I am getting my internet set up soon and will need a reliable cable modem. Where is the best place in town to get one?
COMMENT 209248
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2011-08-29 08:54 PM |
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I think the internet service provider you have will provide the modem for you.
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COMMENT 209249P
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2011-08-29 09:08 PM |
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Yep - Your ISP should provide it. If not, I picked up a great one (Motorola) at Best Buy when I replaced mine that I use for my Comcast High Speed Internet. Here it is: link Here it is at Best Buy for only $59.99: link which they carry at the Goleta store.
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COMMENT 209254P
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2011-08-29 10:24 PM |
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Your neighbor's house after they've left for work in the morning... (yeah, ISP)
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COMMENT 209256
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2011-08-29 10:46 PM |
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The best and most up to date cable modem is: D-Link DCM-301 cable modem Docsis 3.0 Hard to find at the moment.
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COMMENT 209260P
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2011-08-30 04:20 AM |
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I have Verizon's internet service and they provide the modem. In fact I've just been upgraded to their 7 Meg connection and their new modem has just arrived yesterday. I need to get it installed and configured.
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COMMENT 209263P
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2011-08-30 05:57 AM |
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The dreaded Cox will set you up. Their cable, while overpriced (all that money for doing no work but keeping a line open!!! What a biz!) is OK. Fails occasionally but not for long.
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COMMENT 209265
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2011-08-30 06:19 AM |
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Verizon is slow and lock you in to their 1-2 year contracts but give you a free modem to use. Cox is crazy expensive, charge 100 for installation and make you buy you modem, either up front or in month payments. Either way it's all crappy customer service but COX has better options for speed.
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COMMENT 209266P
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2011-08-30 06:26 AM |
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No, No, No, No, NO!!!!! NEVER pay your cable company for a cable modem!!!!! They will rent you one that is USED, out of DATE, and overPRICED. Buy a cable modem that is DOCSIS 3.0 (older ones are 2.0), and if you have a laptop, tablet, or smart phone) or ever think you will get one) buy a modem / router combo. Modems are always on sale under $100. Modem / router combos might be a few dollars over $100. Your modem will work better than the one Cox rents you and will pay for itself in a year or so.
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COMMENT 209268P
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2011-08-30 06:34 AM |
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Motorola SB6120 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 eXtreme Broadband Cable Modem is only $72.95 at Amazon.com. BEWARE!!! There are a lot of shifty cable guys out there that will INSIST that you MUST purchase or rent a modem from Cox. TOTAL LIE!!!! These guys get a commission for every piece they add on to your service. Also, there is NO REASON that you should need a service call to install a modem. Very easy to do it yourself, and if you have questions call Cox. The people over the phone are NOT on commission and will not lie to you.
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COMMENT 209272
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2011-08-30 06:49 AM |
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I signed up for Cox, while normally disliking cable companies, and found the install effortless and the yearlong promotion of $33/mo for their "preferred" plan (up to 15mbps) to be a pretty fair price. Even at $45/mo it's not horrible, but I'll try to retain the $33/mo when the year is up by calling their retention department and suggesting I'll cancel due to the price increase - typically has worked for me in the past. I got a used modem on craigslist and didn't have to pay for any installation fees (really, there's nothing to it). I would recommend Motorola (here is a list of cox compatible modems: http://support.cox.com/sdccommon/asp/contentredirect.asp?sprt_cid=f3c8a618-6be2-4859-b7db-6152e87bd537 ). I recommend you DO NOT buy a Zoom brand modem as the one I've used overheated and locked up constantly. You DO NOT need a DOCSIS 3.0 modem unless you go with Cox's highest plan requiring multiple downstream channels.
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HOLAZOLA
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2011-08-30 09:37 AM |
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TIP: You may not NEED a DOCSIS 3.0 modem if you don't have the top tier plan, but you DO have one, in many cases it will bond channels anyways. I get close to 20Mbps most of the time on a standard plan with an SB6120 locally. If you are going to invest in a NEW modem, get a DOCSIS 3.0. The 2.0's are now the "economy hatchback" of modems. The $73 price quote above for an SB6120 is the best I've seen. Goleta Costco had some for $75 but not anymore (It looks like there is an SB6121 model replacing it for $95-$100 retail) If you are not buying online, that is what you will pay for a 3.0 at Best Buy. If you are on a budget, then get a used 2.0 cable modem off Craigslist, but don't pay more than $20-$25!
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COMMENT 209375
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2011-08-30 10:17 AM |
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Good tips in this thread, but one thing that hasn't been mentioned is to check Craigslist! People put their modems on the site after they cancel their service and it's a good chance to grab a good one for $50 or less. If not that, definitely Amazon. Save $50 or more sometimes.
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COMMENT 209414
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2011-08-30 11:08 AM |
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Lots of good tips. Buy your own if you expect to be using the service for more than a year. Get a Docsis 3.0 even if you're not planning to go with the highest speed plan right now. A few years down the road, you may want more speed and you'll be ready to go. I'd be a bit wary of buying one off craigslist/ebay as it may be one that belongs to the cable company and wasn't returned. I got one for $10 that was legit but I wouldn't have risked much more.
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COMMENT 209464
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2011-08-30 12:21 PM |
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I have cox service, tv, internet, and telephone
i just looked at my bill and i do not pay for a modem
on the bill there is a charge for an 'advanced tv receiver' $5.50
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COMMENT 209606P
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2011-08-30 06:46 PM |
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Thanks guys. 209268 That modem looks great but: Should I get a Modem or a Modem/Router combo? (I have an iPhone, if that has anything to do with it) and others will be sharing the internet, but they will be buying the wireless router.
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COMMENT 209920
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2011-08-31 03:16 PM |
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Just get the modem, DOCSIS 3.0 like others recommend. Amazon is usually the cheapest (and no tax charges or shipping if you have Amazon Prime). Hook the WiFi router (provided by your roommates) to the modem and you'll be good to go.
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