This happens frequently but not predictably. Get the message that the channel is temporarily unavailable. Message may last 1 to 20 seconds then returns to the channel. This morning it was happening every couple of minutes while watching the Tennis Channel. Rebooting did not help, nor changing channels then back. Has happened on any and all channels.

@Bumper203, Is this issue happening with multiple channels or just the Tennis channel? Thanks, Allan - Cox Support Forums Moderator.

As I said, it can happen on any and all channels. Goes a long time without happening, then happens a lot for a while.

Nothing wrong with cables and have no splitters. Too intermittent to reproduce for a service call. For a message generated by Cox that says the channel is not available and gives a number to call, it seems that the problem must be with Cox. Very disappointing.

bumper, I get this when I turn my tv on. I have one channel programmed to appear when I Power On. I get the same message. the first 10 times I was worried that service was interrupted. no, all I have to do is to push the Channel UP button and the next channel appears. then I can switch back. I am going to ask moderator Tiffany about the cost of a service call.

TiffanyR, at one time all of Cox service calls were free. apx 2 years ago that changed. there is no fee today if the Cox tech sees that the problem was caused by Cox. but if the tech can not replicate the problem or does not mark "Cox Problem" on the work order, the fee is $75. I know we are not supposed to talk about billing on this forum but you offered to send out a tech to fix "bumper's" problem. he said that it would be difficult for a tech to replicate the problem. am I misunderstanding the fee setup? how should he handle it if you ordered a service call and he got charged $75? Cox shouldn't have to fix a problem that I caused myself but when the DVR stops working (no splitters) I have no idea who "caused" it..... but I always ask the tech what box he checked as he is leaving.

Channel temporarily unavailable

18 Replies

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Allan
Moderator
@Bumper203,

Is this issue happening with multiple channels or just the Tennis channel?

Thanks,

Allan - Cox Support Forums Moderator.
Bumper203
New Contributor
As I said, it can happen on any and all channels. Goes a long time without happening, then happens a lot for a while.
Bumper203
New Contributor
Nothing wrong with cables and have no splitters. Too intermittent to reproduce for a service call. For a message generated by Cox that says the channel is not available and gives a number to call, it seems that the problem must be with Cox. Very disappointing.
yak
Contributor III
bumper, I get this when I turn my tv on. I have one channel programmed to appear when I Power On. I get the same message. the first 10 times I was worried that service was interrupted. no, all I have to do is to push the Channel UP button and the next channel appears. then I can switch back. I am going to ask moderator Tiffany about the cost of a service call.
yak
Contributor III
TiffanyR, at one time all of Cox service calls were free. apx 2 years ago that changed. there is no fee today if the Cox tech sees that the problem was caused by Cox. but if the tech can not replicate the problem or does not mark "Cox Problem" on the work order, the fee is $75. I know we are not supposed to talk about billing on this forum but you offered to send out a tech to fix "bumper's" problem. he said that it would be difficult for a tech to replicate the problem. am I misunderstanding the fee setup? how should he handle it if you ordered a service call and he got charged $75? Cox shouldn't have to fix a problem that I caused myself but when the DVR stops working (no splitters) I have no idea who "caused" it..... but I always ask the tech what box he checked as he is leaving.
Bumper203
New Contributor
No, yak, that’s not what is happening to me. We may be watching for a long period of time before we get an interruption with the message that the channel is temporarily unavailable.

Just found out my entire neighborhood is having and has been having this problem. Cox doesn’t want to pay attention to us. We had another complete outage yesterday for about an hour and also today for a lesser time. Complete being internet and tv.

Found out the price of a service call is $75 unless the service person deems it a Cox problem. Since the problem is sporadic and unpredictable I am afraid the service person will find nothing wrong and charge me the $75.
Becky
Moderator
Hi Bumper203,

I understand the concerns you and Yak have pointed out regarding the service call fee. Intermittent issues are often difficult to troubleshoot, especially when you can't be sure the problem will occur while a tech is on-site.

It might be beneficial to consider subscribing to Cox Complete Care, our comprehensive repair, education, and isolation plan. You can add (and remove) it at any time, even during a service call. Cox Complete Care is $10 per month. There are no sign-up fees, and most service calls are included at no extra charge. Learn more at https://www.cox.com/residential/support/cox-complete-care.html.

Question: When the "temporarily unavailable" message appears, are there any error numbers displayed on the screen?
Bumper203
New Contributor
Yes there are numbers. Single digits separated by periods. I will post them the next time it happens.

Hearing of more people in my neighborhood having same problems.

Do you seriously sell something for $10 a month to solve your problems?
Becky
Moderator
If a technician determines the issue is outside your home, in Cox-owned equipment, or Cox network related, the service call will be completed free of charge. We offer Cox Complete Care for the many issues our customers experience that fall outside the normal scope of Cox support.
Bumper203
New Contributor
Well, well, as of the moment I have gone two weeks without problems. Since so many of the people in my community had the same problem I can surmise that enough complaining was done the Cox did something about it. No tv interruptions and the internet even seems a little faster.