Can I get rid of old virgin media tv box inside flat?

lb00

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently bought a flat and am about to start renovations. I noticed there’s an old Virgin Media TV system installed just inside the hallway (picture attached).

The cable runs exposed into the living room, and honestly, it looks quite unsightly. I’d like to remove it before I start redecorating.

Since it’s inside my flat, I assume I don’t need to ask Virgin Media for permission, but I just wanted to double-check with you all to be sure.

Thanks in advance!

flashg67

Not sure of the legalities, but I chopped two of these out in houses I bought with no issues (So far 10 years on...!)

silvercar

I think that is the phone line rather than a TV box. In theory they belong to virgin, so you should ask them first.

Section62

lb00 said:

Since it’s inside my flat, I assume I don’t need to ask Virgin Media for permission, but I just wanted to double-check with you all to be sure.

Being inside your flat doesn't make any difference - it belongs to Virgin Media and legally you aren't supposed to alter it without their permission.  The same goes for BT/Openreach equipment, and also the supplier's pipework/cables for the gas and electricity supplies.

Bigphil1474

Virgin only usually ask for their kit back from the resident when they leave or move - TIVO box, router etc. This isn't kit, it's part of the installation. If it was me and I had no intention of using Virgin media, I'd (carefully) rip it out, and maybe stick the bits in a shoebox in a cupboard somewhere in case they ask for them back. If you want to spend a few hours trying to speak to someone at VM for them to not be interested in the slightest then go for it. Even if you want VM services, I suspect they'd probably replace that box anyway.

FreeBear

Bigphil1474 said:

Virgin only usually ask for their kit back from the resident when they leave or move - TIVO box, router etc. This isn't kit, it's part of the installation. If it was me and I had no intention of using Virgin media, I'd (carefully) rip it out, and maybe stick the bits in a shoebox in a cupboard somewhere in case they ask for them back. If you want to spend a few hours trying to speak to someone at VM for them to not be interested in the slightest then go for it. Even if you want VM services, I suspect they'd probably replace that box anyway.

Cable, junction boxes, and other miscellaneous small parts are considered "consumables" (used to do work for NTL before they became Virgin). They won't want these bits back, so I wouldn't have any concerns about removing the cable & box.

Eldi_Dos

With the role out of the Fibre to the Premises programme  any previous feed to your property is pretty much redundant, although that is a VM box you are unlikely to ever use it again if you have access to FTTP.
One benefit of removing redundant " metallic path" feeds is that there will be less chance of lightning strikes which is worth taking into account when "metallic path" networks are no longer used and maintained.

OP. Is that a ceiling light in the picture above the VM box?

lb00

Eldi_Dos said:

With the role out of the Fibre to the Premises programme  any previous feed to your property is pretty much redundant, although that is a VM box you are unlikely to ever use it again if you have access to FTTP.
One benefit of removing redundant " metallic path" feeds is that there will be less chance of lightning strikes which is worth taking into account when "metallic path" networks are no longer used and maintained.

OP. Is that a ceiling light in the picture above the VM box?

Yes it is a downlight.

Eldi_Dos

lb00 said:

Eldi_Dos said:

With the role out of the Fibre to the Premises programme  any previous feed to your property is pretty much redundant, although that is a VM box you are unlikely to ever use it again if you have access to FTTP.
One benefit of removing redundant " metallic path" feeds is that there will be less chance of lightning strikes which is worth taking into account when "metallic path" networks are no longer used and maintained.

OP. Is that a ceiling light in the picture above the VM box?

Yes it is a downlight.

Must say I have never seen one in that position before and can quite understand you wanting to remove it and the cables, could place in old shoebox as suggested if that gives you peace of mind.

Albermarle

Eldi_Dos said:

With the role out of the Fibre to the Premises programme  any previous feed to your property is pretty much redundant, although that is a VM box you are unlikely to ever use it again if you have access to FTTP.
One benefit of removing redundant " metallic path" feeds is that there will be less chance of lightning strikes which is worth taking into account when "metallic path" networks are no longer used and maintained.

OP. Is that a ceiling light in the picture above the VM box?

I am not an expert but is not FTTP only relevant to the Openreach network?
I thought with Virgin, you connected directly to their cable network, if it was laid in your street .
Maybe that is what you meant.

Eldi_Dos

Albermarle said:

Eldi_Dos said:

With the role out of the Fibre to the Premises programme  any previous feed to your property is pretty much redundant, although that is a VM box you are unlikely to ever use it again if you have access to FTTP.
One benefit of removing redundant " metallic path" feeds is that there will be less chance of lightning strikes which is worth taking into account when "metallic path" networks are no longer used and maintained.

OP. Is that a ceiling light in the picture above the VM box?

I am not an expert but is not FTTP only relevant to the Openreach network?
I thought with Virgin, you connected directly to their cable network, if it was laid in your street .
Maybe that is what you meant.

I believe that is the case at the moment but the benefits of FTTP will have many people voting with their feet.
I think when my present deal expires, next year, I will have to go on FTTP or seek another supplier.

I think in other parts of the country from here, other suppliers are bulding FTTP networks.