Topic 'Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC' in forum 'Time Warner Internet Services' - dslreports.com

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 13:43:11 EDT

popartist posted : Have RR Standard and. unlike most here, I went with a SBG901 that I got on Amazon for $89. I have been wanting wireless for awhile (and just purchased a new tablet), so I wanted an all-in-one solution, rather than a cheap modem and a cheap router (which likely would have cost about the same in total). A far reaching wireless range was not a consideration as I live in a studio apt.

It was pretty easy to set up - did it the Sunday afternoon when Sandy was approaching (but hadn't hit yet) so the wait time on the phone was about 20 mins., and it took under 15 mins. to get the modem provisioned and on the network. This was just with regular customer service. Internet was acting a little funky right after that for the rest of the afternoon, but by the next day (Sandy) and since, everything has been working very smoothly, and my tablet and phone have been fine connecting with the wireless. The included software basically did all the settings. Couldn't be happier with the whole set-up.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 21:35:32 EDT

Racerbob posted : I just ordered an SB6141 from EBay. Brand new, free shipping. $92.89.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:27:17 EDT

adrman posted :

said by Packeteers:

one simply has a pointless ethernet cutoff button.

It's not pointless. It's there for your wife to accidentally hit while cleaning and drive you crazy until you figure it out. :)

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 13:40:48 EDT

Packeteers posted : SB5101U and SB5101 are the exact same modem provisionally - one simply has a pointless ethernet cutoff button.

posts about people getting away with using an SB5120 or other modems not on the list are purely anecdotal.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 08:12:00 EDT

anon posted : Hi, I live in Southport,NC. Below Wilimington. I received my "card" About the $3.95 per month charge. So Ny Ker's You are not the only ones... I have a Motorola SB5120...I contacted TW Chat. They told me it was not approved and would not address. By what i have been reading here, that's not true?

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 02:44:59 EDT

Thinkdiff posted : You cannot use a EuroDOCSIS Modem on TWC. As long as the SB5101 is from the US, it'll work. I don't think the U in the SB5101U indicates it's from the US, it's just a different version of the SB5101.

Technically, you can use any DOCSIS2/3 modem with TWC. As long as you can get the customer service rep to enter the MAC address, it'll work.

As for the bill, I believe they'll prorate even the modem fee.
--
University of Southern California - Fight On!

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 02:32:38 EDT

quickguide1 posted : Another question. In our bill i see it charged us the modem fee and it dates november 9 to december 8. Does that mean i have to return the modem back to time warner the latest is december 1 or so if i don't want to get charged the following month? Since its now november 10th, that means even if i return it say this week, i'm charged no matter what?

I do know for example if i were to cancel my time warner road runner now... i would only be charged for whatever amount of days i used since last time i changed from time warner to earth link like 1/3rd into the month and got a refund back from time warner of 2/3rd the month and i obviously got charged for earthlink though. I assume this monthly fee they charge, they won't even return 1/2 of it even if you return it say 1/2 the time into the period? Yea its only $2 or so but I'm curious.

Also, do you guys go and bring the modem to the time warner place or do you mail it back?

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:13:09 EDT

quickguide1 posted : Okay im going to purchase a modem from ebay. I use time warner 29.99/month road runner.

Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem

Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem

One cost $56 whereas the other costs $65. Is there anything different about the two? One person mentioned the $65 one the sb5101 didn't work because his was made in UK and not usa and thus not compatible with time warner??

Also another silly question. I have a linkssy wrt54g router that i currently use. I see people talking about wanting to buy a cheap modem with wireless. Do they mean like a modem where has wireless capabilities so they just need a modem to have both internet and wireless?

I have a linksys wrt54 router so it doesn't matter which modem i buy from the 2 above right?

Another question. Can i just buy the same RCA modem from time warner? Someone said they actually did this and it work even though in the time warner page they said its not one of the ones that they require???

Re: Using my Optimum modem?

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:25:05 EDT

Thinkdiff posted :

said by davidterrano:

yeah cablevision provided it to me... but didn't I buy it from them in the first place? If not, then did I just rent it for a flat rate? Not too far off TWC's antics, apart from it being on ongoing monthly rate.

Cablevision offers a "free to lease" cable modem. Effectively, the rental fee is built into the base rate.

You'll be buying the modem when they send you a collection notice for unreturned equipment.
--
University of Southern California - Fight On!

Re: Using my Optimum modem?

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 22:38:54 EDT

hobgoblin posted : "yeah cablevision provided it to me... but didn't I buy it from them in the first place? If not, then did I just rent it for a flat rate? Not too far off TWC's antics, apart from it being on ongoing monthly rate."

I dont believe any cable company sells modems.
Expect a bill for maybe about 100 bucks.

Hob
--
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: Using my Optimum modem?

