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Question

Replacing my ISP's modem with another

by Sep 17, 2016 8:40AM PDT

I'm not savvy when it comes to technology so bear with me. I have had the same ISP for years, but about a month ago my modem died and they came out to replace it. Now I'm suddenly being charged a monthly rental fee for the equipment. I was told that I could buy a modem from somewhere else and use it instead. I found a refurbished modem that is the exact model as the one I'm currently using so might buy it. My questions are, is a refurbished modem ok to use? Also...as importantly...what network name and password do I use with the refurb? Would it be the same as the ISP's modem that is set up now? And will this all be easy enough for me to do on my own??

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Clarification Request
There are now at least 3 major modem designs.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 17, 2016 9:38AM PDT

Which are DSL, Cable Modem and FIOS. Each one is different and to find a replacement I think you need to do the math.

Here my cable modem is a 3 dollar month charge. So a replacement is 99 bucks so I don't pay off the replacement for years. Also, if the ISP's modem fries, they replace it. If my modem fries I get to deal with it.

Let's hear more. And refurbs here have been fine.

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More info to clarify
by mmhoss13 Sep 17, 2016 6:06PM PDT

It's a DSL connection. AT&T U-verse to be specific. I saw a refurbished modem online for about $50. That would be equivalent to about 7 months of the monthly rental if I keep theirs modem. I am just not sure if I would be using the same network name and password on the new (refurb) modem as I am on the current one from AT&T. I'm guessing not since I got a new network name and password when I switched from my old modem to my current one. BUT, where do I get the new network name and password? Do I just make them up and program the new (refurbished) modem or are they pre-programmed? I don't want to use something that lets the previous owner have the password.

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In the DSL world that's called.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 17, 2016 6:12PM PDT

"DSL Provisioning." There would be no new network name. You use the same account settings as you do now. As to WiFi, entirely your choice.

Part of that rental is about support. When your modem/router won't connect, they usually don't help for free. With their modem/router, that's the other thing you are paying for.

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Thanks
by mmhoss13 Sep 18, 2016 8:52AM PDT

Thanks for the info. I have to think this over. I would be happiest if I could just buy a modem from my ISP, but they don't have that option anymore. They can make more money renting them out I guess. Decisions decisions...

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2 things in parting.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 18, 2016 9:40AM PDT

I know it's all about the Benjamin's but a few parting thoughts.

1. Used is used for a reason. Either the owner moved off DSL (best case scenario) or it's an old model they replaced to eek out a little better performance or other reason.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asymmetric_digital_subscriber_line#ADSL_standards
This is where it gets sticky or ugly. There was ADSL, then ADSL2 and now ADSL2+.

When your ISP changes up, the modem part might be a free upgrade (well, you are renting so there's us debating what is and is not free.)

3. So when you shop, find out which ADSL standard they support.

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Answer
just remember
by Sep 17, 2016 6:49PM PDT

I really cannot add much other than if you have problems with a third party modem, nine out of ten times, if you have internet problems they will say you have a bad modem and want to rent you a new modem. One other thing, some service providers will let you let you purchase a modem from them.

I personally would not get a used modem.

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