Information Technology (IT) Management

¶ … Satellite Television service

Many people like Mary Cox, are trapped in situations they cannot understand due to their inability to peruse through their service contract terms and conditions. People find it difficult to read contracts in full, and instead focus on headline elements such as the price. It is also expected that those who have a good read of contracts before engaging in them experience slightly fewer problems. It is most unlikely that the satellite provider deducted the $400 from Mary without making mention of it in the terms and conditions of the service contract. Service contracts are legally binding agreements that are meant to govern delivery of services as well as their payments. They take various forms, they can be made by spoken word in instant transactions such as when buying a loaf of bread from the grocery or they can be made when the consumer and the supplier is oblivious of it where there is no explicit mention of, a contract. Channels of purchase is a critical consideration, the mode of transaction can greatly influence consumer's understanding of terms and conditions, problems such as Mary's are common in the absence of face-to-face transactions. It is possible that Mary purchased her service over the phone, and in most cases the terms and conditions are not clearly explained or sent through the mail way after the transaction has been completed. Considering the above explanation, it is not fair to think of the satellite provider's action as unethical. Satellite television is considered custom luxury installations they provide endless options for entertainment choices and most providers charge high-end prices on these services. It was Mary Cox's responsibility to find out the implications of the proposed new service before installation. Chances are high that she never read the terms and conditions for this service and this is the reason there was an oversight on her part in regard to the $430 early termination fee from her satellite provider.