There was a time when DirecTV and Dish Network had an edge over the monopoly cable companies because they offered great customer service.

Unfortunately, those days are long gone.

The 2 satellite companies -- along with all 4 major cell phone carriers -- are now infamous for locking customers into stinking contracts. But that's not the worst of it; they'll also often sneak you into a "phantom" contract if you call for a routine customer service issue. Such "phantom" contracts typically extend your existing contract without your knowledge or create secret fees for you.

Now, Qwest -- the monopoly phone company in much of the West -- is being sued over their "phantom" contract practices. It turns out Qwest will charge $200 if you quit them for high-speed Internet, but they never disclose the fee. You don't know until you get the bill.

We'll see how this plays out in the courts. Hopefully, a judicial ruling may change attitudes about "phantom" contracts. Clark feels that if you're such a coward as a capitalist that you need a contract, you should at least call it what it is. Would it be that hard to tell the truth? Do you have to cheat customers?