New 2Gbps service ONLY with Cox modem/router?
I presently have the Cox 1Gbps Internet service. Have generally been very satisfied with Cox service. Got a cable modem when first offered here (1998), and have upgraded to faster plans when offered....
Forum Discussion
I can't speak specifically to the 2G service tier as no such creature exists in my area. My experience was the result of being offered Gig at a promotional discount. I don't really need gigabit but the promotional rate was better than my Preferred so I took the bait. The online ordering process will ask you to choose your preferred option for modem/router. The options include Pano..... and nothing else. So I decided to call and see what could be done and somebody was able to process the order using the existing retail device I had.
My existing router has 9 interfaces running currently, I doubt any canned solution designed for the lowest common denominator customer is going to be able to provide comparable functionality.
I think the reason you had to call was a problem with the online ordering system not having a option for retail programed into it. The rep was able to over ride it and manually provision the modem onto the account. I think the issue with 2G service is a restriction built into the database software used to set up that Cox account. It's kind of like how you can't provision a DVR box onto a account unless it has the DVR service. I think it's called a prerequisite. There might be a work around but it doubt it's anything Tier 1 can handle.
Given what the OP shared it sounds like it very closely describes my experience trying to complete the order online. Without more info it's hard to say for certain if that's the case. I too tried to go through the steps of selecting my order preferences and it just offers you the Pano or nothing option and if you proceed it gets automatically added at the applicable cost.
So to the OP, I suggest calling in and seeing if this can be manually processed for a compatible retail modem.
Hopefully I am wrong. I am also watching the DSLReports thread OP posted on. 2G service is such a niche market anyway it makes sense for there to be power user options. The Panoramic gateway just doesn't cut it for many.
It may be that Docsis Engineering hasn't completed testing on modems other that the ones Cox rents out. As Docsis Engineering tests and passes the other modems, they should be added to the accepted list.
