Internet Rate Hike

[BenJF3]

Anyone planning on buying their own modem to avoid the $3.95 rate hike from Time Warner disguised as a "modem fee"?

[UsualNoise]

I just locked into a rate for a year ... will this affect me now, or after the rate ends?

I had read somewhere that you don't pay the fee if you have cable also, but I'm guessing that isn't correct anymore.

It is ridiculous to the extreme that you don't pay the fee when you buy a cable modem for internet even if you keep THEIR modem for phone service (which you have to). Since I have phone service I don't know if it's worth it to buy a cable modem and have them all connected together. I guess it depends on how annoyed I am seeing the fee on my bill.

Also, I haven't been notified of any upcoming fee anywhere, so it's safe to assume it's not going to happen, right? RIGHT??

[BenJF3]

Was told the fee starts in November unless you are a Signature Home sub or have phone service. However, even if you have phone service and add Internet via the same device (one modem for phone and Internet), then they add the fee.

Not sure if it affects the promo rate or not. I know having cable has noting to do with it.

Another thing to be wary of if/when buying your own modem is support. Want to bet once you are using your own modem that TWC will look to pass the buck because it's YOUR equipment?

If you do plan on buying your own modem, be sure to check your divisions approved modem list. They are only approving about 3-4 modems in my division.

[scott]

You should be able to use any modem, not just what's on TWC's "approved list," unless they're somehow able to ignore FCC regulations.

transition.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/1998/nrcb8013.txt

The pertinent part:

Section 629 covers not just equipment used to receive video programming, but also
equipment used to access "other services offered over multichannel video programming
systems." Such equipment includes televisions, VCRs, cable set-top boxes, personal
computers, program guide equipment, and cable modems. The focus of Section 629,
however, is on cable television set-top boxes and cable modems, devices that have
historically been available only on a lease basis from the service provider.

Subscribers have the right to attach any compatible navigation device to a multichannel
video programming system.

[bob550]

Today's Times Union has an article stating that there is a lot of backlash as well as class-action lawsuits over this modem charge. The article also goes on to say that Time Warner reduced the price charged to its Internet-only customers by $3.95 per month. Can anyone confirm this? It appears that it would be prudent to wait this out to see how it ends before buying your own modem.