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Bright House Adds $2 Modem Rental Fee
One More Reason to Just Buy Your Own

Directly on the heels of Time Warner Cable charging their customers a new $2.95 modem rental fee, Bright House Communications has started charging a modem rental fee of their own. The company started informing customers Septmeber 15 that starting October 1, Bright House would be charging customers a $2 "maintenance & rental" fee. Bright House insists the fee helps cover the installation, service and support of the modem.

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Cable operators like Comcast have been charging such a fee for some time. Still, it's a way to jack up prices without looking like a company is jacking up prices by burying the cost of doing business in below-the-line fees.

"It was one of the many things that Bright House covered,'' Bright House spokesman Joe Durkin tells the Tampa Bay Times. "Since then we've added a lot of services at no charge.'' Customers aren't impressed. "I think it's ridiculous,'' an 88-year-old man tells the paper. "It's like charging $2 to wash your dishes at a restaurant. It should be part of the cost of doing business.''

You can fortunately still buy your own modem to avoid the fee, provided it's on Bright House's approved modem list.
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neonhomer
Dearborn 5-2750
Premium Member
join:2004-01-27
Edgewater, FL

neonhomer

Premium Member

Another fee...

Great... another reason for Brighthouse to collect more money. Bad thing is the users who are on digital phone don't have an option to use their own equipment... Otherwise, I would gladly drag my Motorola SB out of the box...
88615298 (banned)
join:2004-07-28
West Tenness

1 recommendation

88615298 (banned)

Member

Re: Another fee...

said by neonhomer:

Great... another reason for Brighthouse to collect more money. Bad thing is the users who are on digital phone don't have an option to use their own equipment... Otherwise, I would gladly drag my Motorola SB out of the box...

Yes they have an option. Don't get Brighthouse phone service.
Crookshanks
join:2008-02-04
Binghamton, NY

Crookshanks

Member

Re: Another fee...

POTS > VOIP

- POTS works come hell or high water, short of the CO being under water, or the physical infrastructure being destroyed.
- You can buy a POTS phone anywhere, for $10 or less.
- Equipment made over one hundred years ago will still work on a modern POTS line.

If you need a landline POTS is the way to go. If you don't want the reliability of POTS why have a landline at all? Go wireless and choose from one of the many unlimited plans currently available, most are priced competitively with the cable company's VOIP offering.
en103
join:2011-05-02

en103

Member

Re: Another fee...

Wireless (at least prepaid) is typically cheap if you don't use your phone often.

POTS is getting harder to find in urban areas - FiOS markets and Uverse markets are pushing their VoIP versions

BimmerE38FN
join:2002-09-15
Boise, ID

BimmerE38FN to neonhomer

Member

to neonhomer
Have you checked to see if Motorola SVB or SVG series of cable/phone modems would work on your ISP system? Motorola has several cable models with phone service options. Might be worth checking out.

»www.motorola.com/Video-S ··· nd-eMTAs
swbrains
join:2004-04-14
Land O Lakes, FL

swbrains to neonhomer

Member

to neonhomer
As much as I disagree with this fee and would prefer to own my own equipment, BH have calculated the increase wisely.

If it were a $10/month fee, many customers would bail and bring their own modem as the payback period would be quite short. But at $2/month vs. $100 for a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, the payback on the investment is over 4 years (assuming the fee remains the same during that period).

Given the lengthy break-even period, how can I be sure that my personally-owned DOCSIS 3.0 modem will still be usable for the service(s) I have subscribed to (or may switch to) until it's paid for itself?

And that's not considering the possibility of failure. I've certainly had enough routers that have not lasted more than 18 months. If my own modem dies after year or two, the ROI period becomes even longer...

Ultimately, for me, it just makes Fios (which is available at my house) a more competitive option. Particularly since my BH "promotion" expired last month and my bill went up by $10 even before the $2 modem fee.
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

BH & TWC

Isn't BH still part of some how connected to TWC? At one time BH was TWC in a good share of Michigan until TW and & AOL merged.

AMejia1976
join:2000-07-29
Kissimmee, FL

AMejia1976

Member

One less box of Fodge Rounds!

While I am not happy about the fee I also think the benefits are worth it. I have gone thru 2 modems over the past 2 years due to lighting damage. There are also no retail MTA's for those who also have phone service.

The Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem sells for $52.99 at Amazon.com. »www.amazon.com/Motorola- ··· 02M3SHXA That means it will take me almost 27 months to pay for the modem and hope it does not get fried!

The way I see it I just have to buy one less box of Fudge Rounds »www.littledebbie.com/pro ··· unds.asp this month.

cableties
Premium Member
join:2005-01-27

cableties

Premium Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

Agreed. If you factor a DOCSIS 3.0 (Sb6141) at $100 on Amazon, it will take 33 months to break even.
If you've gone through 2 modems in 2 years, the $3/month is worth it right there.

Plus there is the "tech" advantage. Why buy a Docsis 2.0 if you are getting 3.0 service and speed packages, yes?

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList to AMejia1976

Premium Member

to AMejia1976
I've owned my own equipment for almost 10 years. never have had a modem get fried. Only time I have replaced it is going from docsis 1.1 to 2 to 3.

AMejia1976
join:2000-07-29
Kissimmee, FL

AMejia1976

Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

Here in FL is a bit different. We get over 5000 lighting strikes in just the Orlando area during some of our storms. Central Florida is the lighting capital of the world!!!

ArrayList
DevOps
Premium Member
join:2005-03-19
Mullica Hill, NJ

ArrayList

Premium Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

it probably also helps that I have buried coax.

AMejia1976
join:2000-07-29
Kissimmee, FL

AMejia1976

Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

FBGuy...
I have roughly 50ft run in my back yard of buried RG11 (thick mama) cable. Buried cable in my case is also not a good thing as electric current from lighting travels on the surface...
Crookshanks
join:2008-02-04
Binghamton, NY

Crookshanks to AMejia1976

Member

to AMejia1976
Invest in a good UPS and ensure that your wiring is properly grounded....

AMejia1976
join:2000-07-29
Kissimmee, FL

AMejia1976

Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

Crookshanks
I have a total of 5 UPS units at home. Need replaced about every 2 years... now that sucks. @ $75+ each I wish I had APC stock

2 for PC's
2 for TV centers...
1 for Fish tank

@l3x
Crookshanks
join:2008-02-04
Binghamton, NY

Crookshanks

Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

Hmm, not sure which model you're getting for $75, but maybe try one of the higher end ones? They are better for your gear anyways, the entry level models put out a step approximated sine-wave, which isn't a true AC waveform, and not appropriate for many pieces of equipment. In particular, I'd question if it's appropriate for your aquarium. It'd be fine for the heater(s) but probably not for the filter motors/air pump.

I have two server grade (smart-ups) models in my house, one that runs my PC/DSL modem/wireless gear, and another on our entertainment center. My communications setup receives nearly two hours of runtime, it's the primary reason why my PC has an uptime >one year, which certainly wouldn't be possible with the reliability of our electric grid around these parts!

07:30:11 up 467 days, 5 min, 21 users, load average: 0.02, 0.07, 0.11

AMejia1976
join:2000-07-29
Kissimmee, FL

AMejia1976

Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

Looked at the cost/ROI between APC 750es and cant remember which servergrade one. The cost was just not justifiable given the amount of units I have and the likelly to remote possibility of having to replace so often.

At present I have about 50 events per week between lighting, voltage fluctuation/spikes. Got so tired of events I shut off the stupid warning beeeeeeeps!

Prices is lower for me as I work for a major retailer

But thanks for the assist. It is knowledgeable ppl like you who keep me coming back to forums/DSLR rather than talk to tech support with most tech companies.

@l3x
Crookshanks
join:2008-02-04
Binghamton, NY

Crookshanks

Member

Re: One less box of Fodge Rounds!

No worries. If you're going to use a consumer grade model I would plug your aquarium filter, air pump, and lighting into surge-only outlets. AC Motors won't handle the step approximated sine-wave well at all, and I'm pretty sure it's a bad thing for fluorescent ballasts too.

This website has a brief explanation, it's in the context of solar panel inverters but the same conclusions apply to UPS'es as well:

Some electronic devices may pick up inverter noise while operating with modified sine waveform. Using fluorescent lighting can be problematic when using modified sine wave inverters. Most of the equipment on the market is designed for use with sine waves. Some appliances, such as microwaves, drills, clocks or speed motors will not produce full output if they don't use sine wave current, moreover they may damage the equipment. Some loads, such as light dimmers will not work without sine wave at all.

