Got own cable modem to avoid rental fee

[michaelluscher]

Most, If not all traditional Cable companies in the U.S and Canada use the Traditional DOCIS 1.0/1.1/2.0/3.0 system.
If you have Coax cable going into your Cable modem, Your probably set.
You can call your ISP, Check there website. They almost always have a list of "approved or certified" modems.
The most Popular is the Motorola SB6141. And in my real world experience is the best for the money.
To switch to your own better new modem, and save the rental fee.
1. Buy new modem.
Shop around for a decent price, But Amazon's usually the best. Note the "Sold by Amazon.com LLC" and the fact that its the white retail model. You want that, as it has a warranty. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AJHDZSI/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_8TSmtb0GFGPSC
Compatible with ALL Major CABLE providers like Comcast/Xfinity, Cox, Charter, Time Warner, Mediacom, Bright House
2. Swap your old modem for the new one, and call your ISP with the MAC address of your new modem. Its always in the box, on a card, or on a sticker on the new modem itself.
They will provision the new one, and you can return the old one. Make sure they don't continue to charge you rent after you return there's.
3. Enjoy much more stable, Usually faster, and more reliable internet.
4. After a year. Profit!

 

[TWG1572]

I used to own my modem, then we moved and the only option was Frontier. I was pretty steamed when I was informed that I would be charged a "rental" fee, irregardless of whether I owned my modem or not. I tried challenging it, but it then got characterized as a "tech support fee" and all sorts of other things. About a year ago, the rental fee went away and the flat rate charge per month just went up by the amount of the rental. Easier to hide that way I guess. Plus it gives them leeway to start charging rental fees again plus the new higher rate in a couple years when everyone forgets.

I really hate Frontier DSL. Unfortunately, it's the only internet service I can get.

 

[michaelluscher]

Originally Posted By: TWG1572
I really hate Frontier DSL. Unfortunately, it's the only internet service I can get.

You can get more out of DSL by replacing archaic Cat3 or bell phone era wiring with Cat5E, and adding a POTS splitter.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
1. Buy new modem.


Thank you for the tips! Do you have experience with this Zoom product?

http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-DOCSIS-Cable-Modem-5341J/dp/B0063K4NN6/ref=cm_cr_dp_asin_lnk

I like it not for the price (though it is cheaper than Motorola's product), but for the appearance. Our modem sits in our entertainment center and is visible to the living room. Everything else is black and I'd like the modem to fit in. It looks like the black version of Motorola's modem is a non-retail version.

Alternatively, are there other black-colored choices that are consistent performers?

 

[michaelluscher]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher
1. Buy new modem.

Thank you for the tips! Do you have experience with this Zoom product?
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-DOCSIS-Cable-Modem-5341J/dp/B0063K4NN6/ref=cm_cr_dp_asin_lnk
I like it not for the price (though it is cheaper than Motorola's product), but for the appearance. Our modem sits in our entertainment center and is visible to the living room. Everything else is black and I'd like the modem to fit in. It looks like the black version of Motorola's modem is a non-retail version.
Alternatively, are there other black-colored choices that are consistent performers?

I see your issue.
My issue with the black one's is that, If you look at the listing for the Black 6141.
A. It's a 3rd party seller.......Just no

B. It's "(OEM Brown Box)", That means, It comes in a plain cardboard flip front box. It's the "Fleet model" of the modem world. Its the same way they are bulk delivered to cable companies. The problem with these is as they are "Fleet", They are sold as is with no warranty. Which is why I guide people towards the White "Retail" Version.

If that Zoom you specify meets your aesthetic needs, The reviews seem to be in your favor.
2 things though, Make sure you buy from Amazon.com, And make sure when your's shows up, You get the newer 5341J, it's the newer 8x4 bonding setup, Vs the older 5341 which is only 4x4.
Read Wells Bengston's review to see what I'm on about.
Other then that, You should be golden
Do take a speedtest just to see if it improves
Git er done!

 

[dishdude]

Check out the Motorola SB6121 (black version of the SB6141) - It's the most common modem available and is supported by pretty much every provider.

If you have some uncommon modem and run into line issues, the first thing they are going to blame is the modem. A few years ago I bought a name brand but uncommon modem, signal kept dropping out and they immediately blamed the modem and didn't want to help me resolve the issue.

 

[eljefino]

BTW, sometimes you don't even have to call the cable company. Plug the new one in, open your web browser, they might have the courtesy to bounce you to their setup page whether you were trying to go there or not.

 

[KitaCam]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Check out the Motorola SB6121 (black version of the SB6141) - It's the most common modem available and is supported by pretty much every provider.


Yes, the 6121/D3 is my back-up modem found at a thrift for $10....currently using a D-Link DCM-202 (D2) with no problems at my end...got it on Ebay for $12.

 

[Hokiefyd]

The black Motorola (the SB6121) was sold by Motorola, but Amazon did have a note that says if Motorola ships you the brown box version, to send it back and report the transaction to Amazon. So it looks like Motorola SHOULD be selling the retail version of it, but sometimes "accidentally" ships something else. Our current one is a Motorola something. Standard cable model TWC has been putting out for years. It has worked fine. Once or twice a year, we have to power cycle it. Not too bad.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
If you have some uncommon modem and run into line issues, the first thing they are going to blame is the modem. A few years ago I bought a name brand but uncommon modem, signal kept dropping out and they immediately blamed the modem and didn't want to help me resolve the issue.


