I hopped on Verizon's FiOS order webpage today. My plan was to place an order to have TV& Internet installed in my new house.
I was a little annoyed to find that the website would not allow me to place an order without any cable boxes, and did not have any selections for a cable card.
I remember that cable cards used to be on the webpage for $3.99 back when I last had FiOS (but back then I never got around to actually getting the hardware I wanted to use.
Anyway, I figured this would be something easily solved by just calling the order phone number instead and speaking to an actual person. Spending some time and not finding said number, the "Live Chat" link looked tempting instead, so I clicked it.
Below is my conversation with a the live chat representative in which he is just not open to the order I am interested in. Are they no longer offering cable cards? Is it true that their HD channels can no longer be received over a cable card? Is that even legal? I thought they were required by the FCC to provide cable cards for 3rd party equipment.
See conversation below:
quote:A Verizon eCenter Representative will be right with you. Thank you for the opportunity to assist you.
Agent Marcus has joined. (16:45:42)
Marcus : Chat ID for this session is xxxxxxxxxxx. (16:45:42)
Marcus(16:45:42): Hello. Thank you for choosing Verizon and visiting our Verizon chat service. May we view your account information, including the services you subscribe to, to assist you during this chat with respect to available Verizon products and services? You may deny us permission, which will have no effect on your current services. Under federal law, it is your right and our duty to protect your account information. May I have permission to review your account?
Marcus(16:45:52): Hi! How may I assist you today?
You(16:46:58): Hi, I am looking to set up an order for FiOS Internet and TV service. The automated system doesn't allow me to select the options I would like. Is there a number I can call instead to place my order and set up an installation date?
Marcus(16:47:34): Please do not worry I would assist you to place an order onl
Marcus(16:48:04): *online and you can get $49.99 activation fee waived.
Marcus(16:48:29): May I know which plan you are referring to select?
You(16:50:26): I am looking at a 2 way bundle, with Preferred HD and 150/65 internet service. The issue I have is that I don't want any cable boxes. Instead I want one cable card. I also want to use my own router.
Marcus(16:52:01): I do understand you concern; however, as you want to order Preferred HD you need to rent the boxes to view the channels and only Actiontec and Westell routers are only compatible with FiOS Internet.
You(16:54:40): I have used my own router with FiOS in the past. I understand it is unsupported, and that is fine. I was very disappointed with both Actiontec and Westell router performance in the past.
Marcus(16:54:50): I would suggest you to rent a router from Verizon as it had life time guarantee and if there is any technical error, then Verizon will take care of that.
You(16:54:54): I do - however - own a westell router I can use as a backup.
Marcus(16:55:24): Please do not worry now the router which Verizon is providing are the best Wireless router.
Marcus(16:55:44): And you can even buy you own router for $99.99 and you can pay it in 3 installaments.
You(16:56:01): As regards the cable card, I am fairly certain federal law requires all cable providers to offer a cable card that allows access to television channels on third party equipment.
You(16:56:31): They used to be on the website for $3.99 per month, but I can no longer find them.
Marcus(16:57:06): I would like to inform you that now as the promotions are changed you need to rent the boxes from Verizon.
Marcus(16:57:16): Could you please tell me how many TV's you would like to connect? Also, are you looking for recording capabilities on your TVs?
You(16:57:57): If you can not help me place an order without a router or cable boxes and with a cable card, I will decline to place an order.
You(16:58:30): The only order I am interested in is without any rental hardware, except for the cable M card
Marcus(16:59:15): Verizon's commitment to meet government requirements for an all-digital network and creating the best TV experience available to you begins with our suite of digital converter equipment.
With our set top boxes you will be able to enjoy the 100% digital channel line-up available through Verizon FiOS TV. As a result, every television in your home now requires a digital adapter or set top box for FiOS TV to reach its full potential.
You(16:59:42): Fine. Then I will talk to Comcast.
You(16:59:48): Good bye
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