It's safe to say any electronic device that requires sensitive calibration can only be used with pure sine wave inverters. For many electronic devices that don't require sensitive calibration, modified sine wave inverters are a more cost-effective option.

Personally, I don't like to use the cheaper UPS'es for anything other than resistance loads, like incandescent or halogen lighting. I know they are the only option for people on a budget and theoretically they shouldn't damage your PC, I'm just more comfortable feeding my equipment the waveform that it was designed to operate with.

(I say theoretically because the power supply in your PC should isolate the motherboard/cpu/other components from inverter noise. It does increase the burden on the PSU though, and if you have one with temperature sensors you'll notice that the PSU temperature increases while on UPS power. If you're only on it long enough to shut down safely I wouldn't worry about it.)

jfleni
@bhn.net

jfleni to Crookshanks

Anon

to Crookshanks
Pay the $2/month! When lightning strikes, the cable company takes the hit, not you. Just be sure to use protection at the modem output, which can easily take out network gear and computers.
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

No Modem Fees & No Frills

From what is being stated to myself and around the Internet, a new no-frills Internet company will soon be launching this month. Services include, xDSL, 4G LTE/WiMax Services, VoIP, and Cable reaching 99% of ALL cable customers. TV services in limited areas (WITHOUT price hikes) and IPTV launching in 2013 across the entire US - regardless of your ISP. This company also does NOT impose caps.

AdamB0
join:2001-01-07
Columbus, OH

AdamB0

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

Wake up! I think you're dreaming. If not what is this company called?
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

I think you are dreaming on not realizing its possible. How do you think Earthlink offers cable access at wholesale rates, they go and actually worked to get access. TWC also has a number of other resellers such as www.wcoil.com

AdamB0
join:2001-01-07
Columbus, OH

AdamB0

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

Uh huh. How do you know about it when there is not a peep on the internets? If you aren't BSing, then I'll be one of the first to sign up.
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

I'm not BSing. I'm serious. The company is Ohio based, and is currently working with a huge CLEC/ILEC in Ohio to provide IPTV as well.

A website will be up this eveing I am being told. I will also post prices as well on here this evening.
b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?
join:2004-09-07
united state

b10010011

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

said by hottboiinnc4:

I'm not BSing. I'm serious. The company is Ohio based, and is currently working with a huge CLEC/ILEC in Ohio to provide IPTV as well.

A website will be up this eveing I am being told. I will also post prices as well on here this evening.



Where is this website?

AdamB0
join:2001-01-07
Columbus, OH

AdamB0

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

I am also waiting.

ptrowski
Got Helix?
Premium Member
join:2005-03-14
Woodstock, CT

ptrowski to hottboiinnc4

Premium Member

to hottboiinnc4
Yeah, Never NeverLand Cable?

Cthen
Premium Member
join:2004-08-01
Detroit, MI

Cthen to hottboiinnc4

Premium Member

to hottboiinnc4
said by hottboiinnc4:

From what is being stated to myself and around the Internet, a new no-frills Internet company will soon be launching this month. Services include, xDSL, 4G LTE/WiMax Services, VoIP, and Cable reaching 99% of ALL cable customers. TV services in limited areas (WITHOUT price hikes) and IPTV launching in 2013 across the entire US - regardless of your ISP. This company also does NOT impose caps.

Got any sources of this or just the usual spit out some FUD and run?
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

It's not FUD and I don't run. I know what I'm talking about. Press Releases will be sent out tomorrow including one to DSLR.

Karl Bode
News Guy
join:2000-03-02

Karl Bode

News Guy

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

Not seeing said press releases yet.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru to hottboiinnc4

MVM

to hottboiinnc4
said by hottboiinnc4:

It's not FUD and I don't run. I know what I'm talking about. Press Releases will be sent out tomorrow including one to DSLR.

I realize that today won't be over for a few more hours, but not to many completely game changing press releases are launched after twilight. So where is it? We're waiting.
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4 to Cthen

Member

to Cthen

...

....
b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?
join:2004-09-07
united state

b10010011 to hottboiinnc4

Member

to hottboiinnc4
said by hottboiinnc4:

From what is being stated to myself and around the Internet, a new no-frills Internet company will soon be launching this month. Services include, xDSL, 4G LTE/WiMax Services, VoIP, and Cable reaching 99% of ALL cable customers. TV services in limited areas (WITHOUT price hikes) and IPTV launching in 2013 across the entire US - regardless of your ISP. This company also does NOT impose caps.

