Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@tjw363 wrote:

All DCT700 and QIP boxes on ebay and craigslist were stolen at some point

 

You sure about that?

 

Verizon gave away, in certain areas up to 3, DCT700's due to digital transition as recent as 10/2008 (as per a Google search).

 

If someone is selling them they are far from stolen in my very humble opinion. Perhaps not used as defined but far from stolen.


Yes, I am certain about that.

 

Verizon has never given away any STBs.  For a time, Verizon did waive the monthly fee on the DCT700, but they always retained full ownership as per the terms of service.  If you were to cancel FiOS TV and fail to return those boxes, the cost ($80-$100/ea) is reflected in your final bill.

Of course, Verizon and cable companies can't force you to pay your bill; they can only report you to creditors.  Tha reflects upon your credit rating, which has a direct impact on your ability to obtain a mortgage and/or car loan.  In the long run, a lower credit rating will cost you far more than the boxes ever could, both in the ability to obtain a loan and the terms of that loan.

Message Edited by KenAF on 05-25-2009 10:53 PM
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Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
tjw363
Enthusiast - Level 3

Verizon has never given away any STBs.

 

Apologies...... I didn't know this guy was fibbing.

 

http://forums.verizon.com/vrzn/board/message?board.id=FiOS_TV&message.id=1660&query.id=77177#M1660

 

Verizon offers a Digital Adapter w/remote (DCT700) which will provide all of the local channels, PLUS all of the SD channels you are subscribed to, but without HD channels, Guide, Widgets, VOD, etc. These boxes normally cost $3.99 (I think) but in some areas, for limited periods of time, Verizon has offered them for free, for as long as you keep FiOS at that address, due to the digital transition and you losing the local channels. I received a letter offering the digital adpater, I called and ordered a free one, got it in about 3-4 days, installed it, works just fine. And no charge on my bill. I understand that they will provide up to 3 free adapters.

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Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@tjw363 wrote:

Verizon has never given away any STBs.

 

Apologies...... I didn't know this guy was fibbing.

 

http://forums.verizon.com/vrzn/board/message?board.id=FiOS_TV&message.id=1660&query.id=77177#M1660

 

Verizon offers a Digital Adapter w/remote (DCT700) which will provide all of the local channels, PLUS all of the SD channels you are subscribed to, but without HD channels, Guide, Widgets, VOD, etc. These boxes normally cost $3.99 (I think) but in some areas, for limited periods of time, Verizon has offered them for free, for as long as you keep FiOS [TV] at that address, due to the digital transition and you losing the local channels. I received a letter offering the digital adpater, I called and ordered a free one, got it in about 3-4 days, installed it, works just fine. And no charge on my bill. I understand that they will provide up to 3 free adapters.


That guy wasn't fibbing.  Bolded for emphasis.

 

You don't own the boxes, you just lease them at $0/mo.  You must return them when you cancel FiOS TV.

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Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
tjw363
Enthusiast - Level 3

You don't own the boxes, you just lease them at $0/mo.  You must return them when you cancel FiOS TV.

 

Ken, once in a while I respond to a post before actually comprehending what the poster stated... my bad after your clarification.

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Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
Greg26001
Contributor - Level 2
Even if Verizon activated the box, which they wouldn't, if they did, they would charge you $3.99 a month for the box most likely.  So there's no advangtage there.
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Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
TheSanchez
Contributor - Level 2

Since i'm the one that made the original post that is stickied up top I will go ahead and repeat the information here. 

Under no circumstance will verizon activate a STB unless you obtained it one of the numerous ways from us.  If there is no order or trouble ticket to replace a defective one in your home the box wont get activated.  And even if we could activate them for you, you would still get charged the rental fee for that particular box on top of whatever you paid for that box.  This includes every single model of STB including the DCT700.  All of our STB remain the sole property of Verizon.  The people selling these boxes are selling you stolen equipment.  I suggest you treat these types of sales as people trying to scam you out of your money. 

Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
Vumes
Enthusiast - Level 3

@Vumes wrote:

They probably won't BUT, take into consideration this hypothetical....

Let's say, the guy selling it on eBay who we will name "Bob" had Fios TV and after he disconnected, he didn't return the box. At this point Verizon will most likely end up charging him for it. Well now that he has been charged for it, why wouldn't Verizon re-activate the box if it was bought and paid for?

Why couldn't Bob sell it on eBay to get some cash if he already was billed and paid for said box? Why would Verizon not re-activate the box that has been bought and paid for by Bob, who then sold it to someone else?

Verizon, your insight on this would be great. Thanks.


Sanchez,

I understand Verizon's position, but can you please comment on my statement above? I would like to know how this situation would work out. Thanks.

Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
Techman28
Master - Level 1

Vumes,

I'll set the record straight. If you purchase a STB from ebay its considered Intellectual stolen property which Verizon cooperates with the VeRO program through Ebay. These auctions are not suppose to even take place. Verizon will not activate a STB purchased off of ebay or any third party provider. That is Verizon's stance on the Ebay issue.

TheSanchez provided a more Verizon response and is 100% correct. My response is in regards to Ebay

Message Edited by Techman28 on 05-26-2009 05:50 PM
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Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
Vumes
Enthusiast - Level 3
I understand that, but I still have not received an answer to the situation that I posted. What if that situation took place..? Not even involving eBay, just that situation? Why does no Verizon personnel want to elaborate on that?
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Re: Purchasing a DCT700 from eBay
KenAF
Specialist - Level 2

@Vumes wrote:
I understand that, but I still have not received an answer to the situation that I posted. What if that situation took place..? Not even involving eBay, just that situation? Why does no Verizon personnel want to elaborate on that?

Think of it this way:  Verizon never disclaims ownership.  If you claim to lose a DCT700, and then pay the ~$100 lost equipment charge, that does not necessarily mean you own it and can use it without fees.  Verizon will not waive the STB fee under any circumstances.  They'll ask for their equipment back if you find it; they may or may not refund you the lost equipment charge.

 

As a practical matter, the situation you describe is rare, since only a small percentage of customers actually pay the bill for unreturned equipment.

Message Edited by KenAF on 05-26-2009 07:26 PM
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