They better let me keep my modem when the speed upgrade arrives. There was one DSLR member that was told he had to use THEIR crappy gateway for 105/20. I currently have 50/10 which is going to 105/20.
I might buy a better router than the Netgear N600.
Comcast now only issues their gateways, most DSLR members prefer a separate modem and router. The only way to do that these days is to purchase your own modem and I'm religious about owning my own modem. I refuse to rent their modem.
Yes, you said that already in your post. My point was that your friend possibly has an outdated modem and needs a DOCSIS 3 to even take advantage of the new speeds. If he doesn't have that then there's no room to complain.
Otherwise, he'll need to buy his own after Comcast installs theirs, get it provisioned, then return Comcast's (like I did). Very simple.
And I'm an old timer here. This has been done by many already.