Cheapest cable modem access

[MazingerZ]

Hi all,

A few weeks ago I canceled my membership with TCI/@HOME ($40/month) because of connection problems and lame customer service. Now I regret that, I really really miss my low ping for online gaming :frown:

I am trying to understand what's the cheapest way to go back to @home. I know this is not exactly a Hot Deal, but I am just trying to help everybody, no flames please.

(1) The cheapest fee (in my area, Fremont CA) is $30/month if you have your own cable modem. I found this information here and when I called them they confirmed it:

AT&T@Home's standard monthly service charge in most markets is $39.95 per month. This price includes leasing your cable modem. If you have purchased a cable modem the monthly service cost is $29.95. All markets do not offer both options. Please call 1-888-824-8101 for more information.

(2) This is compatible with their free installation + 2 months free service offer. I also called to confirm that.

(3) Buying a cable modem ... that's the trickiest part:
(3.1) What standard must be supported by the cable modem?
DOCSIS is the new standard (approved by the ITU a year ago) and this is the way to go. After having done some research this is my conclusion: if you buy a non DOCSIS cable modem it is pretty likely that in the future you'll have to eat it once your provider upgrades the network. However, you must make sure (calling) that your provider supports DOCSIS in your area
(3.2) Internal or external?
Internal is cheap and not reliable/flexible. External is expensive and reliable/flexible. That depends on your budget, your quality standards and your LAN topology.
(3.3) What brand/model?
Buy a cable modem supported by your provider.
(3.4) Where can I buy it??!!
This is an interesting link.
So far those are the places I have found:
- for the 3Com® HomeConnect? Cable Modem TMI (cheap alternative) and the 3Com® HomeConnect? Cable Modem External (great alternative) go to minotaur or computers4sure
- for the MOTOROLA CABLE MODEM SB3100 (great alternative) go to Erwincomp.

Do you know about a better way to get a cheap cable modem access?
Do you know about coupons (minotaur seems to accept coupons) or something else to make this cheaper?
Lets make a hot deal!!

 

[urbantechie]

Renting the modem is best. Why?

1) If it breaks, they will fix/replace.
2) If your modem don't work, your screwed.

 

[MazingerZ]

I know, I know .. and I agree with you. I forgot to mention those inconvenients. However, after my 2.5 years using @home I have never had a problem with their cable modem. This is why I am not very affraid about buying a cable modem.

I am only trying to find a way to pay less than $40/month. The money you pay for a cheap internal cable modem ($116) can be recovered after awhile, that's my point.

Anyway, I still agree with you, this is a deal for risky people like me

 

[Angrymarshmello]

Cable rates are all regional - my cousins in Germantown, TN (near Memphis) pay only $30 a month for Road Runner (@Home is $30 there also) whereas both are $40 where I live.

 

[attention]

I had the @home service for a while. I strongly recommend an external cable modem, as the internal from them failed 2 times (it is very hot).
I got me the one from RCA.
The cool thing with that one was, that it has a small email LED which turns on, if you have email pending.
Instead of letting the PC run and run the whole time (and poll for emails every 5 minutes or so, I "woke" up the PC when I saw there was an email.
Then there is the issue of "sharing". With an external one + a switch/firewall, your neighbor(s) can share the costs.....

I Forgot this: If you plan to stay for a year or so, go buy it. you can sell it afterwards easily on e_bay for a good price.

 

[urbantechie]

Attention: Cool, I want that modem now! . I am using the Surfboard SB3100. Works great. I'd rather have yours though!

 

[MazingerZ]

Nice, now I really feel like buying one
Attention, where did you buy yours and how much did you pay?

 

[attention]

It is called DCM 205, but they have changed the casing a little bit.

Hope the link workshope this link works

alse:http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/1,1322,PI45054-CI305,00.html?

 

[attention]

I got it as a test/promotion for 150$ but had to report any errors etc.
Later I sold it for 220$ on e_bay.
BTW: another thing is to care for is the fan (if you don't mind the noise don't worry) .
I looked at another cable modem (don't remember which) and it had a small fan!
But maybe nowadays they all have not a fan anymore?