Is it possible for me to bring my own equipment to Comcast? If the equipment is certified to work on our network, you can use your own retail modem with your Xfinity Internet and/or Voice subscription.
Should you buy your own modem or rent one from Comcast?
Renting out cable modems is one of Comcast’s most ridiculously successful businesses. If you buy them used, these devices, which allow users to access the internet across cable networks, can cost as little as $30. Comcast was renting them out to people for roughly $8 per month until recently. In other words, even six months of modem rental costs is more expensive than purchasing the gadget altogether.
According to Ars Technica, Comcast is hiking its cable modem rental rate to $10 per month in various parts of the country. It may be time to get your own cable modem and cease paying Comcast’s extortionate rental costs.
This was done in May. It was simple, and I’ve already saved more money than the modem cost. You can do it as well.
My cable modem cost just $37.94
It was shockingly simple to get my own cable modem. Here’s how I went about doing it. I looked at the model number on the cable modem Comcast had given me. A simple internet search revealed that the exact same device was offered for $30.95 plus $6.99 shipping and handling on Amazon reconditioned and with a six-month guarantee.
It wasn’t too difficult to set up the modem after I got it. I called Comcast and informed them that I had purchased a new modem. They led me through the setup procedure and then arranged for the old device to be returned.
The most aggravating step was returning the old modem. A shipment package was promised by a Comcast representative, but it never arrived. So, after two months of waiting, I went to the local Comcast office. The place was packed, and I ended up waiting more than 30 minutes to get my iPhone back.
Even so, the entire process of ordering the modem, installing it, and returning the old one took only a few hours. I’ve already saved more money on modem rental costs than I paid for the modem, and I may be able to use it for years.
You can avoid modem rental fees too
I was able to get a good deal. On Amazon, the modem I purchased costs $69.95. From the $30.95 I paid last year, the refurbished price has increased to $55. Additionally, if you require a modem with services such as voice calling, you may have to spend more.
Buy an Xfinity Compatible Modem & Router or a Gateway to Replace your Comcast Modem
You don’t need to purchase a 2-in-1 gateway device (modem + router in one), such as the one sold by Comcast under the name “xFi.” You can use a cable modem and a wireless router together. It will operate the same, but buying separately allows you to replace one half of the combo rather than the complete (more expensive) item if you choose to upgrade in the future. Not to add that, according to gateway reviews, this solution is often more reliable.
Is it possible to purchase an Xfinity modem outright?
Many consumers continue to rent cable modems from Comcast and other cable-based ISPs on a monthly basis. However, with some study, you may purchase your own modem and save money in the long term.
The advantages to renting a cable modem are that you can turn to your ISP for hardware support, including Wi-Fi help if the modem includes a wireless gateway, and the company will replace the modem at no cost if the unit fails or can’t support higher network speeds as it upgrades its service or you move to a faster tier. However, considering average monthly rental prices, the premium you’d pay for such perks is typically substantial when compared to the cost of purchasing your own modem.
For example, if you rent a modem from your cable company for $13 per month, you’ll pay $468 over three years of service, plus any percentage-based fees cable companies tack on. You might, however, spend $350 on the Netgear C7800, a cable modem with a sophisticated Wi-Fi gateway. You’d save almost $150 every year for the equivalent of 27 months of rental expenses.
Is it necessary to use your own modem?
In the long term, buying your modem and router will save you money, but there are a few situations where renting makes sense.
You share a room. It’s simple to split the expense of a modem and router. It’s not so easy to figure out how to divide the device if one or more roommates go. Unless you can come up with a strategy that everyone agrees on, renting and splitting the payment will certainly save you money in the long run.
The cost is covered by your employer. Some people are fortunate enough to not have to pay for their internet subscription. Instead, their company is responsible for paying the cost on a regular basis. However, they may not be able to afford equipment. If that’s the case, don’t go out and get a new modem.
You’ll be relocating soon. Renting may make the most sense if your living situation is transient. Especially if you have no idea where you’ll be landing next or what your internet possibilities will be. However, if you know those things, you may be able to purchase equipment that will function when you move into more permanent quarters.
If you’re not a techie, renting may be a better option because your internet provider may only provide free troubleshooting and repair services on modems rented or purchased through it. Just keep in mind that most modems and routers are simple to set up and maintain once they’re up and running.
