Set top box in the ******* bin

I've had this service for some time now. And I've enjoyed most of my viewing. But for some time now I've notices that I have a lot of channels thats is missing. I've decided today is the day that i wil phone and enquire about this missing channels. I have phone customer care and they just say that I need to replace my set top box meaning buy a new one. The software for this one has expired a long time ago. So I asked why there wasn't any notification on the stb that the software has expired, the can't answer me. I'm so upset because they say you don't pay any monthly fees but now you have to replace the set top box every time gee software expire. No software update. Just expire. How is this possible. I payed for this box and installation now I must just through my money in the bin. What a wast