Should I get my own cable modem?

[Alex Ethridge]

I live in Birmingham, Alabama and my ISP is AT&T Uverse. I have only internet and no TV.

Pros and cons, should I get my own cable modem? They're charging me $7 a month to use theirs.

 

[crjdriver]

I purchased my modem [charter internet] IMO you end up with a better combination when you go with your own modem and your own router. The "all-in-ones" that uverse uses do not have much in the way of options.

 

[plodr]

I always buy my own modem (Comcast is my ISP).

 

[Oddba11]

Assuming AT&T supports aftermarket hardware (some ISPs do NOT), you need a DSL modem, not a cable modem. uVerse uses DSL, not cable. Thus the input or WAN port is an RJ11 port (standard telephone) and not a coaxial connector.

 

[Alex Ethridge]

Well, my final concern is this: When I need tech support, is my after-market, privately-owned equipment going to be an obstacle?

In other words, if they blame my equipment, how can I know for sure whether they are just wiggling out of fixing something or if it is really my own equipment?

 

[plodr]

I bought a modem on the list of approved devices found on the website. Comcast has always helped me with my modem when I had problems (11 years this June).

Check if AT&T Uverse has a list of approved modems. Then go to here http://www.dslreports.com/forum/uverse
read and ask questions.

 

[crjdriver]

Well, my final concern is this: When I need tech support, is my after-market, privately-owned equipment going to be an obstacle?

In other words, if they blame my equipment, how can I know for sure whether they are just wiggling out of fixing something or if it is really my own equipment?

I have had my modem and router for at least 3yrs now with 0 problems or issues. It just works. If you purchase quality hardware, I doubt you are going to have any problems.

 

[Oddba11]

Most ISPs will support any supported modem whether it is one they provided, or your own. Anything past the modem, such as a standalone router, will not be supported.

 

[Rich-M]

Never rent it if you can buy it you will pay for it 10 times over renting it and have no advantages.

 

[Blu_86]

They do not support the modem. What they support is their connection through the supported modem. A distinct clarification.