I self-brokered Shaw Direct service about 2 months ago. I basically did as described in posts 48 &49 of the thread mentioned. However, I did not make up a phone number - I got a VOIP DID number for my "Canadian address city" and have it permanently call-forwarded to my cell phone here in the states.

When I set up the service with the Shaw Direct CSR, one of the last things she said was that we'll call you in about 10-15 days to make sure you're satisfied with the service. Sure enough, I did receive a call within that time frame asking me if everything was OK. I don't know what they do if you give them a made-up phone number that is not valid or they reach someone at that number and it's not you.

VOIP DID numbers are so cheap (~$1.50/month) - to me, it is worth having this extra protection - why take a chance. You don't need to have or configure any equipment at your house since it is forwarded to a cell phone or landline number. Another good thing is that the VOIP service can be easily ordered and configured through the provider's web site and you get a number instantly. You don't talk to any service reps - it doesn't get any easier than this.

With paperless billing turned on, you'll be in full control of your account and not have to depend on a broker for programming changes, etc.

If you care to, PM me and I'll be glad to tell you the name of the VOIP provider I'm using.

Best of luck.