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Aozora
join:2008-11-28
 ·Comcast
| Re: Why? said by wifi4milez  :Why would you want to purchase your own cable modem? Although I no longer use TWC, if I recall correctly the monthly charge for the cable modem was built into my overall cost. Even if its not, I cant see it being more than $3 or $4 per month. At that rate, it would take over 2 years to break even (using the $100 price point mentioned in the article). Also, if you have a company provided modem and it stops working they bring you another free of charge. Perhaps there is a benefit to spending money on something that offers no additional benefits over renting it, however I just dont see it. Cable modems arent like routers in that you can change settings and mess around with them (legally at least!), so in my opinion this is one of those "whats the point?" items. You are also susceptible to Comcast running off with your modem if they ever come to your house. | |
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dadkins
Can you do Blu?
Premium,MVM
join:2003-09-26
Hercules, CA
·Comcast
| Re: Why? said by Aozora :You are also susceptible to Comcast running off with your modem if they ever come to your house. So, when/if a Comcast tech comes to your house, you aren't there or watching what they are doing? 
*IF* the tech picks up your modem, you are nowhere to be found and he walks away with it?
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Think outside the Fox... Opera | |
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| DarkLogix
join:2008-10-23
Baytown, TX | Because the only way to get a d3 modem from Comcast is to order 22 or 50 service but if in an area with a d3 cmts you can get much higher powerboost with a d3 modem even if on a lower tier
some have reported as high as 120Mbit | |
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| | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: Why? said by DarkLogix :Because the only way to get a d3 modem from Comcast is to order 22 or 50 service but if in an area with a d3 cmts you can get much higher powerboost with a d3 modem even if on a lower tier some have reported as high as 120Mbit huh?! | |
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| ThyPunko_PR
join:2006-10-12
Caguas, PR | I wish I could get those service levels here! :-(
Down here in PR the rent of a cable modem is $9.95...or $79.95 for buying it...do the math....lol | |
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BF69
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN
| said by wifi4milez :Why would you want to purchase your own cable modem? Although I no longer use TWC, if I recall correctly the monthly charge for the cable modem was built into my overall cost. Even if its not, I cant see it being more than $3 or $4 per month. At that rate, it would take over 2 years to break even (using the $100 price point mentioned in the article). Also, if you have a company provided modem and it stops working they bring you another free of charge. Perhaps there is a benefit to spending money on something that offers no additional benefits over renting it, however I just dont see it. Cable modems arent like routers in that you can change settings and mess around with them (legally at least!), so in my opinion this is one of those "whats the point?" items. Well I can speak for Charter that they charge $5 a month for a regular D2 modem. That's $60 a year. For that price you can buy your own. So if you have service for 10 years you're paying $600 for a $50 modem. In 2019 for $600 you could probbaly buy a 65 inch OLED TV. | |
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wifi4milez
Big Russ, 1918 to 2008. Rest in Peace
join:2004-08-07
New York, NY
 ·Verizon FIOS
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
·RoadRunner Cable
 ·BroadVoice
| Re: Why? said by BF69 :said by wifi4milez :Why would you want to purchase your own cable modem? Although I no longer use TWC, if I recall correctly the monthly charge for the cable modem was built into my overall cost. Even if its not, I cant see it being more than $3 or $4 per month. At that rate, it would take over 2 years to break even (using the $100 price point mentioned in the article). Also, if you have a company provided modem and it stops working they bring you another free of charge. Perhaps there is a benefit to spending money on something that offers no additional benefits over renting it, however I just dont see it. Cable modems arent like routers in that you can change settings and mess around with them (legally at least!), so in my opinion this is one of those "whats the point?" items. Well I can speak for Charter that they charge $5 a month for a regular D2 modem. That's $60 a year. For that price you can buy your own. So if you have service for 10 years you're paying $600 for a $50 modem. In 2019 for $600 you could probbaly buy a 65 inch OLED TV. The only problem with that argument is that you wont be renting the same cable modem for 10 years. They usually do network and equipment upgrades every two years (or so) and give you a new one. I can also tell you that cable modems (typical RCA ones) start dying after around 24 months anyway, so a simple call to TWC and they are at my place with a brand new model at no charge to me. I can say that between me calling TWC due to issues, and them proactively changing devices out, I probably had 3 different cable modems in 5 years. I didnt pay a penny for any of them , as opposed to $300 if I needed to buy them myself (again using the figure in this article). If you are using the same cable modem now that you bought back in 1998 then more power to you, but I have a sneaky suspicion thats not the case! 
