation and free HD or DVR receiver upgrade (a $99 value).

This offer is so good that I called yesterday to ask if I could have my monthly charge reduced down to the $29.99 price. Unfortunately, and as expected, the customer service agent informed me that the offer was strictly for BRAND NEW MEMBERS only. It was worth the time to ask, and I didn't press to try to get my way or ask to speak with a supervisor. The deal continued to plague my mind, so I called again this morning. This time, I asked how long I would need to go dark (discontinue service) to be considered a new member again. The nice agent informed me that all cancelled members information is retained in their database, and I would not be considered a new member even after years. I would be considered a win-back customer. He then said that since I have been a long-standing customer since 2005, he would be able to adjust my monthly rate by -$20/mo for 6-months which equals a savings of $120. Please understand that they don't have to do this, so I happily took him up on the offer. Last time I checked, paying $40 is better than $60. He even told me to call back after the 6-month period, and I should be able to get another 6-month extension. He said he would put his notes onto my account. My advice for any of you current subscribers is to go into the phone call without any expectations and maintain a calm, pleasant attitude.

One last piece of info. I believe the agent said that a spouse or other live-in person at the same residence can qualify as a brand new customer. So if any of you married folks out there want to cancel your existing service, just have your spouse sign up in your place and rake in the savings + the $100 bucks. *(I recommend everyone call DirecTV first before doing this, just in case I misinterpreted what the agent was saying).