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:45:11 EDT

davidterrano posted :

said by Thinkdiff:

said by davidterrano:

Hi,

Having the same problem right now, have just moved home and the new place only has TW, so I have no other option but to go with them.

I already have a modem from my previous account with Optimum, it's a Motorola SBV5121XM. I'm hoping that this list of approved modems is just BS, and that in fact other modems MAY work too... could that be possible?

Did you purchase this modem yourself? Voice modems are usually not sold retail - if you got it from CableVision, they'll be asking for it back soon.

But, yes, it will technically work with TWC (internet-only. I doubt they'll activate the voice portion). If they give you a problem, you may be able to tell them it's a SB5101 to get it registered.

said by Thinkdiff:

said by davidterrano:

Also, they charge a further 5.99 for a wifi router... Again, I have my own NETGEAR WPN824N... will this work?

Any router will work.

Super

said by Thinkdiff:

said by davidterrano:

The previous tenant already had TimeWarner hooked up, so I tried plugging the cable into the modem... it gave good signal (the right lights flashing - i think!), but no net. But maybe that's because the previous account has been disabled already...

The modem must be registered in TWC's database to fully sync up and allow network access.

said by davidterrano:

I was hoping to find something online showing how to hack past any restrictions by messing around with settings in the modem's control panel that could make it work... But I ended up here.

Hacking cable modems is illegal and not discussed here. In many cases, it's also very easy for the cable company to notice (and prosecute you).

gotcha. Thanks for the advice

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:38:54 EDT

hobgoblin posted : "But, yes, it will technically work with TWC (internet-only. I doubt they'll activate the voice portion). If they give you a problem, you may be able to tell them it's a SB5101 to get it registered."

I really want to say this. Encouraging people to lie about the modem they have is just setting up an issue down the line. Sure it may work right now, but who knows what is in store.

Thanks

Hob
--
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: Using my Optimum modem?

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:19:33 EDT

Thinkdiff posted :

said by davidterrano:

Also, they charge a further 5.99 for a wifi router... Again, I have my own NETGEAR WPN824N... will this work?

Any router will work.

said by davidterrano:

The modem must be registered in TWC's database to fully sync up and allow network access.

said by davidterrano:

I was hoping to find something online showing how to hack past any restrictions by messing around with settings in the modem's control panel that could make it work... But I ended up here.

Hacking cable modems is illegal and not discussed here. In many cases, it's also very easy for the cable company to notice (and prosecute you).
--
University of Southern California - Fight On!

Using my Optimum modem?

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:43:26 EDT

davidterrano posted : Hi,

Having the same problem right now, have just moved home and the new place only has TW, so I have no other option but to go with them.

I already have a modem from my previous account with Optimum, it's a Motorola SBV5121XM. I'm hoping that this list of approved modems is just BS, and that in fact other modems MAY work too... could that be possible?

Also, they charge a further 5.99 for a wifi router... Again, I have my own NETGEAR WPN824N... will this work?

The previous tenant already had TimeWarner hooked up, so I tried plugging the cable into the modem... it gave good signal (the right lights flashing - i think!), but no net. But maybe that's because the previous account has been disabled already...

I was hoping to find something online showing how to hack past any restrictions by messing around with settings in the modem's control panel that could make it work... But I ended up here.

Any network buffs here who could offer some advice?

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:35:06 EDT

kelemvor posted : Yeah, I noticed the only ones they listed were expensive. I assume this was to try to make people not want to buy one and just keep shelling out more money every month. I'll see what I can find on ebay or newegg or something.
Thanks.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:44:41 EDT

Thinkdiff posted : Technically, any DOCSIS2 or DOCSIS3 modem will work. TWC has an "approved" list, which only features expensive DOCSIS3 modems (in addition to D2 modems). They should activate any modem (per FCC), but I don't know that they will.

If you don't have one of their wideband tiers, you can purchase an SB5101 from eBay for around $20-30 and use it no problem. It will be using last generation technology, though, so if congestion worsens in the future, you may see your speeds decrease.
--
University of Southern California - Fight On!

