If you're a Time Warner Cable customer, you most likely received a postcard in the mail this week informing you that you will now have to pay $3.95 (or higher) per month to rent their cable modem, which is necessary for internet users. Unbelievable! As if we don't pay enough for their service, we're now being forced to pay more. HOWEVER, there is a way around paying this fee: get your own modem.
Compared to current rental fees, if you buy your own modem it'll pay for itself
in less than a year. Here are the five modems approved for purchase by TWC (according to »
twc.om/approveddevices):DOCSIS 3.0:
Motorola SBG580 ($143)
Motorola SB6141 ($110)
DOCSIS 2.0:
Motorola SB5101 ($50)
Motorola SB5101U ($53)
Motorola SBG901 ($84)
Each of these modems are built to last, unlike the cheap, outmoded modem TWC now wants to charge you rent for. But if you decide you want to buy your own modem, you're probably wondering which one to choose. So, let's break it down.
Currently, DOCSIS 3.0 modems are unnecessary. DOCSIS 3.0 modems are just future-proofed against the latest Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification version. Which means, although they aren't necessary now, eventually they may be, so it could be a wise decision to buy a DOCSIS 3.0 modem now instead of later.
Realistically, a DOCSIS 2.0 modem is all you absolutely need right now. In fact, the Motorola SB5101 modem is rated for up to 30Mbps upstream capacity, which is much higher than the 5Mbps maximum in New York City. Plus, it's the least expensive modem on the list!
In all honesty, there is only one reason to keep your TWC modem and pay the monthly fee and that's because, in the event that you need to, you have the ability to exchange it for another one at your nearest TWC center with no questions asked...whoop de do!
Source: »
bit.ly/The-Five-Modems-A ··· er-Cable
