Save On Cable Fees
My current provider charges $5.00 per month for cable modem rental in my area. This equals $60 per or nearly $600 over the last ten years if rental fees were assumed to be level. Many cable companies allow the customer an option to purchase their own cable modem. A cable modem is the device (box) that goes between the wall and your computer if you have broadband cable Internet service. It provides bi-directional data communication capability between your home and the cable company. The device uses an international telecommunications standard known as Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification. This long term has an abbreviated acronym, DOCSIS. The latest version of the standard in use in the United States is DOCSIS 3.0.
Check the Approved Modem List
Finding out if the modem you are considering requires a simple web search. The major providers of Internet service ( ISP ) will likely publish a list of approved cable modems on their web sites. A query of ” [the providers name] approved modem list” should do the trick. If in doubt a call to tech support could confirm your modem choice.
Contacting Tech Support
It is probably a better practice to ask a specific question rather than a general question of tech support. General questions are easy to answer with “yes” or “no”. You have a greater chance of getting incorrect information I the tech can shoot you a one word answer and get you off the line quickly. Tech support operators are under heavy scrutiny to answer as many calls as possible during their shifts. Call volume is an easy metric to measure. Accuracy of information is much harder to determine.
This is an example of a poorly phrased question to tech support: “Can I purchase my own modem if I have your phone service?”. The tech and answer yes or no and end the call.
Better question to ask: “What make and model of modem can I purchase when I have your phone service?” Asking in this manner requires the more research from the tech. They will respond with a suitable modem, a web link, or other specific information pertinent to your question.
I have phone service from my cable provider, or What’s an EMTA?
An EMTA is a combination device that provides for broadband Internet and Telephone service from the cable company.
Update October 10, 2012
For readers that have telephone service bundled with their cable service, please contact your cable provider to determine if they will allow you to purchase your own EMTA device. If they confirm this is an available option with your service, they should be able to tell you what devices they will support on their network. This article deals with replacing a cable modem when phone service is NOT included in the bundle.
Buy a Cable Modem
There are some basic steps to completing the transition from a rented cable modem to owning your own cable modem. It is not complicated if you follow these steps.
- Determine if your ISP allows customer owned equipment. You should check your ISP’s web site or call tech support to confirm you choice of modem.
- Select a cable modem that is NOT on the end of life list. If possible select a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem if it will work on your network. Here again refer to the ISP or their published data.
- Purchase a cable modem. I will publish information on where to buy a cable modem at the end of this article.
- Install the cable modem. This is pretty simple. There should be a CD or documentation with your cable modem if you purchase a new retail version. See the next step to get online.
- Your cable modem will have to be provisioned by the cable company before you can get online. This requires a call to the cable company high speed Internet tech support department. Tell the tech you have purchased a cable modem and need to have it provisioned. They will need the MAC number that is printed on a tag on the device. It is easiest to write this down ahead of time. Be careful to get it right. It will be a string of numbers and letters. The Motorola SB6120 lists the number as HFC MAC ID.
- Return the rented modem to the cable company. If you neglect this step, they keep on charging you each month. Get a receipt. Write down the MAC number on the returned modem just to be safe. Make sure the rental charged is removed from your bill.
That is about all there is to replacing the cable company’s modem with one you purchased. It can lower your monthly bill by a few dollars. The downside to this is if the modem fails, it is your equipment and not theirs. A failure would leave you on the hook for the cost of replacement.
Where to Buy a Cable Modem
I recommend buying Cable Modems at Amazon.com
Thanks so much for this article.
I had not realized (I know, I need to read my bills more!) that we were paying $7/mo. for cable modem “rental” every month to Comcast!
After reading your article, we bought the Motorola SB6120 you mentioned and had it provisioned yesterday. Your article made it easy as pie to get the right modem, install it and get it operational.
This week, the “rental” modem goes back to Comcast after we write down the MAC address for our records and we’ll be sure to get a receipt.
Thanks again for the informative article and for the inspiration to buy/replace our “rental.
