Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
Mike_W_C
Enthusiast - Level 2

I'm a FIOS internet and phone subscriber but I don't have the FIOS cable service.  I have a tv with a QAM tuner and want to get local stations - is this possible?  I have spent a fair amount of time reading up on Clear QAM today but haven't found anything on how to do this.  This FAQ suggests that I should be able to. However, I connected the coaxial cable that goes to my router to my tv and wasn't able to detect any channels when I scanned.

Any help greatly apreciated!

Mike

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Correct answers
Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
jackmcgann
Specialist - Level 1

You won't get any channels (including clear QAM) unless you subscribe to at least local basic tier. No TV is provisioned on Internet/Phone double play. Since the FAQ doesn't mention explicitly that, it's a little misleading.


@Mike_W_C wrote:

 This FAQ suggests that I should be able to.


View solution in original post

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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
jackmcgann
Specialist - Level 1

You won't get any channels (including clear QAM) unless you subscribe to at least local basic tier. No TV is provisioned on Internet/Phone double play. Since the FAQ doesn't mention explicitly that, it's a little misleading.


@Mike_W_C wrote:

 This FAQ suggests that I should be able to.


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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
Mike_W_C
Enthusiast - Level 2

Thanks

Dumb follow-on question:  What's the benefit to the consumer of the FCC mandate that cable operators offer local stations in Clear QAM?  I thought the benefit was that consumers wouldn't have to pay for broadcast channels that are already free.  Is the benefit that subscribers don't have to rent a cable box for local channels (though the still need to pay cable subscription)?

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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
Hubrisnxs
Legend

i thought it was so you wouldn't have to lease equipment to watch those channels?    wonder why every provider offers local only service?   good question

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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
prisaz
Legend

Yes it would be nice to have the local only enabled on the ONT box by default. IMHO you should not be required to pay for locals. But they are providing the service to your home, which does not include any TV unless you pay for it. Even DTV makes you pay for local only service. I am not sure what the cable companies policies are if you have internet only service. Can you legally connect a TV to the coax?

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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
marc35655
Contributor - Level 1

@Mike_W_C wrote:

Thanks

Dumb follow-on question:  What's the benefit to the consumer of the FCC mandate that cable operators offer local stations in Clear QAM?  I thought the benefit was that consumers wouldn't have to pay for broadcast channels that are already free.  Is the benefit that subscribers don't have to rent a cable box for local channels (though the still need to pay cable subscription)?


The mandate applies to people with TV service being able to watch shows without a STB and does not apply to your situation. Only options you have are to pay for the most basic package or work with Over The Air broadcasts

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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
Hubrisnxs
Legend

A HDTV digital antenna works nicely for this 

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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
PJL
Master - Level 3
The mandate applies but you still have to subscribe to th TV service. Would you expect Verizon to provide service for free? Prisaz, you are suggesting free basic TV service.
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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
prisaz
Legend

@PJL wrote:
The mandate applies but you still have to subscribe to th TV service. Would you expect Verizon to provide service for free? Prisaz, you are suggesting free basic TV service.

"Yes it would be nice to have the local only enabled on the ONT box by default."

I said it would be nice, but I didn't mean it would be realistic. Basic being only the local broadcast.Smiley Happy

I don't think any company provides TV service on a subscription system for free. But if you pay for the TV service for other TVs, the basic are transmited in the clear.

I am not sure what the cable companies policies are if you have internet only service. Can you legally connect a TV to the coax?

That is why I asked if you could hook a TV to an internet only CATV service. I don't think it is legal, and if installed properly the CATV should have a filter out at the CATV box preventing reception, since you only pay for Internet. Many CATV techs do not install them.

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Re: Local channels via Clear QAM but no FIOS video service
PJL
Master - Level 3

@prisaz wrote:

@PJL wrote:
The mandate applies but you still have to subscribe to th TV service. Would you expect Verizon to provide service for free? Prisaz, you are suggesting free basic TV service.

"Yes it would be nice to have the local only enabled on the ONT box by default."

I said it would be nice, but I didn't mean it would be realistic. Basic being only the local broadcast.Smiley Happy

I don't think any company provides TV service on a subscription system for free. But if you pay for the TV service for other TVs, the basic are transmited in the clear.

I am not sure what the cable companies policies are if you have internet only service. Can you legally connect a TV to the coax?

That is why I asked if you could hook a TV to an internet only CATV service. I don't think it is legal, and if installed properly the CATV should have a filter out at the CATV box preventing reception, since you only pay for Internet. Many CATV techs do not install them.


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