uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

[Altimus]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

One thing to remember. If you buy the modem, you lose technical support from the ISP on the hardware.

Not with my ISP.

Also find out how much it costs to rent a modem. I believe mine was like $3 a month. My friend's was like $10 a month which is insane.

[ObiWanJenkins]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

so what you are saying is that I sohuld rent a modem from the cable company. i thought it would be better to buy one.

Every cable provider that I have come across will not support hardware not purchased or rented from them. You can get technical support from the modem manufacturer, but not the ISP itself. Check with your provider to find out. If you know where to find deals, buying one is a good idea. I bought one when I signed up with Comcast in 2004, and I am using it now with Charter. Neither company offers support for modems they didn't provide, despite the fact it's the same model modem as both companies offered. The installer was not even allowed to connect the modem, because it was not Charter's. It may not be an issue, but if you have connection problems, it makes the resolution difficult.

Not with my ISP.

Also find out how much it costs to rent a modem. I believe mine was like $3 a month. My friend's was like $10 a month which is insane.

$3 a month is the standard rate for most ISP's. $10 a month is absolutely ridiculous. Do NOT pay that much. If you had to replace your purchased modem every 6 months, you'd essentially be saving the purchase price in that amount of time.

[jetsfansiny79]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

My cable company that I am thinking about getting, is 10 dollars a month for a modem. Why do they charge 100 doallrs for installation. What do they include and what parts are offered in the install.

[ObiWanJenkins]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

My cable company that I am thinking about getting, is 10 dollars a month for a modem. Why do they charge 100 doallrs for installation. What do they include and what parts are offered in the install.

They'll probably provide the modem and maybe a cable or two. Most of the contracted installers charge around $70-$90 a hour. The $100 is to pay the installer. You can negotiate the installation fee if you call up. I didn't have to pay for mine after telling Charter that I already had a modem, and I was not willing to pay $100 for the guy to come hand me a disc and leave.

If you cable company is charging $10 a month for the modem, go buy one at Best Buy or Circuit City. It'll be cheaper in the long run.

[jetsfansiny79]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

can i purchase my own cables and do they include a software on a cd?
does the modem you buy from the store come with the cables?

[ObiWanJenkins]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

can i purchase my own cables and do they include a software on a cd?
does the modem you buy from the store come with the cables?

The modem comes with an installation CD, but no cables. The installer will provide the cable wire for you. I would recommed picking up an ethernet cable along with the modem. The internet software will come from your cable company. Honestly, you don't even have to install it. I have no Charter software on my computer, and I could never get the Comcast software to work correctly, so I uninstalled it.

[jetsfansiny79]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

So I should just tell my cable company I will buy the modem and you give me the software, so I don't have yo pay 100 dollar install fee.100 dollars is alot for someone to just come and install a couple of cables and a cd.

[ObiWanJenkins]

Re: uprgading from dial up ? Dsl or Cable

So I should just tell my cable company I will buy the modem and you give me the software, so I don't have yo pay 100 dollar install fee.100 dollars is alot for someone to just come and install a couple of cables and a cd.

they will still want to charge you $100 installation. Just tell them you have all the equipment, but you need them to just flip the switch to activate you. Be persistent about the installation charge. Offer to come by and pick up the software. I've rarely ever seen a company refuse to waive the installation charge for a new company if that's the only thing stopping him from subscribing. Keep in mind, you don't need the software to connect.