Must install a modem for basic phone service
On Friday 5/18 I was working from home & my broadband went down, including phone. Viewing the app told me there was a service issue in the area I saved a screen shot lol) but when I called an hour l...
Forum Discussion
For the past 10-15 years, Cox provided Digital Telephone Service. We didn't (don't) need a modem to receive the service because a Network Interface Unit (NIU) outside our homes sent the digital signal to our analog telephones.
The NIU is old technology because it's Circuit Switched. An Embedded Multimedia Terminal Adapter (eMTA) is new technology because it's Packet Switched. For Cox, Packet Switched will be a more efficient network. For us, Packet Switched will be more telephone features, such as better call-blocking.
Cox needs to migrate their telephone service from the NIU outside our homes to an eMTA inside our homes. However, it appears Cox has encountered some obstacles during the migration.
Until your Friday 5/18, I was like you. I'm ignoring their emails, door hangers and letters and still receiving telephone service. My cutoff date was six months ago. When Cox finally pulls the plug on my NIU, I'll get the eMTA. It appears Cox finally pulled your plug. When your broadband went down, it was probably Cox reprovisioning your NIU, neighborhood node and headend.
As far as the internal "disconnect" at Cox, I'd give the reps some leeway. Although they're aware of the migration, they probably don't know the specific cutoff dates. As of now, does everyone NEED an eMTA? No. In the future, will everyone need an eMTA? Yes. When will I need an eMTA? We're not crystal clear because of some obstacles.
I too will not appreciate another Cox box. I could get an all-in-one Cox box (Cable Modem, eMTA, router) but that'll incur another rental fee. No thanks. Cox has to freely issue an eMTA and its electricity would be cheaper than a monthly fee.
Well, this was my response to the same issue:
COX,
I need clarity please?
- What does this “most advanced phone equipment available” do? Does it do more than make phone calls?
- My current phone does not require electricity, a coaxial connection or a modem that connects to the wires in my home, so how is this improved and more advanced?
- Per the COX telephone representative, 911 will not know my location…huh!!!! That takes about 10 steps back. My current system, 911 knows exactly where I live.
- The new advanced system will only work for 4-8 hours during a power outage? Huhh, what, my current system will work for years during a power outage. How can this be advanced.
- The new advanced system requires a backup battery, yet you are going to charge for that, yet, I don’t need a backup battery today… Say What!
- The new advanced system uses a modem that will eventually require firmware updates, prone to hacking, has an IP address, etc, etc. How is this advanced…. This is a telephone, it’s just a phone, so why all this extra equipment to run a phone.
Lastly, a few weeks back the COX network to include cable, VIOP and internet were down for hours, what do you do now? You cannot make a phone call to 911 if you need help? My current copper phone line system worked during that outage, and you call this “advanced”.
Clarity please, as this makes no sense to me.
Exactly!! This "upgrade" is a "downgrade" and only benefits Cox. Good news is made us decide we don't need our land lines after living without them and enjoying not been harrassed all night by political calls and the IRS from India! We are moving in the next 60 days and when we do we will cancel our land lines - oh - sorry - cox informed me there aren't any "land lines" anymore.......we will cancel our "modem" phone. I suggest everyone consider whether they need a "modem" phone.........I'm sure you already have a cell that works just fine........
- @DJV I can certainly understand your concern with this change and you can find more information about the change in service here: www.cox.com/.../cs2ps2.html -Allan Cox Support Forums Moderator
