Are you sure the tech "activated" the box - did he call up to do that whilst there? Only getting a few channels and seeing that error message, is what you would see if it hadnt been.
Even if he did I would check again to see if it was done (correctly)
Activation number is... 0800 953 9500
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John
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I do not work for VM. My services: HD TV on VIP (+ Sky Sports & Movies & BT sport), x3 V6 boxes (1 wired 2 WiFi,) SH2 in modem mode with Airport Extreme Router +2 Airport Express's. On VIVID200, Talk Anytime Phone, x2 Mobile SIM only iPhones.