I just spoke with the Cox telephone team again (on the phone number they tell you to call for the conversion).
I learned a little bit more:
- They do know your cutoff date for conversion. People in the forum have been unable to get date information from Cox, myself included. I ended up speaking with a supervisor, and she was able to tell me my conversion window, and it's comforting. My conversion wave started in January 2018 and it ends in December 2019 (yes, 2019, not 2018), so at least I know my phone isn't going to get cut off next month and I have some time to figure out wiring issues, etc. The supervisor told me that some Cox people don't know where to look for the information, but it is on your account. So, if you can't get it, ask for a supervisor. That's the most helpful information Cox has been able to give me. Hooray! I thanked the supervisor.
- I also found out that the conversion deadlines have been extended a few times. My guess is they aren't getting people converted as quickly as they had planned.
- Apparently they do offer a battery for the Arris TM3402. It's also $29.95. The supervisor told me they are required by law to provide a battery backup option for all landline modems.
- She said many landline customers preferred having a separate telephone and internet modem and it's no problem to set it up that way if I want to do that.
- The supervisor also said the modems would handle alarm and fax signals (something most Cox people have avoided answering). I'm starting to believe it might work (as long as it's wired properly). I've been doing some searches on the topic. I don't remember all the technical things I've read about how the calls are handled, but the cable company VOIP systems can have higher quality than what you'd get with a service like Vonage or Ooma. The age of your alarm system might also have an impact.
- The supervisor said she's only seen one case where a tech wasn't able to convert a residence to the new system. (I'll likely be the second unless I rewire things before the tech arrives). I couldn't get any comment about whether their techs would run wires inside of walls, etc. I'm pretty sure they won't. Maybe I could have the tech come out and see if he's baffled or not.
Anyway...I hope that's helpful information to some people. I'm glad to know I have a little bit of breathing room on the conversion. That will give me some time to figure out what to do with my wiring.