Routers are universal, meaning they can be used with any internet provider. The story with modems is a little different.
To begin, double-check that the modem is compatible with your internet service provider.
Many major providers allow the same devices, and most carriers have a list of permitted modems on their websites. As a result, if you move internet service providers, you may usually keep your modem if it’s the same type of service (cable, DSL or fiber).
Customers can’t use their own equipment with some providers, such as Verizon Fios. Customers with Fios, on the other hand, have the option of purchasing their modem straight from Verizon,VZ,-0.94 percent, which will save them about $90 over the course of two years compared to renting.
The next step is to ensure that the modem has sufficient power. Even if you buy it directly from your supplier, this requirement applies. Internet speeds are only becoming faster, with older modems with DOCSIS 2.0 technology capable of download speeds of up to 38 Mbps.
If you’re paying for internet speeds of 30 Mbps or more now or in the future, invest in a model that supports DOCSIS 3.0. These can deliver rates of up to 150 Mbps, which is adequate for even the busiest families.
Consider purchasing a used or reconditioned modem once you’ve found one that works. You’ll save much more money while sacrificing little to no performance. Just make sure you understand the return policy if you have any problems.
Purchasing a modem and router will increase your upfront expenditures, but your monthly internet price will be lower. Most tech experts recommend buying separate devices, but if you want to keep things simple, a combo unit can suffice. In the end, you’ll save money in any case. And that’s always a wise choice.
NerdWallet has more:
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- How to Select the Most Appropriate Internet Service
Is the Xfinity modem a router as well?
The router is included when you lease an Xfinity Wireless Gateway. The Wireless Gateway serves as both a modem (for Internet access) and a router (connecting multiple devices within the home).
What does an Xfinity modem cost?
You’ll need a suitable modem and router to utilize Xfinity internet. A modem and a router may appear to be the same thing, but they are not. A modem is a device that links your home to your service provider, which in this case is Xfinity. A router connects to your modem to create a Wi-Fi network in your house via which your computers and other connected devices can access the internet. You can buy modems and routers separately or use a device that combines the two.
You have two alternatives when joining up for Xfinity service: rent a modem and router for $14 per month or buy your own. While knowing that the Xfinity-provided gadget is compatible may give you peace of mind, keep in mind that the rental will cost you around $168 per year. You can buy appropriate equipment to use with Xfinity for approximately that amount (often less) and save hundreds of dollars in rental costs over the next few years.
Is it possible to just buy a modem and connect to the Internet?
Most Internet providers let you choose whether to buy a separate modem and router or a device that includes both. Both choices allow you to connect to the Internet. Keep in mind that if one portion of a combination device (such as the router or modem) fails, you’ll have to replace the entire system.
Before you buy a modem or router, check with your Internet provider to see whether it has a “authorized modem/router list.”
What exactly is the distinction between a modem and a router?
Your modem is a device that links your home network to the Internet at large. A router is a box that allows all of your wired and wireless devices to connect to the Internet at the same time and communicate with one another without using the Internet. Although your Internet service provider may offer you with a single box that works as both a modem and a router, the two technologies are fundamentally distinct; not all modems include routers, and not all routers include modems. You’ll need both, whether they’re integrated or not, to connect all of your home’s devices to the Internet.
If possible, we recommend utilizing a separate modem and router. You can normally use a modem for years until it breaks, but you may need to replace a router because you want better coverage, because you’ve added more devices to your network and your old router can’t keep up, or because you want to take advantage of the newest Wi-Fi technology developments. If you buy your own modem and router instead of using the ones provided by your ISP, you can often save money on your monthly Internet bill. However, this is usually only true if you have cable Internet, not DSL or fiber, and the situation is more complicated if you also get phone service from your ISP.
Modems
A modem modulates and demodulates electrical signals sent over phone lines, coaxial cables, and other types of wiring; in other words, it converts digital data from your computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over wires, and it can also translate incoming analog signals back into digital data that your computer understands. Most standalone modems have only two ports: one for connecting to the outside world and another for connecting to a computer or router via Ethernet.
If you have cable Internet access, your ISP most likely provided you with a modem when they set up your account. But it didn’t do it out of the goodness of its heart; if you check your statement, you’ll see that you’re paying an extra monthly cost (usually around $10) for the pleasure.