Whether or not this was an already approved marketing program just waiting to launch, or an immediate response the AT&T announcement, the offer does come at a perfect time. While DISH is expected to lose potential customers to DirecTV, and a DISH/DirecTV merger is off the table, the $50 referral credit may go a long way in retaining customers.
In the promotion, current customers can refer up to 5 friends per year for a total of $250 in programming credits. In addition to the credits, referrers will get five free pay-per-view movies and a free DISH mover credit to use if you are moving residencies.
New DISH customers get an $80 credit on their first bill, free activation and HBO and Starz movie channels for 3 months.