LOL Dream on

They are going to provide services over four different technologies?

Who's network? Who's infrastructure?
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: No Modem Fees & No Frills

TWC, Comcast, Cox, Sprint, Verizon, Frontier, Charter and CentLink. customers can start signing up next week.
tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Brooklyn, NY

1 recommendation

tmc8080

Member

collusion

people should start the letter writing & phone calls to congress... apparently cable companies are colluding to raise prices beyond what consumers can stand.. and this tend to happen when one company starts.. and others follow lock-step because they think they can get away with it..

it' the very definition of price collusion and not a REAL cost of doing business

»vocabulary-vocabulary.co ··· sion.php

•••
sam64
join:2006-07-31
Newtown, PA

1 recommendation

sam64

Member

88-yr old's analogy -- coming soon to a restaurant near you

The 88 year old customer gave a fine analogy .... "It's like charging $2 to wash your dishes at a restaurant."

I soon expect many of the tech savvy fine dining establishments in this country imposing a $1 dishwashing and china/cutlery maintenance surcharge on every dish ordered.

••••

n2jtx
join:2001-01-13
Glen Head, NY

n2jtx

Member

Modem Picture

The picture associated with this article is a Motorola SB5100, which I happen to have with Optimum. I notice it is not on the list of approved modems from Bright House.

cdru
Go Colts
MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN

cdru

MVM

Re: Modem Picture

said by n2jtx:

The picture associated with this article is a Motorola SB5100, which I happen to have with Optimum. I notice it is not on the list of approved modems from Bright House.

The SBV5121 is which looks nearly identical (slightly different text around the LEDs).

shortyd999
join:2008-10-21
Birmingham, AL

shortyd999 to n2jtx

Member

to n2jtx
Hmmm that looks exactly like my BH modem at home
b10010011
Whats a Posting tag?
join:2004-09-07
united state

b10010011

Member

Buy your own but beware...

Once you own your modem no matter what happens YOUR MODEM will be at fault.

I could call my cable company (starts with a "C" )and say my service is out and I can see the cable running to my house is laying in the street. Their response would be "I am sorry sir we have no other reports of service outages or downed wires in your area. According to our records you are using a personally owned modem. So you will need to contact your modem manufacturer for support."

Noah Vail
Oh God please no.
Premium Member
join:2004-12-10
SouthAmerica

Noah Vail

Premium Member

One more reason to move to FiOS

I suppose BH did this to compete with Verizon's $1.99 mystery fee.

BH did it better though. They used a bigger number than Verizon.

OSUGoose
join:2007-12-27
Columbus, OH

OSUGoose

Member

Um

TWC is charging 3.95 not 2.95
hottboiinnc4
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH

hottboiinnc4

Member

Re: Um

depends on your area and if your area is even doing it yet. I have family in Mid-Ohio that hasn't been notified yet. According to their offices in Columbus they're not charging.
elray
join:2000-12-16
Santa Monica, CA

elray to OSUGoose

Member

to OSUGoose
said by OSUGoose:

TWC is charging 3.95 not 2.95

They're quoting $2.50 here.
88615298 (banned)
join:2004-07-28
West Tenness

88615298 (banned)

Member

Excuse me people

how is this any different that paying a monthly fee on a STB? I don't see anyone complaining about that.
elray
join:2000-12-16
Santa Monica, CA

elray

Member

Non-issue

Unlike Sonic, Charter and Frontier, BrightHouse is allowing you to own your own modem. Better they charge for remotes and modems and ATAs and STBs than raise access and programming rates.

••••

samw
Are you sure? If not check again
Premium Member
join:2009-11-23
Lakeland, FL

samw

Premium Member

Bright House Adds $2 Modem Rental Fee

As much as fees can be a pain, I am actually OK with paying for this one. If you have your own modem and here in Florida with the amount of lightning, if the box gets struck and I bought it, I am SOL and most warranty programs will not cover strikes. Whereas if I pay $2 each month and it gets stuck, BH can come and replace it. Correct me if I am wrong but with the number of modems somehow either being damaged or not returned or faulty as well as the cost of everything going up, this is an investment I am willing to take. $90 for a Motorola modem at Walmart one time vs. $2 per month, not really that bad.