1) Nope, it's the same hardware. If Bell didn't demand you return your modem you could just switch the login.
2) Nanook has the best knowledge here, he wrote a comprehensive guide. I suggest searching for it.
3) No, TekSavvy doesn't do hidden fees. (Unless you don't have home phone service, then you need dry-loop which costs more, but that's not a hidden fee) -- Taylor Byrnes www.taylorbyrnes.org