I've been a Directv customer for 7 years. When locals became available last June I called Directv. I think they quoted me something like $49. I said I'd think about it and call back. I think I called them again sometime in August and asked them about it again. I think that time they waived the $49 fee. I said I wasn't quite ready.
The first of September I was ready and called. They didn't say anything about a fee, they replaced the dish, and replaced one of the receivers that wouldn't work with the oval dish.
All I had to do was agree to at least 1 years programming.
After seven years, I don't have any intention of dropping them, so no problem there.