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discontent with ISP.


Boinker

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Hey guys. Been fighting issues with my internet provider and, for the sake off all things, my modem decided to take a dump tonight. Its an older modem but I can't fault it for 5 years of service. Now I contacted my ISP (cox) and got nothing short of a bs run around of why I HAVE to use one of their approved routers only and they will not activate one that I choose that has the same DOCSIS 3.0 certification.... Not only that the list of routers is short and full of brands I do not know.

 

Seriously what is up with that bull crap. So now I am trying to find a new ISP for TV and internet.

 

Do you guys know a good search engine for ISP providers by zip or city? I am so pissed off at the moment that I am It finding what I need effectively.

 

And help is appreciated. Until then I am running on crippled internet.

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Sadly I am stuck with the POS Verizon gives me with FIOS. I added an ASUS router for the Wireless N connectivity and have it hardwired in so wireless has improved but the service is oversold crippling bandwidth during peak hours. Unless of course its a ploy to force an upgrade. 

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Disclaimer: I work an ISP.

 

Most ISP support popular brands: Arris/Motorola, Netgear, and Ubee. Here is a list of supported Cox modems. If you're looking into reducing your monthly bill without downgrading services, getting rid of rental fees is the best way to start. Before you go out and drop $100+ on a modem/gateway, make sure you check your ISP's site for their supported list of modems. If its not on the list don't bother trying if its a D3 modem. I know my company will accept pretty much any D2 modem however. If you have phone with your ISP, look into an MTA (HSD/Phone) or a second cheaper D2 modem that does phone. To get rid of that rental fee you can't be using their modem for anything.

 

For D3 modems they need to be on the list due to maintenance and support reasons. I've seen several occasions where some issues were specific to a brand/model and ISPs have to work with them directly for a firmware fix. I don't expect these manufacturers are working for free either, hence the short list of supported modems.

 

Whether its worth renting a modem is based on your preferences and ISP's policies. I know my ISP will replace your modem if you ask free of charge, even if its not the issue (IE: end user error). Others may charge you a fee just to come out there and then another to exchange. So keep that in mind. For the most part if you buy a reasonably priced modem it'll pay for itself in a year.

 

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On another note, I think I have the Arris DG1670 modem. Its in bridged mode and I use a cheap $20-30 Netgear WNDR3700 router I bought years ago (no physical equipment issues for years). I would recommend using your own router. The WiFi in most of those all-in-one models are pretty poor and most likely your ISP will be charging you an extra fee to use the WiFi on them, because they know people are gonna call in asking to configure it and forgotten WiFi passwords.

Edited by WhenKittensATK

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Well, I went ahead and caved to my ISP. got this thing right here. Zoom 5341-00-00J 5341 Docsis 3.0 Cable Modem Ethernet Port DOCSIS 3.0

 

Anyhow. Hey there Crazy Asian, I completely understand their end of the deal and they want to support their clients and want a guarantee. But it ends up pissing me off.

 

There are two reasons.

 

 

I know how much I pay for my internet over the last 7 years that I have been with the ISP. It does not matter what they say or do they are making money hand over fist. Not only that their modem list only has  Their severe lack of compatible modems sickens me. I can understand if you don't mind running one of the routers that I refuse to run. The fact is I already Dump 65 a month into the cable alone. With that being said. The sad reality of the situation is I am financially constricted at the time. If I am going to spend my hard earned money on anything I require that I am comfortable with my purchase.

 

Last but not least is the run around I got from both the agents I spoke with. It took three times to get a straight answer out of that company and that is pathetic. I simply asked could I run a D3 modem of my choice off that list and I was fed uncertainty. Finally, I chatted with one of the agents and I got a straight answer out of her. Worst customer experience I have had to the day. Simply put. If I provided this level of service in my line of work. I would still be in the bosses office getting my butt chewed.

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The sad truth of the matter is an ISP does so many things and is very departmentalised. Depending on what tier you get, their knowledge will be limited to that tier's scope. I've heard some crazy stuff people have told customers, but I got out of customer technical support and will never go back.

Edited by WhenKittensATK

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The sad truth of the matter is an ISP does so many things and is very departmentalised. Depending on what tier you get, their knowledge will be limited to that tier's scope. I've heard some crazy stuff people have told customers, but I got out of customer technical support and will never go back.

 

And that is where they lose sight of the reason they are still in business. Making money and not caring about the end consumer that supports their stock price and share holders. TO many companies in this day and age have lost sight of good customer support. That poor customer support causes most people to stop fighting and give up when their issues are not resolved. ( Verizon billing anyone)  I know if I ask for a new device with FIOS I will get the runaround unless I go for the Quantum upgrade. At this point uploads are getting throttled and downloads get the go FU treatment during peak hours.  In that respect they are starting down the same road as communistcast.  Got to the point with them that the the internet went out at 6pm and came back up at 7am like clockwork.

 

Sorry you had to cave boinker. 

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