Time Warner Cable has been enjoyed by its customers for many years. We as customers, appreciate Time Warner Cables commitment to offering their customers the newest in cable television technology; including Digital Cable, Digital Video Recorders, and most recently High Definition programming. In keeping with Time Warner Cables tradition of offering their customers the best in cable television, and their mission statement to give customers control in ways that are simple and easy, WE, the undersigned, hereto attest that forcing customers to lease equipment (i.e. set-top boxes and remote controls) required to fully make use of services that we are paying for and not giving us (the customer) the option to purchase and own the equipment is unacceptable.

On average, most Time Warner Cable customers have three (3) televisions which would force us to lease three (3) set-top boxes and remote controls if we want to fully utilize the services that we pay for monthly. Each box, according to a transcribed online Time Warner Cable customer service chat session, is approximately $9.70 per month. For three (3) set-top boxes and remote controls, this is costing an additional $29.10 per month and $349.20 per year. After twenty (20) years, we will have paid an additional $6,984.00 on equipment with no end in sight to this cycle. If we discontinue Time Warner Cable service, and do not return the equipment (even after 20 years of service) you charge us $499.00 per box. If we return the set-top box, but happen to misplace the remote, you charge us $200.00.

So, what are we paying for while leasing the equipment? According to the chat session mentioned above, it covers lifetime support or servicing of the set-top box. However no one comes to service the box. It is set up by the technician with the initial service, but there is no continued servicing or maintenance of the set-top box (i.e. quarterly, semi annual or annual calibrations, cleanings, or automatic upgrades) to ensure smooth operation and service. With the amount of money spent leasing boxes, customers could purchase a set-top box and still pay Time Warner Cable for the monthly cable service.

We have the option to lease a television, DVD player, or a home theater system or go to Best Buy, or any such store, and purchase these same items. However, Time Warner Cable is not giving customers the same option, but is forcing us to lease equipment that is mandatory (just like a television is also required) to fully utilize a service, which we are faithfully paying for each month.

According to the Time Warner Cable website and Customer Service agents, there is not a policy which states that customer owned equipment is a violation or not allowed. Therefore, WE, hereby demand that Time Warner Cable, its subsidiaries, affiliates, and all other cable providers put maximum effort into allowing customers the right to:
a.) purchase and own our equipment, for which we would be solely responsible
for, or
b.) lease equipment

As a dedicated customer base to Time Warner Cable, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, we are hopeful that you will hear our petition and offer reasonable credence to our complaint and request for true customer-oriented service.