I've never had any trouble with Directv's customer service. I actually think they're really great. what makes their customer service great is the fact that they'll break their backs to keep you happy/subscribed...want EI, sunday ticket, and all the movies channels for free? threaten to leave for comcast. They call me to offer me promos all the time too. I change my HBO/Showtime subscriptions based on what series' are currently ongoing, and when I call, I make sure to get to an actual person, because they usually can give me money off the subscription somehow.