Foxtel Remote Not Working

I consider this post almost a public service announcement. Have you been having issues with your Foxtel remote? Read on.

Since about November last year (2009) the remote for our Foxtel IQ2 box has been playing up. Only registering every 3rd press, buttons doing different actions from what they are meant to... that sort of thing. The first time I rang up, after changing the batteries repeatedly, I was told that I would need to pay $50 to replace the remote. I was convinced that it wasn't the actual remote as our Kids remote also had the same issue, so I declined on spending the money. A few months later, completely frustrated and after researching online that there was a KNOWN ISSUE with the Foxtel remote and the new energy saver bulbs, I called Foxtel only to be told that my remote was actually in warranty and they would send a replacement. I did try at this stage to say that it was not the remote to which the person on the phone didn't even slightly listen. My argument was that the Kids remote didn't work either. With that I was transferred to another rep in the 'accessories' department. Finally I got someone who listened, said we'd try the new remote which the previous rep had already ordered. But he put a note on the account to say that if I called someone would need to come out. Finally someone came out today and confirmed the issue with the energy saving bulbs and replaced the box. Surely this is known to Foxtel and they could have saved a customer, me, months of inconvenience by proactively communicating this issue and changing peoples boxes. Poor, poor customer experience.

So, if you have had this issue, call Foxtel (131 999) and insist they send someone out.