Comcast. Do I need DOCSIS 3.0?

[ghostman]

I'll move to a new apartment at the end of August. My current location is served by Time Warner and I've never had the option to use my own modem, so I've never looked into it before. Seeing that I can potentially save $3/month by using my own modem, a refurb Linksys CM100-RM at $40 would take 14 months to pay itself off. But the CM100 only supports up to DOCSIS 2.0.

I'm planning to get the "Performance" plan (12down/2up or 15down/3up with powerboost). Does anyone know if a DOCSIS 2.0 modem will work? Are there any benefits to using a DOCSIS 3.0 modem?

I currently anticipate staying at the new apartment for 2 years as I'm returning to school. Buying a $100 DOCSIS 3.0 modem doesn't make sense compared to leasing a modem. But there is potential that I'll end up staying longer.

 

[spidey07]

You should always use their modem. There is no reason not to.

 

[ghostman]

Originally posted by: spidey07
You should always use their modem. There is no reason not to.

Well, if I use my own, I can save at least $30 (if I stay for 2 years) and potentially more if I stay longer. If I leave earlier, I can still sell it. Why use their modem? I don't plan on upgrading the service to a higher level or use VOIP (if anything I'll downgrade - I use TW's 6mbps service in NYC and it's just fine).

Is using their modem recommended to avoid technical issues? With my current cable service, I've never had problems with the cable modem.

 

[Fardringle]

If you use your own modem and have a problem, regardless of the cause of the problem, they can (and will) blame it on the modem, which could result in an $80 service call for them to dispatch a truck to have a tech install their own modem to verify that the connection is working properly. This is particularly true if you are using an older DOCSIS 2.0 modem that might not be supported by (or compatible with) the Comcast equipment in your area.

As spidey said, there really is no reason to use any modem other than the one you get directly from Comcast. They know that it works with their system. If there is ever a problem with the modem, they will replace it at no charge and with no difficulty - if a phone tech verifies that it is bad, they simply send you a new one or you can take it to the local office and exchange it the same day.

 

[RebateMonger]

I wouldn't do it to save $30 over two years. I haven't had cable modem issues in a couple of years (other than obvious cable-system failures), but any problem will result in frustration (since it's very difficult for the customer to be sure where the problem lies) and possible extra cost.

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Fardringle
If you use your own modem and have a problem, regardless of the cause of the problem, they can (and will) blame it on the modem, which could result in an $80 service call for them to dispatch a truck to have a tech install their own modem to verify that the connection is working properly. This is particularly true if you are using an older DOCSIS 2.0 modem that might not be supported by (or compatible with) the Comcast equipment in your area.

As spidey said, there really is no reason to use any modem other than the one you get directly from Comcast. They know that it works with their system. If there is ever a problem with the modem, they will replace it at no charge and with no difficulty - if a phone tech verifies that it is bad, they simply send you a new one or you can take it to the local office and exchange it the same day.

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
I wouldn't do it to save $30 over two years. I haven't had cable modem issues in a couple of years (other than obvious cable-system failures), but any problem will result in frustration (since it's very difficult for the customer to be sure where the problem lies) and possible extra cost.

I've had my cable modem replaced by comcast six times in less than a year. Once it was fried by lightning. ONE issue and your savings goes down the drain. It's best to use their hardware and let them worry about it.

 

[Genx87]

I have had the same cable modem since 2003-04. Worked on mediacom then charter. it cost me 65 bucks on sale at CompUSA. It even fell into my sump pump opening last Summer and still works.

Guess I am lucky 🙂

 

[ghostman]

OK. I guess that answers that. I'll just lease their modem. Would probably save me the trouble of buying one then calling Comcast to get it set up properly. Thanks guys.

 

[vailr]

http://www.comcastoffers.com/
has:
"$19.99/month for first 6 months + free Motorola Wireless modem + $100 Cash Back".

The DOCSIS 2.0 wireless modem included with the comcastoffers.com deal:
MOTOROLA SBG900 - $89.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16825122002

Motorola's latest DOCSIS 3.0 modem is:
MOTOROLA SURFboard SB6120 - $83.99:
http://www.superduperclub.net/dhsb6120.html
photo:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1218068107245

But: several users (who reside in Comcast upgraded DOCSIS 3.0 locations) report much faster speeds by swapping out for a newer DOCSIS 3.0 modem, and with no change in Comcast service level & monthly cable cost.
The rented modem Comcast provides is more likely going to be an older DOCSIS 2.0 modem, not DOCSIS 3.0 (with it's significant speed increase as described by several posters). A firmware upgrade cannot bridge the speed gap either, AFAIK. However, Comcast has only yet upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0 circuits in maybe 30% of their subscriber base. Check Comcast's web site for the status of DOCSIS in any specific service area.

 

[ghostman]

Originally posted by: vailr
http://www.comcastoffers.com/
has:
"$19.99/month for first 6 months + free Motorola Wireless modem + $100 Cash Back".

The DOCSIS 2.0 wireless modem included with the comcastoffers.com deal:
MOTOROLA SBG900 - $89.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16825122002

Motorola's latest DOCSIS 3.0 modem is:
MOTOROLA SURFboard SB6120 - $83.99:
http://www.superduperclub.net/dhsb6120.html
photo:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1218068107245

But: several users (who reside in Comcast upgraded DOCSIS 3.0 locations) report much faster speeds by swapping out for a newer DOCSIS 3.0 modem, and with no change in Comcast service level & monthly cable cost.
The rented modem Comcast provides is more likely going to be an older DOCSIS 2.0 modem, not DOCSIS 3.0 (with it's significant speed increase as described by several posters). A firmware upgrade cannot bridge the speed gap either, AFAIK. However, Comcast has only yet upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0 circuits in maybe 30% of their subscriber base. Check Comcast's web site for the status of DOCSIS in any specific service area.

I'd love to get in on that deal, but the offer ends Aug 15. I wouldn't have moved yet. Do they renew the deals often?

 

[vailr]

Originally posted by: ghostman

Originally posted by: vailr
http://www.comcastoffers.com/
has:
"$19.99/month for first 6 months + free Motorola Wireless modem + $100 Cash Back".

The DOCSIS 2.0 wireless modem included with the comcastoffers.com deal:
MOTOROLA SBG900 - $89.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16825122002

Motorola's latest DOCSIS 3.0 modem is:
MOTOROLA SURFboard SB6120 - $83.99:
http://www.superduperclub.net/dhsb6120.html
photo:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...oduct&id=1218068107245

But: several users (who reside in Comcast upgraded DOCSIS 3.0 locations) report much faster speeds by swapping out for a newer DOCSIS 3.0 modem, and with no change in Comcast service level & monthly cable cost.
The rented modem Comcast provides is more likely going to be an older DOCSIS 2.0 modem, not DOCSIS 3.0 (with it's significant speed increase as described by several posters). A firmware upgrade cannot bridge the speed gap either, AFAIK. However, Comcast has only yet upgraded to DOCSIS 3.0 circuits in maybe 30% of their subscriber base. Check Comcast's web site for the status of DOCSIS in any specific service area.

I'd love to get in on that deal, but the offer ends Aug 15. I wouldn't have moved yet. Do they renew the deals often?

Yes: they usually just change the ad's "good until" date.
However: by dealing directly with Comcast, you may be able to sign up for "$19.99/month for 12 months", but no free modem & no cash back; YMMV.

 

[Emulex]

powerboost is faster with docsis 3.0 with the same tier level in certain markets for an unknown amount of time. you might get 50meg powerburst.