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2.0 Hardware

All Ontario & Quebec DSL ISP's use G.DMT.
G.Lite is not implemented.

All modems that Sympatico provides have both ethernet and USB interfaces, however only one interface can be used at a time.

For an additional fee or contract committment, you can receive the optional Speedstream 6300 which is a DSL modem, 5-port wired router, wireless router, all-in-one unit.

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Modems that have been offered now or in the past:

Ethernet Only Modems:
- Alcatel SpeedTouch Home (Discontinued)
- Efficient Networks SpeedStream 5260 / 5360 (Discontinued)
- Efficient Networks SpeedStream 6520 [4 port Ethernet, wireless, no USB]
- 2Wire 2700 [4 port Ethernet, wireless, no USB]
- 2Wire 2701 [4 port Ethernet, wireless, no USB]
- 2Wire 2710HG-G Router

USB/Ethernet Modems:
- Efficient Networks SpeedStream 5200/5242/4200 [Single Ethernet + USB]
- Efficient Networks SpeedStream 6300 [5 port Ethernet, wireless, and 1 USB]





Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • Outdated FAQ

    2020-08-31 02:43:23 (drkrool See Profile)

by BliZZardX See Profile edited by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2011-06-10 20:35:39


You will need to call 310-SURF (310-7873) or get in contact with a tech in the direct forum »Bell Canada Direct

Or use the automated filter order service. »www.bell.ca/shopping/Prs ··· ies.page

by BliZZardX See Profile edited by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2008-09-14 06:32:30

Yes.
You can do this with a hub/switch or a router.

Sympatico says two IP addresses can be assigned at once, but they don't actually limit you. You can connect as many computers as your hub/switch will allow.

by BliZZardX See Profile
last modified: 2003-07-29 14:46:39

Sympatico will not provide technical support for customers using home networking devices unless those devices are rented from Bell. For customers not using Bell-supplied networking equipment, Sympatico Technical Support will require that you disconnect your home network, and use only your DSL modem and a single PC during any troubleshooting process.

by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2004-05-15 11:09:30

Sympatico imposes a mandatory modem rental on its subscribers. The rental cost is $10/month plus GST and PST and incorporated into your monthly bill. This monthly rental is not optional. However, if you call the billing office they may be willing to give you a $10 monthly discount if you threaten to cancel over it.

Some users wish they could purchase their own modem outright and save on the monthly charge, but there is currently no option to do so. There are several good reasons for this:

1. It is a Bell Managed Solution. Even a Bell dedicated 10Mbps fibre connection requires the mandatory rental of a Cisco access router! Bell has traditionally offered complete "ready-to-serve" solutions instead of piecemeal offerings. Sympatico will also replace your modem free of charge if it stops working properly.

The only ADSL service that Bell offers optional modem rental is Bell Business Internet High Speed. (Incidentally, the majority of business subscribers opt in and rent their modems anyway.)

2. They want to maintain high service quality. All the modems that Sympatico has offered for rental have been rigorously tested and come from an approved manufacturer. Sympatico is understandably shy about having foreign modems from unknown origins connect to their network. This also reduces the number of tech support calls.

3. Sympatico wants to be future-proof. Since Sympatico's inception in 1996 up to March 2004, Sympatico has had 3 different high-speed platforms and used 8 different modems. With ADSL2 and VDSL on the horizon, Sympatico is poised to change platforms and modems yet again in the very near future. Sympatico has always upgraded your modem free of charge when necessary.

We have heard rumours that Sympatico has discussed implementing optional modem rental for a couple years now, so the policy may change. Until then, modem rental remains mandatory.


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • In Ontario the DSL modem rental is optional. But the bell support ends at the line coming into the house, so I had to sign off on some legal jargon. Then bell still sent modems, and I had to request to send them back, then I had to prove they were sent back by postal tracking number, then I disputing modem rental fees. And after several months of hassles, this was resolved and has been no problem in the 2 years+ since.

    2014-08-06 11:37:31

by quanta See Profile edited by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2011-01-26 19:08:44

Call Sympatico's GamesMania Support Team at 1.866.522.1522

by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2004-04-08 22:35:37

Bell Canada offers a guide on telephone wiring in your home. Click HERE.

We also maintain an FAQ on inside wiring here on the site. /faq/wiring

by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2004-08-17 06:05:15

Bell offers a firewall service for a monthly fee. For this reason, the Bell-customized firmware on their modems does not allow the customer to enable the firewall.

by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2005-04-25 13:01:13

See this thread for more information.

by MacGyver See Profile
last modified: 2009-04-14 17:23:42