Glad you found the article helpful. By all means get your receipt for return of the Comcast equipment. They will continue to charge the rental fee until it is returned. Depending on when it is returned in the billing cycle it may appear on one more bill before dropping off. Stay on top of it. They have a high turnover of customer account executives and your customer service experience may depend on the experience level of the person that handles your transaction. Some times things go as smooth as silk, sometimes things are rough. Be sure to hang on to the receipt for as long as you maintain the account.
The SB6120 is a good choice because it is a DOCSIS 3 modem. This is the latest standard and it is backwards compatible to earlier standards. It should enjoy a good long life before it reaches end of life status. If your area is on DOCSIS 3, you can enjoy the higher speeds available. Eventually all markets should be upgraded to DOCSIS 3 but it may take some time. Enjoy your monthly savings. In this economy every little bit helps.
Just wanted to note that if you get telephone service for your cable provider as well then you will need a cable modem that supports that. They often have the word ‘telephony’ in their name. A nice feature to look for is an integrated backup battery so that you will continue to have telephone service during a power outage — at least for 15 minutes.
I have to recommend against the Netgear CMD31T. I own one and it has failed after six weeks. It was working one day and the the next day it would not connect to my ISP. A technician came out with a network analyzer and the cable connection was fine. Calling Netgear was a nightmare. I had a CSR tell me that the modem can not be broken because I can still see the GUI when I connect with a patch cable. Another CSR refused to issue an RMA. TWO CSRs told me to call my ISP for support even though it is a privately purchased modem! If you have any problems with your Netgear product you will not receive any support from Netgear. Netgear is still refusing to issue an RMA.
The technician from my ISP recommended Motorola or Arris. I finally bought a Motorola modem. It works fine.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear about the problems you had with the Netgear CMD31T. Motorola seems to be a brand purchased by many cable companies. I also used the Motorola and found it to be very reliable.
I don’t know about these things. I know there are gateway modems. That’s what I lease now from att. I want to switch to comcast and I’ll want to get my own equipment. I already have a linksys wireless-G 2.4 ghz 54 mps router. Should I buy a modem? a gatway? should I use this old router? or am I better off just buying a modem? Somebody has a D-Link DCM-202 Cable modem listed on craigslist for just $20, says it works great with comcast, but it’s not on the list. Thanks for any advice you can offer. Susan
Susan, Thanks for your questions. I will try to give you some information to help you decide what is best for your situation. A modem provides bi-directional communication capabilities on the cable network. It is the device that separates the signal into it’s various parts. The modem separates the Internet digital bits from the phone call and TV bits.
A single computer can connect to the Internet with a cable run from the computer NIC (network interface card) to the cable modem. The modem is then connected to the cable that enters your house provided by the cable company. If you only have a single computer it can be connected to the modem with a cable. No router required.
A router is a device that allows multiple devices to be used with your cable Internet connection. These devices can be connected with cables and also wirelessly. Wireless connection is done using radio waves.
A gateway, in cable Internet terms, is a combination device that combines the functions of the modem and router into one physical device. Is one device better than two? It depends on the situation and one’s point of view. I prefer having them separated. Someone with limited space may prefer the convenience found with one less device and less cable to try and disguise or blend into the decor.
This link may be helpful in deciding on the D-Link DCM-202. DOCSIS Device Compatibility and Capability. I found it at Comcast Central on their End of Life Devices page. Regarding the D-Link DCM-202 it appears to be acceptable on the Comcast network for residential service at the “Performance” level and lower speed tiers. Your Linksys wireless-G 2.4 ghz 54 mps router should work in conjunction with it. Routers have differing capabilities. Devices like gaming consoles, Internet connected TV’s, and streaming media may require newer, faster wireless N technology. A wireless G router is acceptable for general web use. I am using one myself for that purpose. I have never used a D-Link modem. I initially chose Motorola because it is a brand used by the cable companies. The Surfboard series have been cable company workhorses for years.
Buying used equipment is always a gamble. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes not. I have an older computer that is running quite well on a $10 CPU purchased on eBay. It was a used pull from a machine that went out of fashion 10 years ago. It runs Linux without a hiccup. The point is I took a $10 chance and it paid off.