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When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.
-Ronald Reagan-
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BF69
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN
| Re: Why? said by wifi4milez :The only problem with that argument is that you wont be renting the same cable modem for 10 years. ou, but I have a sneaky suspicion thats not the case! My mother rented one from Charter for 7 years. Same modem. Only reason why it wasn't longer is because she went with DSL. | |
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BF69
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN
| Re: Why? said by wifi4milez :said by BF69 :said by wifi4milez :The only problem with that argument is that you wont be renting the same cable modem for 10 years. ou, but I have a sneaky suspicion thats not the case! My mother rented one from Charter for 7 years. Same modem. Only reason why it wasn't longer is because she went with DSL. It is very unusual for a modem to last that long. As I said however, the convenience factor alone makes renting worth it, especially for non-technical people. If you own your modem and dont have a spare (and it breaks), be prepared to spend weeks waiting for it to be replaced/repaired OR be prepared to go out and buy another. Everyone has different preferences however, so I suggest people look at both options and make their decision! it can take Charter a week to make house call. If I own a modem and it breaks I can go to wal-mart and get a new one that day. If my bought modem lasts a year that's break even over renting. So if it lasts 18 months I'm ahead of the game. | |
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verolom
join:2002-03-23
Eagleville, PA
2 edits | Moto SURFboard 4200, had it since 2003. Never had to reboot it or had any issues with it. It may have to retire soon if I opt for a DOCSIS 3 modem  | |
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| | | b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?
join:2004-09-07
Bellingham, WA
·Comcast Formerly ..
| said by wifi4milez :The only problem with that argument is that you wont be renting the same cable modem for 10 years. They usually do network and equipment upgrades every two years (or so) and give you a new one. This is not always the case. I just helped a lady out that I work with. She was having computer issues and while I was at her house I noticed she still had an old Motorola cable modem that is not even DOCSIS-2  .
I gave her one of my extra modems, set it up and her speeds instantly doubbled. I told her to return the old one and make sure they stopped charging her for it. | |
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danclan
join:2005-11-01
Midlothian, VA | Does comcast charge more for the service if you own your own CBLMDM anymore? They used to in our area so it was like...ok i own it but instead you raised my monthly rate to make the difference....
I hope thats not the case anymore. | |
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| | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: Why? said by danclan :Does comcast charge more for the service if you own your own CBLMDM anymore? They used to in our area so it was like...ok i own it but instead you raised my monthly rate to make the difference.... I hope thats not the case anymore. Never heard of that in any market I've been in over the last 12 years... not saying it wasn't that way in your area, just in the abundance of markets I've been involved in, never. | |
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PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD
clubs:
·Comcast
| said by danclan :Does comcast charge more for the service if you own your own CBLMDM anymore? They used to in our area so it was like...ok i own it but instead you raised my monthly rate to make the difference.... I hope thats not the case anymore. No, they do not. Comcast charges no more for modem owners than modem leasers. I bought my own modem first in 2001, and replaced it in 2005 (Motorola SURFboards in both cases; SB-4100 in 2001, and SB-5120 in 2005). While both modems are still usable in *other* Comcast areas, only the SB-5120 (which is the modem currently *in battery*) would *cut the ketchup* in D3 areas today. The current prices for the D3-ready SURFboards match those for my SB-5120 when I bought it (and are less than my SB-4100 was at its launch, or when I bought mine, six months later), so it's not exactly a bad buy for those comfortable with buying/self-installing their own modems. | |
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dadkins
Can you do Blu?
Premium,MVM
join:2003-09-26
Hercules, CA
·Comcast
| I bought my Moto SB5100 5 1/2 years ago - posting this across that very same modem.
@ $3.00 per month, that's $198.00
The Moto cost me $69.99(I think).
Do the math.
If I can work it, after my HD promo expires(or gets renewed) I will certainly buy my own modem and get D3 service.
