Is it illlegal to buy cable boxes from the cable company and then sell them?

Question

I have a hd dvr cable box and i have seen them on ebay for a couple hundred bucks. at the cox cable store they only cost 14 dollars, is it illegal to resell them

Answer 1

Yes, I would say that the box belongs to the cable service company, I looked at my contract and it plainly states that if I cancel my service that I must return my equipment to them. I checked my boxes and they all have different serial # s on them. I am not saying all companies are the same but I wouldn't take that chance until I was absolutely sure! My service also uses some type of encrypted signal which may be different with different companies.

Answer 2

ask the cable company you are purchasing them from

Answer 3

yes i would say 95% that it is illegal and i thought that you rent them

Answer 4

probably.

Answer 5

It is if you are renting or leasing the box. If you own it outright then I think it is yours.

Answer 6

UGGGHHH, you are renting it from the cable company and if you don't fulfill your contract they are going to want it back and you will have to pay the bucks if you don't give it.

Answer 7

YES!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

It's illegal if you sell it while your renting it.But even after you cancel the service they will probobly ask you for it.

Answer 9

I don't think you own the one the cable company gives you.  Anytime you cancel your cable, they ask for it back.

Answer 10

as long as u own it then it is legal

Answer 11

I have never heard of buying one from the cable people, only renting. If you rent something you cannot sell it. If you actually are able to buy it I can't see why you couldn't sell it.

Answer 12

usually the are for rent so that would be bad if you sell it while  renting it.

Answer 13

I would think so----I think they are all encrypted with a code

Answer 14

It is not illegal to own your own cable box. The FCC changed the rules to open up competition. You have to have a box that will interface with your local cable company.

Answer 15

I think so

Answer 16

not 100%...i believe people do have a right to resell equipment that they have paid for. This seems similar to reselling a cell phone. But you can definately find some crazy stuff on ebay