This is FCC mandated?
Time Warner posts application for a Bring-Your-Own-Box credit
TWC has posted a webpage allowing you to apply for a Bring-Your-Own-Box credit if you subscribe to a cable package that would otherwise include a cable box, but you use a TiVo instead. Although other cable companies seem to be giving customers this FCC-mandated credit automatically, at TWC you may have to apply for it.
The TWC BYOB credit application is here. The main webpage that discusses overall retail device support is here.
The TWC BYOB credit application is here. The main webpage that discusses overall retail device support is here.
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Yes; here is the text of the FCC's recent ruling (which went into effect today, Aug 8):This is FCC mandated?
Accordingly, we also adopt a rule that requires cable operators to reduce the price of packages that include set-top box rentals by the cost of a set-top box rental for customers who use retail devices, and prohibits cable operators from assessing service fees on consumer-owned devices that are not imposed on leased devices. These price reductions must reflect the portion of the package price that is reasonably allocable to the device lease fee.
That's interesting, I just got TW two weeks ago, so I haven't seen my first bill yet. Im curious to see what im being charged for.
While troubleshooting some missing channels I had a CSR tell me I couldn't get any HD channels with my CableCard TiVo HD and SDV tuner, I tried to explain that I was in fact watching HD while we were on the phone, but she got really angry so I ended my TiVo education program.
She told me that I was paying for an HD box due to subscribing to the HD package, but that since I didn't have the HD box and 'couldn't get HD channels' she said she took those off my bill.
While troubleshooting some missing channels I had a CSR tell me I couldn't get any HD channels with my CableCard TiVo HD and SDV tuner, I tried to explain that I was in fact watching HD while we were on the phone, but she got really angry so I ended my TiVo education program.
She told me that I was paying for an HD box due to subscribing to the HD package, but that since I didn't have the HD box and 'couldn't get HD channels' she said she took those off my bill.
Another classic case of the cable industry trying to abide by the letter of the rules without actually making it any easier on anyone who doesn't want to use their equipment.
TWC customers should complain about this to the FCC. TWC actually has the nerve to require the customer to request something that they're required to do by law while asking the customer to supply information that they should already have.
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
TWC customers should complain about this to the FCC. TWC actually has the nerve to require the customer to request something that they're required to do by law while asking the customer to supply information that they should already have.
http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
I just filled out the survey. We will see what happens. Hopefully they will not mess up my account. For some reason every time someone looks over my account I lose service and have to call and have the cablecards "hit" again to get service back.
It's no surprise, TWC isn't making this one easy. I spoke with them on Saturday about options to lower my bill. The sales person didn't mention this.
Last night, I spoke with them on another subject. They confirmed that this was a valid offer and I qualified. However, they couldn't give me the discount. You can only take advantage of this "special" offer if you fill out the form and wait for a sales person to call you back. I am still waiting.
Last night, I spoke with them on another subject. They confirmed that this was a valid offer and I qualified. However, they couldn't give me the discount. You can only take advantage of this "special" offer if you fill out the form and wait for a sales person to call you back. I am still waiting.
This is another thing we should really complain about but not sure where? The FCC? I've never had a conversation with TW via phone or in person where they didn't take a dig, slam, or flat out lie and misinform about Tivo.While troubleshooting some missing channels I had a CSR tell me I couldn't get any HD channels with my CableCard TiVo HD and SDV tuner, I tried to explain that I was in fact watching HD while we were on the phone, but she got really angry so I ended my TiVo education program.
So Verizon FIOS should automatically credit me? I have two Tivo boxes instead of their box.
Same thing with Frontier FiOS. When does this credit go into effect?
Found a link:
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0809/DA-11-1373A1.pdf
I'll go check out Verizon's site too. I doubt I will find anything there.
Depending on how big the discount is, this might make Tivo look more attractive.
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2011/db0809/DA-11-1373A1.pdf
I'll go check out Verizon's site too. I doubt I will find anything there.
Depending on how big the discount is, this might make Tivo look more attractive.
Any misleading or inaccurate information about CableCARD availability or capability would be grounds for a complaint to the FCC. See the link aadam101 posted. Anything that makes it harder to get a CableCARD than a cable box is grounds for a complaint.This is another thing we should really complain about but not sure where? The FCC? I've never had a conversation with TW via phone or in person where they didn't take a dig, slam, or flat out lie and misinform about Tivo.
As an Update..... A very confused lady from TWC left a message on my home phone. She also said she tried my cell phone, which she did not. Anyway she left a message and said she received the email I sent (I filled out the online form included in this tread) about problems I was having with my cablecard. She said she couldn't figure out where I was located and that I should call her back to see if I am even in their service area........
I am not sure if I will pursue this or not... every time I try to talk to them about my account they f*** up my service so I don't know if it is worth it. But I also know that they want me to give up.....
I am not sure if I will pursue this or not... every time I try to talk to them about my account they f*** up my service so I don't know if it is worth it. But I also know that they want me to give up.....