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Think outside the Fox... Opera | |
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W7PSK
Just Me
join:2000-12-04
Everett, WA
1 edit | Re: Why? I got mine 4 years ago (5100) for 79 dollars with an 80 dollar Mail in Rebate at Best Buy. This was a promotion to sign up for Comcast.
Its still going strong. | |
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Bellundo
@teksavvy.com | Name one person on planet Earth that ever came out ahead renting a modem rather than buying their own? Don't include Canada where they charge you to rent a modem even if you buy and use your own. | |
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| Desdinova
join:2003-01-26
Gaithersburg, MD
| I've also had the same modem for close to six years. Comcast was running a promo at the time, and after a year I was able to keep the modem (at the time the modem's were selling for around $120). The rental fee was $9.95 so I basically got the modem for retail cost. They continuerd to charge renters that fee for...well, they might STILL be charging that fee for all I know.
Bottom line: it was much cheaper for me to buy then to own (I figured I've saved at least $500). | |
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Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
·Comcast
| Re: Comcast greed said by ztmike :Or the fact that Comcast caps the Docsis 3 speed tiers at 250GB/month (no different than the non D3 tiers) so even if D3 tiers were available, it would be a waste of money. Some argue that because you have a faster speed tier, doesn't mean you will download more..I say you do. The fact that you have faster speeds you would be downloading more because well..your not waiting forever to download that one item anymore, so you can go on to your next download. Or the fact that people would be uploading more, and at a faster rate. /End rant I would hate to see if you were a TW customer with a 40GB cap. | |
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Eat Me
join:2002-09-25
Sussex, NJ | Re: Comcast greed Or a PenTeleData customer with a 20GB cap. | |
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ztmike
Mark for moderation
Premium
join:2001-08-02
Michigan City, IN
·Comcast
1 edit | said by Rob :said by ztmike :Or the fact that Comcast caps the Docsis 3 speed tiers at 250GB/month (no different than the non D3 tiers) so even if D3 tiers were available, it would be a waste of money. Some argue that because you have a faster speed tier, doesn't mean you will download more..I say you do. The fact that you have faster speeds you would be downloading more because well..your not waiting forever to download that one item anymore, so you can go on to your next download. Or the fact that people would be uploading more, and at a faster rate. /End rant I would hate to see if you were a TW customer with a 40GB cap. That 40gig doesn't cover their WHOLE USER BASE, so until it does, that's a moot argument.
Point being..Docsis 3 is not changing a damn thing.
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»www.ps3grid.net | |
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sturmvogel
Obama '08
join:2008-02-07
Houston, TX
| Re: Comcast greed said by ztmike :Point being..Docsis 3 is not changing a damn thing. It is just a marketing gimmick to confuse people that could be actually fortunate enogh to get FiOS.
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Obama '08. Will help resolve the terrible broadband issues we have that put us so far behind other countries. | |
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| | | JSRoman
Premium
join:2005-03-10
Callahan, FL | For people bitching about caps that won't hit the vast majority of Comcast customers. Nope, not a damn thing is changing for those people. | |
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Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
·Comcast
| said by ztmike :said by Rob :said by ztmike :Or the fact that Comcast caps the Docsis 3 speed tiers at 250GB/month (no different than the non D3 tiers) so even if D3 tiers were available, it would be a waste of money. Some argue that because you have a faster speed tier, doesn't mean you will download more..I say you do. The fact that you have faster speeds you would be downloading more because well..your not waiting forever to download that one item anymore, so you can go on to your next download. Or the fact that people would be uploading more, and at a faster rate. /End rant I would hate to see if you were a TW customer with a 40GB cap. That 40gig doesn't cover their WHOLE USER BASE, so until it does, that's a moot argument. Point being..Docsis 3 is not changing a damn thing. It's not a moot point. What if you were one of their users who had a 40GB cap? | |
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jsz0
join:2008-01-23
Jewett City, CT
·Comcast
| If you want to download some 720P H264 movies you can, at D2 speeds, download the movie faster than you can watch it. So that means by the time the first movie was done playing you could have another downloaded already. So unless someone is just downloading stuff like a pack rat and not actually watching it they wouldn't really have a chance to download more with a faster package. None of the Internet streams are anywhere near fast enough to push a D2 modem much less a D3. | |
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partysource
join:2000-11-25
Phoenix, AZ | Rent Is Throwing Money Away... Why would you wanna rent when you can purchase? Anyway what would happen if I use this on my Cox account LOL | |
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dsless
join:2001-05-16
Pittsburgh, PA
| I rent all my stuff If you have power problem then renting a modem makes sense. I had 3 modems replace in a year because of electrical storms(yes everything is on a ups). All my computer equipment is fine but just the mode gets fried. So over to the Comcast office and get a new modem no questions asked. | |
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Fireblade
join:2008-08-27
St Catharines, ON | Re: I rent all my stuff I've had an RCA modem blow once every year for 3 years, junk. | |
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Mike_
join:2003-06-24
Fort Lauderdale, FL
| Hah.. Umm wow. Who wouldn't see a benefit of owning your own cable modem. Actually when I first bought my moto 5100 at best buy in 2002, they offered a full 69.99 rebate which made it free.
