I've been getting warning letters from Cox stating that I have to update my phone "equipment to the latest technology in order to avoid a service impact in the future." Apparently this means that a CISCO DPQ3212 modem with eMTA will be installed to "fix and upgrade" my service.(I also get a bribe of $20 if I "act now" before May 10!) Currently I have a ARRIS SURFboard SB6183 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem and I am happy with my internet service so I don't see why I need to replace it with the CISCO DPQ3212 modem. Also, I only see 2 phone connections on the back of the DPQ3212 modem - how does this connect to the 4 phone outlets I currently have. I am happy with my basic landline phone service and don't want any bells and whistles. Do I really need to change now or ever? Or can I just stick with what I have? Thanks.

I am getting the same thing and I am happy with what I have. We have 5 phones currently throughout our house. Seems like a way to get in the door so they can charge a monthly fee later.

@Ed Head You would not need to swap out the SB6183 modem for internet and keep it active for internet services. However the Cisco MTA may be needed to use all of the phone features, it would connect back to the wall outlet allowing you to use the same phone outlets in the home. The Cisco DPQ3212 could use any cable outlet in the home that is active or replace any existing phone MTA modem you have already. ---

Thanks EdwardH.Good to know I can keep using my SB6183 modem for internet. I do have some more questions. How does the Cisco DPQ3212 "connect back to the wall outlet allowing you to use the same phone outlets in the home", as you say? I'm looking at the back of the Cisco modem and don't understand how that works. The modem includes the following connection ports: POWER - Connects the cable modem to the power adapter ETHERNET - Connects to the Ethernet port on your computer USB - Connects to the USB port on your computer TELEPHONE 1 and 2 - Connects to the telephone (or fax) RESET - Used by Cox maintenance to reset the modem - may delete all previous settings CABLE - Connects to the cable wall outlet How would I bypass the internet features and just use the phone features. Do I need to hook it up to the cable outlet from the wall just for phone features? And, as far as phone features, what if I just want to make and receive calls? Period. Nothing else. I just want to maintain my basic 4 landlines. Do I really need the Cisco modem if I'm happy with basic phone service? Can I stick with what I have now?

@ Ed Head You would still need to have coax cable hook up to your Cisco DPQ3212 and plug a phone cord into port 1/2 then plug the other end into one of the phone jack in the wall that should distribute the dial tone to all of the jacks at your residents.

Thanks for the good info, Jonathanj. Just a few more questions ... As far as phone features, what if I just want to make and receive calls? Period. Nothing else. I just want to maintain my basic 4 landlines. Do I really need the Cisco modem if I'm happy with basic phone service? Can I stick with what I have now?

Immediate Action Required ???

27 Replies

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bakcoon
New Contributor
I am getting the same thing and I am happy with what I have. We have 5 phones currently throughout our house. Seems like a way to get in the door so they can charge a monthly fee later.
EdwardH
Valued Contributor
@Ed Head You would not need to swap out the SB6183 modem for internet and keep it active for internet services. However the Cisco MTA may be needed to use all of the phone features, it would connect back to the wall outlet allowing you to use the same phone outlets in the home. The Cisco DPQ3212 could use any cable outlet in the home that is active or replace any existing phone MTA modem you have already.

---
Ed_Head
Contributor II
Thanks EdwardH.Good to know I can keep using my SB6183 modem for internet. I do have some more questions.

How does the Cisco DPQ3212 "connect back to the wall outlet allowing you to use the same phone outlets in the home", as you say? I'm looking at the back of the Cisco modem and don't understand how that works.

The modem includes the following connection ports:

POWER - Connects the cable modem to the power adapter

ETHERNET - Connects to the Ethernet port on your computer

USB - Connects to the USB port on your computer

TELEPHONE 1 and 2 - Connects to the telephone (or fax)

RESET - Used by Cox maintenance to reset the modem - may delete all previous settings

CABLE - Connects to the cable wall outlet

How would I bypass the internet features and just use the phone features. Do I need to hook it up to the cable outlet from the wall just for phone features? And, as far as phone features, what if I just want to make and receive calls? Period. Nothing else.

I just want to maintain my basic 4 landlines. Do I really need the Cisco modem if I'm happy with basic phone service? Can I stick with what I have now?
JonathanJ
Former Moderator
@ Ed Head

You would still need to have coax cable hook up to your Cisco DPQ3212 and plug a phone cord into port 1/2 then plug the other end into one of the phone jack in the wall that should distribute the dial tone to all of the jacks at your residents.
Ed_Head
Contributor II
Thanks for the good info, Jonathanj. Just a few more questions ...

As far as phone features, what if I just want to make and receive calls? Period. Nothing else.

I just want to maintain my basic 4 landlines. Do I really need the Cisco modem if I'm happy with basic phone service? Can I stick with what I have now?
JonathanJ
Former Moderator
You would need the modem for any phone service with Cox. Cox is proactively updating the network by removing outdated Circuit Switch technology that will cease to be manufactured in the future and replacing it with up to date Packet Switch technology. Customers impacted by CS2PS will have their existing Network Interface Unit (NIU) disconnected and will need to have either an Internet Telephone Modem or an Internet Telephone Wi-Fi Modem installed by a technician.
Ed_Head
Contributor II
Thanks Jonathan J. You sound like you know what you're talking about! I appreciate your responses.

Maybe I'll drop my landline and just use my cell phone. Do you have any idea when the drop-dead date will be in San Diego 92102?
CarolLM
Former Moderator
Hi, at this time we do not have the drop dead date of when this change must be completed by; however, you won't want to wait too long. Because you've been notified you'll want to consider the credit offer and your letter may advise how long that offer is available. Let us know if you have any further questions or concerns, we're here to assist you! Thanks for your loyalty to Cox Communications and have a wonderful weekend!
karinSD
New Contributor
So, to clarify, the new digital phone modem [CISCO DPQ3212] will need to be placed inside my home where there is an electrical outlet, a coax cable and a phone jack? It does not need to be located near a phone, and it will support multiple phone extensions throughout the home?

Might it be beneficial to place it near a streaming device so the ethernet can be used for direct internet connection (instead of using wi-fi for the streaming device)? I'm trying to determine where to place the new modem so it's not in the way and might provide some benefit. Also, there is no additional cost for the new modem (at this time), except for the $30 battery that is optional?

Please advise...thanks so much.
cpljp
Contributor
It only needs to be placed near a telephone jack if you plant on back feeding dial tone through out your house phone wiring. If you have wireless phone sets, you can just plug in the main base directly into the back of this MTA and bypass your old house wiring.