That is a concern of mine, yes. I imagine that they're not too enthused to be losing the lease charge, so probably are quick to blame the customer for "non-standard" equipment.

I'll probably stick with the Motorola product. I think you can even buy them at BestBuy and Target. I'll shop prices.

Thanks again to all.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
The black Motorola (the SB6121) was sold by Motorola, but Amazon did have a note that says if Motorola ships you the brown box version, to send it back and report the transaction to Amazon. So it looks like Motorola SHOULD be selling the retail version of it, but sometimes "accidentally" ships something else.


This is the retail version of the SB6121 to which I was referring.

http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola-SB6...keywords=sb6121

 

[A_A_G]

I did the same when I switched to TWC for the second time last year and noticed they now started charging a fee for using their modem. No thanks, I'll gladly purchase my own instead of throwing away my money by giving it to you.

 

[Nayov]

If you have Time Warner they have a modem page of what works:
http://www.timewarnercable.com/en/residential-home/support/topics/internet/buy-your-modem.html

 

[michaelluscher]

I don't see much point in buying the SB6121.
It's a bit of a false economy
$67 vs $82
For $15, Futureproof

SB6121: 172 Mbps and upload speeds up to 131 Mbps
SB6141: 343 Mbps and upload speeds up to 131 Mbps

This is because the newer '41 supports 16x4 channel bonding, Where as the older '21 is only 4x4 channel bonding.

16x4 channel bonding isn't too far away, And the future will bring 24x8

There's a upcoming/new SB6181/SB6183 which will support 24x8, But it isn't here yet.

 

[sciphi]

Another point: If your service level isn't likely to change in the next few years, you can save some money by purchasing an "outdated" modem like I did. Realistically, it does me no good to have a $90 modem that can download at 343 Mbps when my service is throttled to 15 Mbps down. My $23 modem that tops out at 38 Mbps is more than fast enough for the tiers of service I'd consider, even down the line if 30 Mbps service is available for what I'm paying now.

If your connection is throttled like mine is and it's not going to change anytime soon, buy what works instead of the faster one that won't be able to be used.

 

[sxg6]

Originally Posted By: rjundi
I am pretty sure I am stuck with fee since I use the telephone service for xfinity and they require it.

I work from home 100% and require high speed internet and high quality phone.

I am still thinking of moving phone to local service only with copper and internet only $$$$ with xfinity. But have not made the leap or crunched the #'s.

The last pass it appeared I would still pay $110/month using xfinity internet and local service only on copper vs $180/month with base level cable/internet/phone with long distance.

The "discounts" do add up on xfinity if you package stuff.

The only thing makes me feel okay is I never paid for (full) cable in my first home for 5 years as it just worked(cable company employee owned it prior). At the same time I rarely watched it either in my 20's.


I also have telephone/internet/tv through xfinity. I have the arris eMTA (emta = cable modem and telephone adapter in one device) shown in the link below, which I rent through xfinity. It is possible to buy your own emta, but they're hard to get your hands on, and I don't trust the retailers that currently offer them for sale online. I heard select bestbuy locations use to sell them, but I don't think they do that anymore, and even when they did they were a little expensive at around $150. I know this cost would eventually pay for itself, but I've heard from a number of comcast technicians that these emta's have very iffy reliability. It would stink to buy one, only to have it [censored] out after a year or two. We've had our current emta for around 2 years now with good luck, but I trust the technicians, they install/replace these devices every day and really have no reason to lie.

http://www.amazon.com/Arris-TM822G-Touch...keywords=TM822G

 

[Nick R]

No offnese taken sciphi. I actually no longer work at TWC so it doesn't bother me either way, and I've owned my own modem for a while and recommend it to people.

HOWEVER, one difference is that I would ALWAYS recommend buying an 8x4 Docsis 3 modem. For a very important reason in that internet speeds are going to be going up in the next few years, and if you have purchased a D2 modem you will need to purchase a D3 one in the future to maintain service.

Example, TWC announced "MAX" a month or two ago, and the current "standard" 15/1 will be going to 50/5, the Turbo 20/2 will be 100/10, the Extreme 30/5 will be 200/20 and the Ultimate 50/5 will be 300/20. If you have a D2 modem on standard now, you won't be able to use it with the 50/5, so you'll have to spend the money twice. And if you get the 4x4 like the 6121 and you have say, turbo, you'll be fine for the 100/10 but if you have the extreme, 4x4 is insufficient for 200mbps.

It's a minimal difference in cost, but future proofing and preventing you from having to spend that money again in the next few years would likely be more beneficial.

 

[sciphi]

Nick, can you hazard a guess when those changes will be rolled out? I'll buy twice if I have to. Given the quick ROI on my cheapy, I won't be losing money.

 

[HTSS_TR]

My modem is more than 7-8 years old, I have no idea if it's 15/1 or faster or slower. I used to have bottom rate 1.0/0.1 forever, I just upgraded to 5/1 few weeks ago for another $5 a month and my modem has no problem with faster speed. I don't think I will upgrade to higher speed in the near future.

My modem paid for itself long long time ago.

 

[michaelluscher]

Unless you plan on dying in the next 5 years(My sincerest apologies if you are), or leaving the mystic grasp that is the Internet, Futureproofing is 99% of the time, a 100% good idea. You almost always end up losing in the long run if you don't.