Do I have to purchase a modem/router from my provider?

Question

I have a Broadband connection through my telephone co. and I have been having problems with my modem. When I called them about it, they told me that they would send me a new one for $100. I have found cheaper ones elsewhere, but I need to know if I HAVE to buy one from my provider. Also, I have a PS3 that I play online and I currently have to switch ethernet cables to play it so I need a router, but the telephone co. says that they will send me one (for more $$) and then I will also have to pay a monthly fee for the router on top of my current charges. So my questions are....will I be able to use a broadband modem that I buy at a store, or do I have to order one from them? And I already know I can buy my own router, but will I have to pay them a monthly fee to be able to use it? Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

No you don't need the modem/router from your provider. If your modem works fine then all you have to do is buy the router on your own. Your provider just wants you to spend extra money. I have a modem that I got from my provider and a router that I bought on my own and the internet works fine. I have 4 laptops a PS3, an Iphone and a HD DVD player all hooked up to the wireless network and I don't have any problems.

Answer 2

I purchased the modem through Comcast and the router (belkin) from walmart. Everything works just fine with out any additional router charges from ISP.

Answer 3

1) As long as it's a DSL modem (that's most likely what you have if your provider is a telephone company) it'll work.  (Pretty chintzy company that won't replace their own failed equipment - mine does.)

I'd recommend staying with known modems, such as Motorola or, if you want to incorporate a router in the same box (which you should), d-Link or Linksys.  (Good modem/routers aren't much more expensive than plain modems.)

You'll still have to pay the same monthly fee you're paying for internet service, but you won't have to pay anything additional for the modem.  (And their tech support probably won't support the modem you get, unless you get the same make and model modem you have now.)

Answer 4

No you won't pay anything if you buy your own router, but I recommend you to get it from your ISP its for 100 and monthly fee will go up only if you get a faster internet connection than the one you already have. But its up to you, you can go ahead and buy a router if you want then configure it. It will work with your current modem and there is no extra charges.