Using E Bay modems.

brimurray · 25-08-2008, 09:20

I have bought a couple of cheap modems off E Bay simply as standby spare units. (I like to cover all bases).
However neither will sync properly and connect with the network.
Am i correct in assuming modems are authorised by MAC address for use in a particular area or something similar?
If I had a problem with the supplied device, would they authorise the address of my spare?

Russ · 25-08-2008, 09:21

Are they NTL/VM modems? If so they still belong to the company and you've purchased stolen property. Either way they won't work for you.

brimurray · 25-08-2008, 09:24

Actually they are and were on open sale on E Bay along with many, many others.
I take it they are in reality "left over" after ex customers moving or cancelling services.
If they are of no use to me I will happily hand them back to VM, no problems.

25-08-2008, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by brimurray

Actually they are and were on open sale on E Bay along with many, many others.
I take it they are in reality "left over" after ex customers moving or cancelling services.
If they are of no use to me I will happily hand them back to VM, no problems.

As stated above, these modems belong to Virgin Media. The seller has sold you stolen goods. You have wasted your money.

Halcyon · 25-08-2008, 10:46

When you agree to a broadband connection and pay a monthly fee to the service provider, Virginmedia loan you the modem for the duration you are with them.
It is at no point yours to sell on as it does not belong to you.
You will find that most modems will not work.

brimurray · 25-08-2008, 10:58

Thanks guys for these replies.
As usual E Bay allowing forfeit goods for sale.
I will advise them of this practice and just maybe someone will do something about it.

TheNorm · 25-08-2008, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

Are they NTL/VM modems? If so they still belong to the company and you've purchased stolen property. ..

So, should the seller be reported for breaking eBay terms and conditions? And reported to VM? And the police?

See 190245293375 on www.ebay.co.uk for an example that (I strongly suspect) will not get reported by anyone to anyone.

25-08-2008, 12:08

Makes me wonder why Virgin Media don't give you the modem as they don't collect them and always send new equipment out for new installations

Russ · 25-08-2008, 12:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNorm

So, should the seller be reported for breaking eBay terms and conditions? And reported to VM? And the police?

I've got no idea but if anyone feels inclined to do so, go right ahead.

25-08-2008, 13:02

If you buy a second hand modem of Ebay then you will be receiving stolen goods, because at all times the modem remains the property of Virginmedia, also the modem will not work as it cannot be added to your account by any one but Virginmedia, and therefore its only use would be as a paperweight.

eth01 · 25-08-2008, 14:21

Reported this to the appropriate people.

AndyCambs · 25-08-2008, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNorm

So, should the seller be reported for breaking eBay terms and conditions? And reported to VM? And the police?

See 190245293375 on www.ebay.co.uk for an example that (I strongly suspect) will not get reported by anyone to anyone.

Fairy typical of EBay - there's much more they could do to ensure that items which

Shouldn't be sold
Even if they are sold - won't work

are removed from sale as soon as they are listed. In this case the seller is a frequent user and should know.

Stuart · 25-08-2008, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie_C

As stated above, these modems belong to Virgin Media. The seller has sold you stolen goods. You have wasted your money.

Bit harsh, when you consider that the poster wasn't actually moaning, and, in fact had said he was happy to hand the modem back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brimurray

I have bought a couple of cheap modems off E Bay simply as standby spare units. (I like to cover all bases).
However neither will sync properly and connect with the network.
Am i correct in assuming modems are authorised by MAC address for use in a particular area or something similar?
If I had a problem with the supplied device, would they authorise the address of my spare?

If you have a problem with your VM supplied modem, they are under an obligation to repair or replace it for free.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyCambs

Fairy typical of EBay - there's much more they could do to ensure that items which

Shouldn't be sold
Even if they are sold - won't work

are removed from sale as soon as they are listed. In this case the seller is a frequent user and should know.

In fairness to ebay, when an auction is reported, they do usually act quickly. Trouble is, they don't seem to police the site beyond reacting to reports.

eth01 · 25-08-2008, 15:32

I find it most strange that the OP thought that buying illegally sold modems on eBay would work ... i'm not saying they won't, and i'm not saying they will.

SMHarman · 25-08-2008, 15:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by whydoIneedatech

If you buy a second hand modem of Ebay then you will be receiving stolen goods, because at all times the modem remains the property of Virginmedia.

While this is very very true, the fact that VM don't want the modems back as they are now technically defunct and the cost of production of new ones is cheaper than return and refurb means that when you end your contract and VM tell you to keep the modem they are somewhat giving up their rights to ownership by their actions. I would think a stolen goods case in this instance would have limited chance of success.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whydoIneedatech

The modem will not work as it cannot be added to your account by any one but Virginmedia, and therefore its only use would be as a paperweight.

More to the point. Now if said, deactivated modem was hacked to gain services then you have a much stronger case but the theft is of service, not of the modem.