Execution Phase: New Easement from Cox

Cox Communications drafted a new easement and sent it to me for review and signature. The next step is to mail back the signed and notarized agreement and wait for the pedestal to be moved. I'm surprised how easy this has been so far.

After discussing the agreement with a lawyer friend, he recommended a few items to include. The Cox easement rep is on vacation until early September with no backup listed, but it's late August and I can wait.

I would attached the letter here but there are some items listed which are specific to my house, and while I'm sharing as much information as possible.. I'm trying to be smart about what I share.

Next steps are to

• send the easement proposed modifications to the Cox easement rep once she returns, and change the language.
  
• receive the new easement with my proposed changed (or notification that they were not accepted)
• sign and notarize, return
• schedule Cox technicians to move the pedestal
• declare victory

Wouldn't it be ironic if they showed up while I wasn't home and had to break my locks to get to the pedestal?... I think about this stuff.

Promises Phase: Visit from COX

Today a COX technician came out to measure the distance from the cox box to the desired new destination outside the fence. He explained that the move would be simple from a construction standpoint because it would be moving towards the source, resulting in a shortening of the lines rather than lengthening.

He explained that he would still need to research the easement information but didn't see a reason why this could not be accomplished in the upcoming weeks. They will attempt to schedule it as the same time as the aforementioned main line replacement, but they will schedule this in priority if the new line installation is months or years out.

So, progress.

Oh, I forgot to mention that COX today offered to double the speed of our internet connection at no cost. They called it a promotion, but I think it's really called "Please don't sue us because we probably shouldn't have had that box in your backyard per what we found in the easement research"

Promises Phase: Calls from COX

The COX Advocacy group called to discuss the complaint I filed. They were very nice, and it was clear that they were the Ombudsman group who specialized in real customer service.

Without putting any names out here, the rep explained that they would do everything it their power to get the COX box moved from inside of the fence, to outside the fence. He explained that the request was a simple one contingent upon a few technical and architectural design implementations. He also talked about easement agreements that would have to be researched by pulling the deeds. Nevertheless, he promised to do all in his power and get back to me.

Boy, this can't be so easy!

Discovery Phase: First Response

From my inbox:

Ryan:

I have received your complaint against Cox. I have mailed them a copy of your complaint; you will also be receiving a copy in the mail for your records.

We work directly with Cox’s Customer Advocates, so hopefully we will be able to resolve this issue in a timely manner.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Someone from Cox will be reviewing your complaint and contacting you within the next few days.

Thanks,

Andrea xxxxxx

Consumer Affairs

Fairfax County Department of

Cable Communications and Consumer Protection

Government Center Suite 433

Discovery Phase: Due Dilligence With Cox

I took the time (cut and paste) to file a request with COX Communications in order to say that I had really given them the chance to remedy the situation with a simple filing.

Here's the form I used: https://www.cox.com/support/fairfax/emailchat/emailus.asp

Here's what I wrote:

COX has a junction box for my neighborhood's cable TV, internet, and telephone service in my back yard. My back yard is fenced and locked for the safety of my children and my pets. When there is a cable outage in the area, the COX technician may need to access the junction box in my fenced, locked back yard. If I'm not home at the time, COX will break the lock, open the fence, and come in to access the junction box.

This may result in 1) broken fence 2) broken lock 3) fence left open allowing unwanted entry 4) fence left open requiring me to check the gates every time I let my pets out

During an outage yesterday, I was informed that a break in the line would require COX to dig up and replace the cable line coming from the street to my yard. In the meantime, a faulty backup line would be used. The replacement is scheduled for 0-3 weeks.

This means that 1) COX will most likely require access to troubleshoot outages frequently in the next 2 weeks as they utilize this faulty line as a backup 2) COX will be digging up my yard in order to get to the box to replace the faulty main line.

I would like to see the box moved outside of my yard as they will be performing underground maintenance anyway.

Discovery Phase: Who do I call? What do I do?

So The first attempts at removing this back yard cable junction box will be through the Fairfax County website. I'm bypassing the COX avenue completely expecting customer service will just tell me to unplug the back of my cable box for 5 minutes and that should fix it.

First I'll try contacting the Utilities branch: (the whole shooting match is pasted below for reference)
Department of Cable Communications and Consumer Protection
Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035

Channel 16 Suite 133 703-324-5930 TTY 711 E-Mail	Consumer Affairs Suite 433 703-222-8435 TTY 711 E-Mail
Cable System Construction Suite 433 703-324-5902 TTY 711 E-Mail	Regulation and Licensing Branch Suite 127 703-324-5966 TTY 711 E-Mail
Cable Franchising & Regulation Suite 433 703-324-5902 TTY 711 E-Mail	Tenant-Landlord Suite 433 703-222-8435 TTY 711 E-Mail
	Utilities Branch Suite 433 703-222-8435 TTY 711 E-Mail

Attempt 1 was to call the Utilities branch of the Cable Consumer Protection. They seemed very confused at my request, and suggested that I file a complaint requesting COX to move the box and someone will contact me within 5 business days.

homepage > consumer protection > complaints >

Complaint filed... now we wait.

Removing the Dreaded Backyard Cable Box

So I'm planning to attempt to have the neighborhood "Cox Box" removed from my back yard after the cable guy came yesterday to fix an outage. He explained that the rules were simple: the box in my yard services the whole block, if the gate wasn't open and I wasn't home, he was authorized to forcefully open it.

This makes sense. Cable companies now provide telephone access, and these people need their 911. Even more important.. They want their MTV.

So I'm going to try to chronicle my success and failure at this attempt for 2 reasons.
1) As far as I can see it hasn't been documented on the net. Or at least I couldn't find steps to reproduce
2) I'm positive I'll need to recount my story numerous times. This is me putting on the battle armor for what I know will be months, possibly more, of fighting with COX and Fairfax County.

So, hold on tight... here we go: