US Cable Support > Comcast HSI > [Business] Comcast's $7 Cablemodem Fee

[Business] Comcast's $7 Cablemodem Fee

I want to know the answer to this as well. Yes, they do own the modem ("you" have never actually owned it unless you bought one), but I'm not sure how difficult it is for you to have it replaced.

I am led to believe that if it's broken and preventing service, then they roll a guy out and they replace the modem for free within a few hours. However, unlike with residential service, if you want the modem replaced (upgrade to a newer version), then you can't go to the Comcast office and pick a new one up - you actually have to pay for a service call for them to spend 5 minutes connecting the modem.

Also, has anyone ever had any luck disputing the charge when they insist on using their own modem? Is there anything in the contract that says the customer is required to pay the equipment rental fee?

reply to jseymour
Comcast Business Class customers generally have a fixed length contract, and the price for the service is fixed for the length of the contract. If you are still operating under the terms of a contract, and the $7/mo equipment rental fee is not part of that contract, then Comcast is violating the terms of the contract, and you should hold them accountable for doing that.

Did you manage to get business class service without a contract?

Did your contract period recently expire?
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History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.
-- Dwight D. Eisenhower

reply to jseymour
NetFixer,

IIRC, our contract was one year, and that would've been up early this year.

That's not my question. My question is: If Comcast is charging me a monthly fee for the modem, then it must be a rental. If it's a rental, are they taking full responsibility for its health and welfare, assuming "normal" use? I.e.: Unless it's damaged or destroyed due to my misuse, will they repair or replace it if it dies or is killed (say, by lightning)?

Jim

reply to jseymour

Just finished talking with a rep about this while considering a move from Dish. The quesiton was: If I rent, will comcast provide hardware upgrades as newer technology and is there any charge for this, e.g. hardware, installation? Statement: You may request an upgrade at any time. If newer equipment is available it will be provided free of charge.

Granted, this is a conversation and I'd need to see this in a formal contract to feel better about it.

You can get a Motorola 6121 at Best Buy for $100. Pays for it's self in a little over a year and will last for years to come.

I still have 9 month left on my contract and they just started charging me the $7 modem rental . I call they would not waive the fee and they would not give me an answer about buying a 6121 would work on business internet. They said I had to use their SMC. Do i try buy and see if it works?

reply to jseymour
My bill hasn't yet changed. Though it's be interesting to see them charge a rental fee as it's my SB 6120 cable modem. Maybe they could charge an alien modem device fee or some such.
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"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use."

reply to fonzbear2000

reply to fonzbear2000

reply to jseymour
I was wondering why my bill was exactly $7 more this month. I should still be under contract due to the fact that according to the Comcast TOS when your contract expires, it automatically renews for one year. Also it says they will provide 30 days notice before changing pricing. I never received any kind of notification about being charged an additional $7 per month.

Not cool at all Comcast.

Relevant part of the TOS:
Upon the expiration of the Service Term, this Agreement and each applicable Service Order shall automatically renew for successive periods of one (1) year each (“Renewal Term(s)”), unless otherwise stated in these terms and conditions or prior notice of non-renewal is delivered by either Party to the other at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of the Service Term or the then current Renewal Term. Effective at any time after the end of the initial Service Term and from time to time thereafter, Comcast may, modify the charges for Internet and/or Video Services subject to thirty (30) days prior notice to Customer. Customer will have thirty (30) days from receipt of such notice to cancel the applicable Service without further liability. Should Customer fail to cancel within this timeframe, Customer will be deemed to have accepted the modified Service pricing.
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"I want to legalize freedom" – Ron Paul

I would read that part of the tos and say you still have thirty days to cancel without pentalty. It says it can go up but they give you thirty days notice. Since they didnt give you the thirty days or at least you didnt receive it. You now have thirty days to decide if you want to continue using there service.

reply to fonzbear2000

reply to jseymour
I'm not interested in canceling. I like my Comcast Business HSI. My only other choice is *blech* SBC.

I guess I'll have to call Comcast on the ticket my wife opened and ask them, since nobody here seems to know for certain.

Jim

reply to jseymour