I've had that same modem since 2002 and still currently use it without EVER having issues with it. That's 7 years of consistent service and counting. If I would have rented, 5*12=60*7= $420. LOL yeah renting is definitely NOT the way to go.
Those who get failed modems most likely do not have them plugged into an APC battery backup or have the cable wire surged before plugged into the modem. Simple precautions and measures such as these will keep it going strong.
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If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Unless you know what you're doing. | |
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fcisler
Premium
join:2004-06-14
Riverhead, NY
| Re: Hah.. I wouldn't. Cablevision charges - $0 - to rent a modem. When mine dies or I get tired of looking at it I can bring it to any walk in center and replace it.
Now the remote control for my DVR - They charge me rent on. I own a Logitech Harmony, though. I keep the DVR remote in the car and occasionally swap it out for a new one (free AA's!) | |
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| | Michael R
join:2001-12-23
Tulsa, OK
| Re: I rent all my stuff said by Fireblade :I've had an RCA modem blow once every year for 3 years, junk. I made the mistake of buying that RCA modem from COX way back when. It was a piece of you know what. In this thread I see the same DOCSIS 3.0 haters in other forums are now spreading their hate here. | |
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| fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| This is a HUGE issue in areas with lightening storms. Modems can easily get knocked out of commission after a storm as they are pretty sensitive.
I'm sure Chuckles can back be on this one, but after a good thunderstorm, you can almost guarantee a flood of modem problems. | |
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Chicago
@comcast.net
| Same Modem 4 years I've had the same modem for 4 years. Never had an issue. That's 48 months of renting at $3 per month. Not too much of a savings over $110 (with tax) for a $99 cable modem. Seems like the extra $30 is like insurance. Now if this thing were to last another 4 years, am I really going to be upset about the fact that it cost me $150? probably not. | |
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neufuse
join:2006-12-06
Indiana, PA
·Comcast
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| bought my SB5120 I bought my SB5120 when it was on sale for $25... so it paid for itself in 8 months, and we've had it for oh what 3 years now? so in the end I saved on it, and I've NEVER had a cable modem break... if its line is bonded correctly (grounded) and used in proper conditions it should last a while... maybe when these modes are about $60 i'll buy one, until then I'll rent the SB6120 | |
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R62006
join:2006-05-03
Jacksonville, FL | Not Worth the Upgrade Do not even bother getting D3, With the caps and all..... plus constantly being throttled every other 15 minutes is not worth it. | |
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Xenomorph
join:2000-06-10
Fenton, MO
·Charter Pipeline
| Huh? WAIT.
WAIT.
Comcast charges $62.95 for 22Mbps down and 5Mbps??
Charter (a crap company that is going bankrupt) charges $65 for 5Mbps down and 512Kbps up.
I really wish Comcast would come to St. Louis. They've been strangely airing a *lot* of Comcast commercials recently (people singing in monotone in some weird cartoon city). I thought Comcast would maybe buy-out Charter.