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:03:19 EDT

kelemvor posted : Is there a list of "budget" modems that will work with my Roadrunner service? I don't need wireless, don't use Cable TV, don't use their phone servers... Looking for something I can pick up from Amazon or whatever. I've heard people mention $20-$30 modems that work fine but don't know if there's any downside to that. Just don't want to waste time ordering something that ends up not working.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:00:19 EDT

Packeteers posted : yes, we've heard several anecdotes of not listed modems getting activated anyway - kinda sucks that TWCable doesn't just publish the whole list, but my cynical guess is Motorola paid them not to so they could move the most profitable and most channel stocked inventory.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 01:49:58 EDT

ex15 posted : Same here on the west cost the SB6162 is not on the approved list but TW still will activate it and support it, I just called and gave them my new MAC address and it was activated with in 5 mins. Thought this might help

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:02:23 EDT

Packeteers posted : the 6121 was not on the approved list here in nyc which is why many were stuck getting the more expensive one. it's likely the number of channels varies by regional system, and is not a nationwide limit on twc which has to compete with Verizon FiOS here in the northeast.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 23:43:50 EDT

ex15 posted : I have the 50/5 and uses the SB6121, found for $59.00 dollars on amazon, the main difference between the SB6141 is 8 bounded channels verse the 4 bonded. TW only uses 4 bonded channels.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:03:46 EDT

bradenmcg posted : NE Ohio (at least) definitely does allow more than one modem. My parents have been using an SB5101 or 5100 for internet, plus the separate eMTA from TWC for phone (they are in totally different locations in the house).

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 04:56:40 EDT

kilrathi posted : I just hope sandy storm doesnt destroy too much above ground tw infastructure today because after nearly a year tw finally found issues and fixed them with their wiring around rockaways in queens. And now this sandy storm is gonna possibly wreck all that :(

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC - Gripe, buy new or rent.

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:40:21 EDT

bluepoint posted : We will decide when you are not anon anymore. :D

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC - Gripe, buy new or rent.

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:34:18 EDT

anon posted : Hmmmm $3.95 a month rental for a $135.00 modem (extreme)? If I bought it, it would take 33 months for me to cover my purchase in what I save from TWC. The warranty is for only a year. If it dies after 12 months, I'll have to buy a new $135.00 modem (adding another 33 months). In 33 months, most definitely a newer, faster version will be available. If I decide to upgrade the service to ultimate or downgrade to a slower cheaper service plan, the modem I bought will not work.

I have the new TWC installed SBG6580 modem at my house. $3.95 a month gets me a new modem, service if I have issues, replacement if it craps out and allows me to upgrade/downgrade the service if I choose to. The service also provides newer equipment when it becomes available.

You decide what you want to do. I'll stay with the rental.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:35:57 EDT

patt2k posted :

said by E75:

Thank you, jmruss.

Bucolic, someone posted Tier 3 direct number is
866-506-0218.

Yes that was me :P its also in here
»[TWC] TWC New York Modem Activation

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:18:06 EDT

E75 posted : Thank you, jmruss.

Bucolic, someone posted Tier 3 direct number is
866-506-0218.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 23:53:08 EDT

Fleeced posted : Depends on the market. PRetty sure someone posted a direct number to Tier 3 for NYC on the first page.

@E75 You'll be fine as long as standard doesn't go above 30 down.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 22:46:34 EDT

anon posted : How does one go to Tier 3 support? Just ask to be transferred?

Re: DOCSIS 3.1 in the works

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:23:56 EDT

E75 posted : I've been with RR/TWC for over 10 years and I never upgraded my RR service so I have standard service.
I'm finally considering buying my own modem and you guys' posts made me think I will be OK with SB5101U at least for now.
I don't play online games and don't watch much videos online.
In my case, 6141 doesn't seem necessary for now.
If I buy SB5101U, it costs me about same as 1 year rental fee.

Am I misunderstanding something?

Re: DOCSIS 3.1 in the works

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:05:40 EDT

Packeteers posted : it's not that docsis 3.1 modems will be backward compatible with 3.0, rather that cable companies will support both channel types until enough of their system is changed over to 3.1 for them to retire 3.0 but this may take several years to happen, so you are safe buying that 3.0 modem but you won't be able to simply bios flash update it once it's channel support is suspended on your cable network many years from now. even though the industry claims they will try to make the transition faster then 2.0 to 3.0, there really is no killer application that warrants so much bandwidth per end user, and if that fact takes the profit incentive out of this 3.1 transition, the actual phase out of 3.0 may take far longer than the actual logistics of doing it would suggest.

Re: DOCSIS 3.1 in the works

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:00:53 EDT

sludgehound posted : hmm DOCSIS 3.1 article at DSL here today suggests user will need new modem. Talking gig speeds, backward to 3.0 but now looks better to lease for year or two & have TW pay for new modem? W/o any flash upgrade of 3.0 that changed my equation of buying a brick.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:23:20 EDT

patt2k posted : -remove please

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:21:36 EDT

Fleeced posted : Originally Customer modems had to be added by another department other than Tier 3. This probably changed due to the volume of customer modem's being added. So getting to Tier 3 is now the fastest way.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:14:03 EDT

anon posted : I bought a SB5101 on Amazon for about $49, the cost of a year of the lease.