This would not apply to FiOS. Verizon doesn't require that you take the STB, TWC does. For example, when I had TWC I was offered TV and Internet for $70, if I took their box and stuck it in a closet. If I didn't take their box, the pricing was ~$100. They would provide zero discounts without the STB. It was a required part of the package to get the discount. The box was included in the package price, but it obviously goes against the CableCard idea. One thing to note is one time I saw an itemized bill for my account. It had charges for everything (including the remote an all) that added up to the $70. It had a $5/6 charge for the STB on it, so internally TWC was charging for the box. The user just couldn't see it. I actually got them to credit that amount to me a few years ago, but I made changes to my account and lost the credit.So Verizon FIOS should automatically credit me? I have two Tivo boxes instead of their box.
Currently, I have Cox and to be honest, I think that people should go after Cox for a similar thing. They discount the first STB, but the discount is not given for a CableCard... I am in the process of getting FiOS at my new place, so I probably won't push it too much. Unless of course I wind up having to go with Cox due to the Verizon strike. I can't wait too long for my service.
Thank you for the clarification. Verizon forces you to take their router even if you don't use it. I tried to return it since I wasn't using it and they refused to take it back. Too bad I can't get a discount on that.This would not apply to FiOS. Verizon doesn't require that you take the STB, TWC does. For example, when I had TWC I was offered TV and Internet for $70, if I took their box and stuck it in a closet. If I didn't take their box, the pricing was ~$100. They would provide zero discounts without the STB. It was a required part of the package to get the discount. The box was included in the package price, but it obviously goes against the CableCard idea. One thing to note is one time I saw an itemized bill for my account. It had charges for everything (including the remote an all) that added up to the $70. It had a $5/6 charge for the STB on it, so internally TWC was charging for the box. The user just couldn't see it. I actually got them to credit that amount to me a few years ago, but I made changes to my account and lost the credit.
Currently, I have Cox and to be honest, I think that people should go after Cox for a similar thing. They discount the first STB, but the discount is not given for a CableCard... I am in the process of getting FiOS at my new place, so I probably won't push it too much. Unless of course I wind up having to go with Cox due to the Verizon strike. I can't wait too long for my service.
Wow! Such inept handling of an FCC mandate is completely unacceptable. I really encourage you to pursue this; at a minimum, file a complaint with the FCC. And watch your TWC bill...if you don't see a credit show up (assuming you are due one), I hope you follow-up with TWC too. We shouldn't let companies get away with such things.As an Update..... A very confused lady from TWC left a message on my home phone. She also said she tried my cell phone, which she did not. Anyway she left a message and said she received the email I sent (I filled out the online form included in this tread) about problems I was having with my cablecard. She said she couldn't figure out where I was located and that I should call her back to see if I am even in their service area........
I am not sure if I will pursue this or not... every time I try to talk to them about my account they f*** up my service so I don't know if it is worth it. But I also know that they want me to give up.....
If you complain to the FCC, be sure to point out all the ways TWC erred:
- Lack of training, resulting in a "confused" service rep
- Not using all of the available contact numbers, and lying about it
- Confusing "filling out a web form" with "sending an email"
- Misrepresenting your request for a BYOB credit as "having a problem with your CableCARD"
- Not being able to determine your location or service area despite your having given them your service address, city, state, ZIP, and service phone number on their own web form
- Requiring you to call them back, thus forcing you to perform yet another customer-initiated action in order to get an FCC-mandated credit that really should have been given automatically without any action on your part
Gotcha, I see where you're coming from on this.This would not apply to FiOS. Verizon doesn't require that you take the STB, TWC does. For example, when I had TWC I was offered TV and Internet for $70, if I took their box and stuck it in a closet. If I didn't take their box, the pricing was ~$100. They would provide zero discounts without the STB. It was a required part of the package to get the discount. The box was included in the package price, but it obviously goes against the CableCard idea. One thing to note is one time I saw an itemized bill for my account. It had charges for everything (including the remote an all) that added up to the $70. It had a $5/6 charge for the STB on it, so internally TWC was charging for the box. The user just couldn't see it. I actually got them to credit that amount to me a few years ago, but I made changes to my account and lost the credit.
Currently, I have Cox and to be honest, I think that people should go after Cox for a similar thing. They discount the first STB, but the discount is not given for a CableCard... I am in the process of getting FiOS at my new place, so I probably won't push it too much. Unless of course I wind up having to go with Cox due to the Verizon strike. I can't wait too long for my service.
So how does this work if you need a cablecard? Our provider is charging us $7.95 a month. Said it was for the maintenance and tech support of the cable card. Same price for their HD box. How much should I be paying?
The maintenance and tech support is only that expensive to them since they don't really want to support it. $7.95 would be too high especially if their STB costs that much. Their STB also has a CableCard in it with the same maintenance cost. Most providers charge between $2 and $4 per month. I would complain to the FCC that they are overcharging since it is the same price as their STB which is a CableCard + box. Who do you have?So how does this work if you need a cablecard? Our provider is charging us $7.95 a month. Said it was for the maintenance and tech support of the cable card. Same price for their HD box. How much should I be paying?
As of Aug 8, they are prohibited by the FCC from imposing any charge on your CableCARD+TiVo setup that they don't also charge on their leased settop boxes. Since they said your high CableCARD fee was due to maintenance and tech support of your particular CableCARD setup, this would be in violation of the FCC's rule. File a complaint with the FCC, then write your cable company and reference the FCC complaint along with a copy of the FCC advisory.So how does this work if you need a cablecard? Our provider is charging us $7.95 a month. Said it was for the maintenance and tech support of the cable card. Same price for their HD box. How much should I be paying?
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