The only reason for the Phone line is because Murdock (DTV) gets a crap load of money from the Neilson family. (You know, the TV ratings people who know that 'the simpsons' are more watched than 'whatever'. A lot of you don't remember the Neilson boxes that you could volunteer to have on your TV in the 80's. Satellite boxes, especially DVR's do the same thing through the phone line. Look it up online, it made news. You are being robbed-even if the cx unhooks his 15' cord from the wallplate, and you get a chargeback. DTV's money from the Neilson people, and from your wallet are a win/win situation for them. I used to explain this to my customers and always walked away with a signature that the cx didn't want it.
This is CABL.com posting #251209. Tiny Link: cabl.co/mbdvV