Think of it this way, I'll use it for at least a year and TWC will have a pile of used old modems. I called them to request they drop the fee considering the modem in my apt is now a year old and they didn't budge. Now they can have the old one. Not the most environmentally responsible option but it's a protest vote.

TWC, I'll drop you in a heartbeat considering your lack of customer loyalty.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:58:58 EDT

jeblis posted : Apparently they're getting this down. Called the main support number, she immediately took my mac address, called someone, checked that it was online, had me check it. 10 minutes and done. (thanks NY guinea pigs!)

Also the new sb6141 modem is great. No more stutters/surges when downloading things. I don't see the boosts up to 30 but I get the consistent 15 I'm paying for. Pings/latency seems a lot better.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:04:18 EDT

leno posted : Don't wait 2~3 days. just call the level 3 number on page 1. It only took me 10mins to complete the process.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:52:23 EDT

Thinkdiff posted : You have to call TWC to activate it. They'll take down the MAC address of the modem and tell you it'll be activated with 2-3 days. When the activation takes place, your old modem will be deactivated and your new one will be activated. Both will not be active at the same time (unless the tech screws up and leaves both on the account).
--
University of Southern California - Fight On!

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:45:18 EDT

anon posted : how do you activate a new modem?

can i activate the new modem while the running the other one?

my current modem is running through a splitter so i don't see why the new modem won't work on the other end of the split

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:58:30 EDT

Packeteers posted :

said by leno:

did any one get their modem deposit back after installing your own modem?

does anyone have an answer for this? i'll have to dig up my first bill - i remember paying some sort of installation charge, but i'm not sure if i paid anything attributed to getting my first modem from TWC last year.

BTW did anyone with the lease charge on their bill also get a sales tax charge? i see a $1.27 "partial one week charge" and .11 sales tax on my bill - first time they did this. i'll wait till next month to see if they reverse this 1.27+.11 charge before i call to inquire about it. good thing i bought a modem - now i see it may save me $4 and the annoying sales tax as well. now you see why nobody from government is complaining on our behalf - as long as they get their cut of the action :huh:

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:09:43 EDT

patt2k posted :

said by Straphanger:

On hold for 15 mins but a person finally answered the line. Told me that they see my modem return in the system and that I was automatically credited the $4.30 I was charged for the modem fee+tax. I can go ahead and just pay my usual amount ($61.90 for Turbo). Bills were probably just pre-printed ahead of my modem return.

Now that's been taken care of. Now I have to go deal with TWC's crappy signal strength.

Can't believie you are paying 61$ for Turbo when I was with TWC I was paying 59$ for 50/5

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:07:18 EDT

leno posted : did any one get their modem deposit back after installing your own modem?

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:55:29 EDT

Straphanger posted : On hold for 15 mins but a person finally answered the line. Told me that they see my modem return in the system and that I was automatically credited the $4.30 I was charged for the modem fee+tax. I can go ahead and just pay my usual amount ($61.90 for Turbo). Bills were probably just pre-printed ahead of my modem return.

Now that's been taken care of. Now I have to go deal with TWC's crappy signal strength.
--
Please use all available doors...you have 33 to choose from.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 18:20:38 EDT

Straphanger posted : I'm just going to call anyways because they're also giving me hell with erratic signal strength. TWC has really been a thorn in my side for the past few weeks after 10 years of relative peace (other than a couple modem exchanges).

Edit: Calling now and TWC service is laughable. First I got All Circuits Busy for the first few tries. Now I'm on hold with no music. A voice comes on every 3 mins telling me to remain on hold or leave a message.

--
Please use all available doors...you have 33 to choose from.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:59:05 EDT

Packeteers posted : wow... my billing period starts on oct'15 so i hope my bill has no surprises. my guess is if you simply pay the normal and ignore the $4 extra they'll just reverse it out on the next bill whether you call or not - but i'll be curious to hear what they say about this when you call - i probably won't call if i see the charge just to observe if they auto reverse it next month. if not i have the return receipt so either way they'll have to reverse it eventually. damn, it must suck to work at TWC this month... first they get an earful about the returns, now about the billing, these TWC executives really set us all up for a miserable month.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:44:02 EDT

Straphanger posted : I just got my bill in the mail today...low and behold, they charged me the modem lease fee plus sales tax! The period is for 10/08 to 11/07, even though I returned it on 10/6. Going to call TWC to give them a piece of my mind.

Watch out in your next bill. TWC will try sneaking it on you for this month.
--
Please use all available doors...you have 33 to choose from.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:08:38 EDT

EG posted : N.M.

Re: [TWC] New Modem Lease Fee NYC

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:04:43 EDT

anon posted : I am a senior living on a fixed income,,what is this new fee about..
corporations making more money and forgetting about us little guys... I am very seriously thinking of leaving twc maybe more of us should complain or just plain leave..
hl siny