VOOMS position on adding your own STB's
I asked VOOM if I could buy STB's on eBay, since they are popping up all over the place like weeds for between $40 and $75, and, of course they said "nope, we won't activate them". That's kind of disappoint for me, I have done my own installs, run the wire, I even have a digitall satellite finder (like the good installers have), so I know what I am doing.. Here is the response:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Response (William M.) 02/25/2005 10:11 AM
Thank you for choosing VOOM - HDTV Delivered!
To secure the quality of the services we provide, we do not activate any VOOM receivers that are not purchased through an authorized VOOM retailer. This is to ensure our customers are getting the best quality equipment, as well as to prevent any unauthorized sales distribution of our equipment.
You can have a total of 6 receivers per dish. If you are wishing to add additional receivers we currently have a great promotion for our current subscribers that can save up to $298 towards your installation. Through February 28, 2005, when you commit to a 6 month contract for VOOM equipment rental and services, you may receive up to a 3 room installation for only $49! Each new receiver you order under this contract, and every receiver already installed in your home, will have a rental fee of only $5 a month per receiver. In addition, you will no longer be charged the $5 multi-connectivity fee which is normally attached to each additional receiver past the first.
In return for the discounted installation fee associated with our promotion, a 6 month contract agreement will be required, where you will need to maintain at least the basic VOOM programming package and one receiver in your home. The VOOM package is our lowest priced package, and you can always add to this package at a later date. There is also a $250 cancellation fee (early termination fee), if you cancel before the 6 month commitment. If you wish to add receivers please give us a call at 1-866-931-VOOM and we will be happy to assist you. Remember this promotion ends February 28th don't miss out.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact us.
Thank you for choosing VOOM - the leader in High Definition programming!
Autumn H.
VOOM Email Support
Customer (MITCHELL) 02/24/2005 09:51 PM
What is VOOM's position on customers buying Set Top Boxes from other former customers from sources such as eBay? I have seen several Motorola DSR550's up for auction, and I was wondering if VOOM would allow me to add more boxes to my account... Would there be a montly charge? (I am paying a $5 lease fee on boxes provided by you), what would the limit be on my account for boxes? (I could chage the 4 way multiswitch out with an 8 way multiswitch, up to 8 boxes..)
Thanks, let me know VOOMs position,
Mitch
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyone else think VOOM should loosen their position on this? It kind of makes buying a VOOM box ever worthless, because they will not activate it for another user, EVER. VOOM called me back about the CH 7-1 problem, so I asked about owning boxes... They said you could own boxes, but you would have to own them all because they cannot distinguish between leased and owned boxes, so if you now lease any STB's, and added your own, they would end up billing you for it, because their billing system cannot distinquish leased from owned on the same account. I suggested they improve the billing system so you could have some leased, and some owned boxes... The CSR said he would suggest it, we'll see.
Mitch
He came back a few days later. Sometimes there is a disconnect with Voom and their installers regarding scheduling. Make sure you call Installs Inc the day before your installation and request Julius if you can.
