Comcast internet modem

The best way to get your own modem that Comcast can't charge you for is to buy a RETAIL box Motorola SB6141 and then get a separate router.

A retail modem will have a white case, and will have a serial number that will verify as a retail purchase unit, not one sold/provided through a carrier. If they try to charge you rent on that, it's easy to fight. Tell them to verify the serial number, they will quickly find it's not one of theirs. If you take the white case modem into one of their stores, they will quickly see it's not one of theirs. I have used one on both Comcast and COX and neither tried to charge me.

If you buy one in a BROWN box with a black case, it's serial number will be in the ranges sold to carriers (like Comcast). They can claim it's theirs, but you can show them the purchase receipt. I had this experience with Comcast once.

The SB6141 bonds 8 chans down and 4 up, and is good for up to 343 Mbps down. http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola-SurfBoard-SB6141-DOCSIS/dp/B00AJHDZSI

There is a new SB6183 that bonds 16 down and 4 up which is good for up to 686 Mbps down. If you don't want to buy another for a LONG time, that's the one to get. http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola-SurfBoard-SB6183-DOCSIS/dp/B00MA5U1FW/ref=pd_sim_147_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0SX5VWXE7YDXTA0589ME

Our local internet provider also recently sent out letters saying the DOCSIS 1.0 service was being phased out. They offered a free upgrade if you was renting it from them. It was a great time for us to get above the 5Mb modem speed. I am setup now with the DOCSIS 3.0 setup...

Now we can downstream TV SHOWS with ease when we need to... The new modems all seem to operate now with bonding up to four downstream channels and four upstream channels which will auto-switch when one channel gets loaded down with users.

Roy Ken

I tried Comcasts modem/router deal for about a month and gave up on it. It worked ok as a modem but was terrible as a router.

Purchased a Motorola Surfboard router from Costco (same one as APT linked to) and it is great. I used my old router which was only a year or so old and working fine. Everything has been working like clockwork since. :)

Had no problem getting them to drop the $8/month charge for the rented modem.
Barney

I just dropped Comcast, and when I returned the equipment they said they had been charging me for a modem that I owned. I got a $231.00 check back.

I have had Comcast internet service for over 11 years. I have never rented their modems. I bought at least 2 cheap ones that had various problems. I bought a Motorola Surfboard about 5 years ago. The end.

Here you go.

Skip Comcast's phone service. Port the number to some other cheaper solution like Google Voice. I'm happy with Ooma.

christopherglenn wrote:
Is there a DOCSIS 3 that (1) works with Comcast, (2) can be bought, and (3) has phone support? I am renting theirs for the landline phone (alarm & kids).

Check here.

Is there a DOCSIS 3 that (1) works with Comcast, (2) can be bought, and (3) has phone support? I am renting theirs for the landline phone (alarm & kids).

We got the same upgrade message from Comcast back in March. After looking at Comcast's list of compatible modems, we decided to buy our own modem to save the monthly $10 rental fee. We also decided to upgrade our old router to one with the 10/100/1000 speed. Our internet speed is definitely better than before and our bill went down by $10.70/month.

Checked mine it's a 2.0. Years ago trying to lower my bill they took the rental charge off my modem because I was a long time customer. A couple of years ago some audit was taken and they started charging me $8 a month rental . Called and no way we're they going to do something. I bought my own refurbished modem for $15. Called and we did the hook up. No rental charge for about 6 months then they started charging me rental again. Hundreds if not thousands started getting rent charges for their own modem. Went down to local office and they straightened it out. Hate to go through that ordeal again. I wonder how many folks are getting screwed because the don't look at their bill?

It's also that they want to roll out IPv6 on their systems.

Remember, when you have one slow system on the network, it slows down EVERYONE'S performance because it has to run at that speed.

Chopper Bill, the link you referenced is Comcast's recommended list of DOCSIS 3.0 modems, modem/router/gateway, etc. devices.

You don't have to rent them, just choose the model with the features you need and shop for it (on-line vs. Wally World, OfficeMax / Office Depot / Staples, Best Buy, etc.).