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»xenomorph.net/ | |
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RARPSL
join:1999-12-08
Suffern, NY
1 edit | Re: Huh? said by Xenomorph :Comcast charges $62.95 for 22Mbps down and 5Mbps?? Cablevision gives 30/5 (that 30 is uncapped so it is really 32-34 and the 5 is 5.5) for $65. The Comcast D3 speeds however are pathetic since D2 has a max speed of 38/27 and D3 is 152/108 (4 Channel) and 304/108 (8 Channel) yet they are not even offering D2 class speeds. BTW: Why do I need a D3 modem for the lower tier since as CV shows, only a D2 modem is needed (or are they just requiring the D3 so they can use the Channel Bonding to handle their over-provisioned nodes)? | |
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nuftjedi
formerly nuftcrow
join:2000-09-11
Baltimore, MD
clubs: | wish I could buy if I could buy my modem I would in a second, but as I am on the triple play package I'm forced to rent now. I had bought (well it was free after rebate) my previous modem in 04 and used it until 07 straight without a single problem. | |
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PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD
clubs:
·Comcast
| Re: wish I could buy Actually, no; you aren't. If you switch from renting to owning your own modem, you'll actually get the difference lopped off your bill (Comcast will deduct the lease fee, since you're no longer leasing your modem). That has *always* been true of anyone that switches from renting/leasing to customer-owned modems, even bundle customers. | |
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EXV
@comcast.net
| Docis 3 and Comcast Digital Voice I had my Comcast Internet and Phone (digital voice) services started last month. If my one Comcast modem includes both Digital Voice and Internet, does it already have Docis 3 built-in, or must I replace it with a newer model?
Thanks,
EXV | |
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Chris 313
Come get some
Premium
join:2004-07-18
Houma, LA
clubs:
·Comcast
·Comcast
·Charter Pipeline
·Comcast Digital Vo..
·AT&T CallVantage
| Re: Docis 3 and Comcast Digital Voice said by EXV :
I had my Comcast Internet and Phone (digital voice) services started last month. If my one Comcast modem includes both Digital Voice and Internet, does it already have Docis 3 built-in, or must I replace it with a newer model?
Thanks,
EXV
That depends. Is Docsis 3 available in your area? If so, but you don't have it and want it, I've seen several installs where they use the CDV modem you have for phone only and bring in a Motorola SB6120 (That modem is used for Docsis 3 installs) for internet only.
Unless something has changed in the last few months, no current CDV modem I've seen has Docsis 3 built in
There are Docsis 3 CDV modems out there, the Arris 702G for instance, but as far as I know, it's not being used for customer installs yet. | |
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comover304
@verizon.net
 from:
Chris 313
| Modems We had our cable modem for 10 years without any issues. Anyone who says they die after 2 years never owned a Motorola modem. I can't speak for other brands. | |
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comover304
@verizon.net | Speed Since getting FIOS back in May 08 I consistently use 90GB down and 40GB up. Oh yea I've never had my service go out unless Comcast which went out once a week at least and when it did they never reimbursed me for the lost time. | |
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tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Floral Park, NY
| change their ways until comcast changes their terms of service policies, docis 3 upgrades are irrelevant.. the isp made their service irrelevant to the competition. if your going to provide hard aggregate data limits in your terms of service, there is no point to expanded capacity in your network-- no advantage to having comcast over even basic 1mbit dsl lines (versus a 50/10 w/ 250gb data cap, for example). even if they don't cap the $139+ plan, do you really want to do business with a company who wants metered billing as part of their terms of service?
this is similar to going back to the days of dialup where you paid by the hour for dialup internet, except it's one price for 250gb of data sent or received. until you actually realize what that means and how it will affect your ability to utilize broadband for large video & other files.. not casual web browsing, you won't truly understand how comcast is damaging their branding & service. | |
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BBaggert
@comcast.net | Modems Got my Dlink for $53.23 including sales tax from bestbuy July of 06. Was a promo or something I guess as they are more costly now. Averaging $5/mo to rent one I guess I broke even long ago... | |
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jupiter
join:2001-03-09
Chicago, IL
·Comcast
| Comcast Voice leaves no choice I have comcast voice so I am forced to use their voice modem which also acts as my cable modem. Attached to that I have a linksys wireless router which I purchased bc I was originally told it was $5 per month to rent their netgear wireless router. Now they changed their policies and you pay $3 for the voice modem and $2 for the wireless modem. Don't ask, makes no sense. However, I am not sure what they plan to do for those who have voice bc people are stuck using their EPTA's or whatever these boxes are called. Any ideas? | |
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Users Can Now Buy Comcast DOCSIS 3.0 Modems
Comcast greed
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