A cable modem will not operate on the cable network until the cable company provisions it. Provisioning is the process of entering the unique digital signature of the device (it’s MAC address) into the cable company records. This process tells the software that runs the cable network that your particular MAC address is connected to a paid up account and should be granted access to the network. This process is required for the modem rented from the cable company or one purchased from a third party.
If you are getting new cable Internet service installed and want to try the $20 modem have it available on the day of the install. The tech will have a rental unit to install if it doesn’t work. Should it fail. Proceed with installing the rental. You then have 30 days to buy your own unit. Provisioning is required each time you install a different modem on your account. This requires a call to the High Speed Internet support call center. Hope this helps. Good luck on your installation.
I just finished talking with a rep from Comcast. He said that they approve the use of a Motorola SBG6580 wireless voice cable modem. They have them for sale on ebay for around $95.00. With this being approved by Comcast, would you buy it from ebay?
Would I buy it from eBay? That would depend on the seller’s reviews, if the product was new or used, etc. I have purchased items from sellers on eBay and had good results. The SBG6580 is a wireless gateway modem. The sales copy mentions voice and I take that to mean a software such as Skype or a VoIP (voice over IP) solution is in play. I do not think the device would work with the phone service provided by Comcast.
I am currently with Comcast, and I am tired of paying for the cable modem ($7.00 a month). I went to best buy and picked out a Zoom 5341 DOCSIS 3.0 modem that the sales associate said would work fine with Comcast. When I got home, I noticed that on the back of my current cable modem that I also have my phone going in there. Well this Zoom was going to be useless since it only had a coaxial connection and one for the router. I took it back and tried to find one at my local store, however they did not have anything.
How can I get rid of this cable modem if I can not find one that also has the phone on it too?
When phone service is bundled with Internet the device used is called an eMTA. I do not speak for Comcast, but as far as I know you are required to use their supplied device when you have the voice package in your bundle. If you drop the Comcast phone service the Zoom should work provided it’s on the approved modem list. As with all modems it would require provisioning via a phone call to Comcast tech support.
This forum thread addresses purchase vs rental of an eMTA. http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Connectivity-and-Modem-Help/buying-eMTA-Docsis-30-modem/td-p/1414869
Thanks for the info Jeff. Much appreciated. I guess that is one way they get you when they bundle the service together.
You’re welcome. And yes, the bundle is a effective way for the company to retain customers.
I spoke w/ Comcast today and they claim we (customers) ARE able to purchase EMTA that connects both the phone and high speed internet cables. So, from your info I am a bit confused…this info was told to me on 10-10-12. Has something changed? I want to be sure to get the right router. Thankyou
It would appear that Comcast is supporting user owned EMTA devices in some areas according to this web page. The forum thread posted in the comment on 9/26/2012 appears contradictory. Go with the published info from Comcast. This post was first published in March, 2011. To the best of my knowledge, it was correct at the time. I will update the body of the text to reference newly discovered information. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Update to this comment. Comcast has an Amazon Astore page linked to their approved modem listing web page. It should be noted that none of the modems they advertise for sale through Amazon.com are EMTA devices. EMTA devices are required for customers that bundle telephone service with their Internet. If you have telephone service bundled with your Internet service, please rely on the information provided by your provider’s tech support. Upon a closer look at the Approved Modem list, I do not see any information that would definitively state that a customer can purchase an EMTA for use on the Comcast network.
EXCELLENT Article !
I was going back and forth, looking at cable modem standards, docsis3, emta.. ARRrgh!!!.. I now now more than I wanted.. LOL… I would have saved a headache had I found this discussion sooner. It is very clear, and your replies answered many questions I would not have thought to ask.
Great piece!
Much appreciated !
Handy
Thank you,
Glad the article and comments were helpful.
I was told that even if my modem/router was not listed on the Comcast approved page all I had to do to provision it was give them the name and model number of one that is on the list and than proceed to giving them the MAC for the one that isn’t on their list, supposedly they cannot verify this information and it should work fine. Anyone ever hear or tried this? Thanks
I have not heard of this.