Does Cox offer a free phone Modem?
Reading on the forums that they do, but whenever I call or chat with support, they are telling me I need to rent a modem for $10.99 a month, or if I want to purchase one for $129.99, I have walk into...
Forum Discussion
Hmm...sounds like bad info. Read this post and if you still have questions, ask.
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.
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
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.
