I've not had my tivo box plugged in for over 2 years now and haven't been asked yet. I've found the best thing to do is to ring up customer services and take the minimum package for the free channels along with any bb and landline phone package (they throw the tivo in free for existing customers but not sure if its the same for new customers). once you've done that and the tivo arrives. plug the tivo in to set up and once its finished disconnect the tivo and and put your c/s box on. they don't charge you for the tv and it works out cheaper than just getting bb and phone.