Top modem and voice package options available.
Top modem and voice package options available.
When using cable modems, it’s important to check what your ISP supports. For example, Comcast offers a broad range of options. Based on my experience with Comcast, they were quite strict about voice modems—they only accepted certain models and would reject anything else for voice calls. Anything outside that list might work for internet speeds but wouldn’t function for voice communication. I reached out to Spectrum, and they explained they only billed monthly if a router was included. They provided standard cable modems instead of the inferior gateways other providers use, and they gave the modem free of charge.
You mentioned earlier that I couldn't update the post. After chatting on Reddit, I learned Spectrum doesn’t permit external voice modems—only their own. They supply free devices that handle both voice and internet. Thanks for your feedback; we previously used Roadrunner until Spectrum acquired them. It’s been a while since I’ve dealt with this situation, so I’m not up to date on the current details.
We’re dealing with an outdated modem that needs replacement. I just got a new Spectrum model to swap it in, which connects to another modem for internet access. It’s strange. I’m planning to share photos later (I often skip taking them because I’m too busy and frustrated). I’m organizing my communication setup and considering where to fit a compact rackmount unit. My confusion started when I misinterpreted a family friend’s comment, thinking they were suggesting the same thing.
Having dual modems with cable internet is something that happens occasionally. It’s not widespread but does occur. Many users previously relied on Comcast’s voice modem while keeping the internet connection separate, because they were strict about installing voice modems themselves. Customers would use the one provided by Comcast for voice calls and a second for browsing. Recently, Comcast improved its support for customer-owned voice devices, allowing you to use just one device instead of two. Honestly, the best day came when my mom switched from phone service to cellular. It was much simpler to inform Comcast about the $10 monthly fee and have it applied automatically. I’ve been using the SB6141 network for at least five years now. The cost has risen significantly—now it’s around $15 to $25 per month for a cable gateway rental (even with unlimited data). Saving that much is definitely a big win.
If we lose our phone, the cost would rise significantly compared to keeping the line. We hope AT&T installs fiber so we can attract more competition—since they only offer DSL, we’re limited to Spectrum. Some people appreciate not having a contract with Spectrum, but in truth they’re aware we’re locked in and just accept it. We can’t push back against them. Switching to cellular data would likely cost even more than our internet service.
I'm facing the same situation, but it's even worse. AT&T no longer covers this part of my city, and we can't access any voice services through them. Comcast is our only choice. We're paying $86 per month for 200 GB with a 1.2 TB limit. Maybe we could save money by signing up for a contact or using paperless billing. But after they accidentally took $300 from my sister's account last month, I'm not confident in their ability to handle automatic payments. Also, don't expect AT&T Fiber unless you're in a wealthy neighborhood—they likely won't serve it there. Even then, they'll carefully select areas. Only the affluent get Fiber; others are stuck with 5G, which will roll out only when networks are ready. Like Verizon, I doubt AT&T will focus on DSL or traditional phone lines much longer.
I understand the first time, but when something like that happens a second time I stop it. They already laid fiber and have people connected in the neighborhood behind us (we are connected by a road). Someone had talked to a worker and our neighborhood is queued so it is a waiting game until they get the green light. I figure within the next three years we will get connected. AT&T has been burying fiber all over town. My rough calculation is that in ten years most of the county will have fiber. Honestly I believe that if they went door to door and got a down payment of sorts and/or got people to sign a contract that they will connect once available and the customer pays X amount for Y amount of time, it would allow them to build up the funds to lay more fiber down.
Just keep in mind its not all sun shine and rose. My problem with AT&T Fiber is the shitty gateway they make you use. You dont get much of an option there. There is no true "Bridge" mode for the device, they do have a pass thru mode, but Ive read that its so so. Why they cant be like Verizon and just install an ONT and allow the user to use what ever equipment they want is beyond me.