Ed Greenberg <edg@netcom.com> (06/08/91)
This is quoted from Action Line, a write-in column of the {San Jose
Mercury News}. The paper was dated 8-Jun-1991.
"Q: The other day, I was visited by a representative of Heritage
Cable, stating he was here to investigate the purchase of an illegal
de-scrambler that he said I bought in 1987. He also stated that he
had every right to inspect the line that went into our household. I
felt outraged to be woken up -- I work nights -- for such a rediculous
and demeaning experience. I've had cable at this address since 1986.
Does the Heritage Cable representative have the right to inspect
inside our house?
"A: They do, says Mark Solins, Heritage's director of field service.
Solin says the cable company receives lists from the Federal Bureau of
Investigation every so often with names of people who bought
de-scramblers for the purpose of obtaining a cable station without
paying the cable company for the right to the air waves. The FBI
doesn't monitor all de-scrambler sales, but does get involved if it
learns of illegal activity. Solins says the contract you signed when
you signed up for cable allows a company rep the right to inspect the
cable service and line. Solins says your name popped up on a recent
list the FBI sent to Heritage. Solins says no illegal de-scrambler
was found in your home. Evidently, someone who used to live in the
rear of your property ordered the de-scrambler, under your name and
address and used it to pick up cable waves without subscribing to the
service."
Ed Greenberg | Home: +1 408 283 0184 | edg@netcom.com
P. O. Box 28618 | Work: +1 408 764 5305 | CIS: 76703,1070
San Jose, CA 95159 | Fax: +1 408 764 5003 | WB2GOH @ N6LDL.CA.USA
[Moderator's Note: While it is true that their contract, like the
telco, allows them access to inspect their wires and instruments, they
have to be reasonable in the time they show up. Since the writer works
nights, he had every right to tell them to come back later by
appointment. The local cable guys came to my door about a year ago
wanting to inspect their wires ... but I don't subscribe to any cable
at all! After all, with twelve over-the-air channels here filled with
trash 24 hours per day, why should I pay for cable channels? They said
the wires on the outside of the building 'appeared to enter the
building via the wall to my apartment'. I told them that may be the
case, but not being a subscriber, they had no contract with me so why
not be nice guys and get lost? They made their usual threats but I
heard no more from them. I guess they cut the wire at the pole if in
fact it was live ... I don't really know. PAT]