Apparently Comcast is in dire financial straights. If America’s largest cable provider doesn’t raise the cable modem rental fee to $5 from $3, it will not be able to roll out the faster Internet service, DOCSIS 3.0, and the executives won’t be able to get new trousers. Sure, the provider had enough cash to build a massive skyscraper and an impressive HD video wall in Philadelphia, but if you want faster Internet, some folks are going to have to pay more. It’s probably a good idea to point out that you can save a lot of money by purchasing your own cable modem.
Amazon has the Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem for only $55. At that price, it would only take you eleven months to recover the cost. But if your area has the faster DOCSIS 3.0, you may want to spend a little extra and get the $85 SB6120 that’s compatible with Internet connections over 30Mbps. But remember, you’ll still save money in 17 months. (and you won’t be giving more money to evil Comcast)
In a statement, Comcast said: “We continually invest in providing customers with next-generation equipment and technology that delivers advanced voice and Internet services with enhanced capabilities. Our costs for this new equipment will increase by 167% over the next two years. As a result, we will increase modem equipment charges by $2.”
The rate hike will start this fall in select markets, but eventually the whole Comcast nation will be affected.
One more reason I’m happy that I finally switched to Qwest a couple of months ago.
Well, that, and faster speed, cheaper service, and no bandwidth cap.
If only my Actiontec modem wasn’t a piece of crap, things would be perfect (2wire is ordered, on the way.)
wishing there was one with a phone jack.. .i get landline service provided by comcast too and the modem I have has a phone jack.
Thanks for throwing this up. Great reminder to finally switch internet service to Verizon FIOS.
I might have to see if Quest offers service in my area. I don’t really use much TV and I’d love to get away from Comcast’s awful customer service. I have serious problems with the wires leading to my house when it gets extremely hot or cold out and every time I have Comcast come out to check them they say, essentially, “deal with it.”
Good tip on buying your own modem… I might have to do that.
Also, is trousers the word of the day around here?
Here you go. It looks like they only have services in the western US. I happen to live in the Denver area, where they’re based.
They’ve been rolling out fiber optic service across the city over the last couple years, which is what made me finally switch. 20mbit service for $55/month for a year was just too good to pass up. (I was paying $60/month to Comcast for 8mbit before.)
Looks like Minnesota is covered… thanks for the link, I’ll look into it!
Theres really not much choice in my area for cable internet other than comcast. There are several dsl companies aorund but they are all very slow, around 3mbit, my comcast is 12mbit.
Hello everyone,
My team and I would be more than happy to look into eveyone’s concern here. Please email us at We_can_help@cable.comcast.com or you can tweet us @comcastcares #@comcastbill @comcastmelissa, @comcastbonnie, @comcastdete
Best,
Detreon Roberts
National Customer Operations
Comcast Corp
We_can_Help@cable.comcast.com
I just wanted to say that I find the title of this article offensive. I can promise you that no matter how much Comcast decides to charge, they are not RAPING anyone. Rape is a crime where the victim is left traumatized. Equating being overcharged by your cable company to that is a slap in the face to rape victims.