Does Cox offer a free phone Modem?

Bruce,

Thanks, that's exactly the information I thought was correct. My last phone call I end asked specifically for the Arris TG1682. I was told it would be $10.99/a month. When I asked how Cox could charge me for a phone that was required to have the phone line, I was told 'all modems supplied by Cox come with a charge.' I don't know what the problem is, but this is the 3 rep I've dealt with telling me the same info (2 on chat, and one via phone. If someone here could help I'd be EXTREMELY grateful. Have a msg out for Cox Twitter support, as they are usually on the ball, but understandably they are a little busy right now. 

As you know, the ARRIS Surfboard TG1682 is DOCSIS 3.0, Cox Voice and WiFi.  Sure, if you need a DOCSIS and WiFi, Cox will rent it to you.

However, you already have a DOCSIS and WiFi, so you only need the telephone modem (eMTA).  Cox used to have standalone eMTA devices but I believe they've issued all.  Cox can't rent you an eMTA, so they'll have to issue something and if that something is a combo device, so be it.  Free issue.  Some day you'll need to return it so don't lose it.

Also, if you go to the Solution Store for your eMTA, make sure the rep performs the required third-party verification process.  Mine didn't and it screwed me up for a week.

eMTA! That was the magic word! Think I finally got the ball rolling with them now, thank you so much!

Don't forget the third-party verification process.

Also, if your house wasn't previously rewired for packet-switching (VoIP) a tech will need to rewire your demarc.  Every house is different so they'll either rewire at the NIU, patch-panel or however your house is configured.

The rewire is nothing.  I tired to watch how the tech did it but he was so quick, I missed it.  He probably just pulled something off.  I don't know.

So...

Stand your ground because the eMTA is a free issue
3rd party verification process
Tech to rewire for VoIP

I was assuming the OP would pay for the Cox Voice service but didn't want to buy or rent equipment to activate it.

unclear motive, maybe op will reply!

I was always suspicious of Cox Lego-blocking their eMTA into combo units.  I already had a DOCSIS and router...although old...but the rep was overly aggressive to get me to rent their router.  "My stuff works, dude.  I just need the eMTA."  He had no choice but to freely issue another DOCSIS-eMTA unit.

they made me a deal, i wanted to eliminate the land line & when i was in the store they swapped the digital triple unit for pano saving some $70/month.

the pano unit had phone capability, i saved $$$ & setup the land line with a new number & was close to double the speed of the old router.

Why'd Cox change your telephone number?