There are common questions arising time and over again, including whether a subscriber has to rent a modem from AT&T. So in short, for this question, the answer is no, you don’t have to rent your modem from AT&T. When it comes to getting modem for AT&T internet, you do have some choices as a consumer.
To sum up, renting vs buying a modem means to make a choice between two possible options of paying for the device.
I was informed that AT&T costs $10 per month to rent a modem from them. This amounts to $120 over the year times the number of years of the credit period. Let’s say you go through two years of renting; you would be a loser by now having paid over $200 for something you could have bought for $100 or even less if you shopped carefully. There is a downside to renting a modem, though: If there is something wrong with the modem, AT&T is going to give you a new one free of charge. Nonetheless, it often is cost-effective in the long run to buy your own compatible modem instead of continuing to rent.
What should be noted is that AT&T modems are also routers, wAPs, and telephone devices for connecting to the wired telephone line. Well, renting might do the trick if you would like to have all of those functions consolidated into one piece of equipment that is being taken care of by AT&T. Purchasing your personal modem will assist you in cutting down your monthly expenses; however, you might need to obtain additional routers, Wi-Fi devices, and phone lines.
Which modem supports AT&T?
If you choose to get a modem from a non-AT&T vendor, ensure that the modem is compatible with your internet plan from AT&T. The main things to look for are.
- Compatibility with your AT&T internet type: Modern plans are based on ADSL or VDSL internet. Cable modems won’t work.
- Compatible with speed tier that you pay for AT&T - For instance, ensure that the modem , you purchase comes with download capacity of 75Mps if you pay for it. Virtually all cable modems have a higher speed but in order to support these speeds there needs to be another modem.
To get an approved modem to use with the Internet service Provider, one needs to purchase from the retail stores or any online shop from the list of approved modems by the company. They are also subject to change from time to time, so one must make sure to look for the most compatible one in todays market. The key things that should be checked include confirming the modem’s compatibility with VDSL or ADSL connectivity together with the subscribed speed tier.
Getting a new modem from AT&T is the method of activating a new modem from another company that is not affiliated with AT&T.
Although you cannot bring your own compatible modem when renting an AT&T modem, you can buy your own modem for use on the network and you will need to configure it. The overall process is fairly simple:The overall process is fairly simple:
1. Follow the installation instructions to set up your modem and attach it properly. Switch on the modem and plug it to your internet line.
2. Dial the number used for activation that comes with the modem from AT&T. The user should expect to be asked to provide identification as well as the modem’s serial number or MAC address.
3. They then activate on their side and this might take up to 15 minutes or more. This may require you to power cycle the modem in the process and there are specific instructions that are provided to guide you through the power cycling process.
4. Perform several connectivity tests to rule out a problem with your modem connecting to the right systems with AT&T.
The steps to activate the modem are simple so long as you have a compatible modem for the service provider. In this case, AT&T connects the equipment to their network, for purposes of identifying the services which you subscribed for. To be on the safe side, expect the activation call to last at least 20 minutes or more depending on the flow of events.
AT&T Internet Modem Alternatives
Beyond renting an AT&T gateway or buying your own compatible modem, you do have a couple of other options
Own router only – AT&T internet is flexible and some of its plans do not require customers to rent a modem but instead, they can use their own Wi-Fi router connected to the internet line directly. This has the advantage of eliminating rental fees and modem costs all together. Some accounts do not require a modem, yet certain accounts do not support the functionality; ensure you read more on the plan.
No equipment – This is in wired internet plans where occasionally, one may be able to do without any equipment at all. One would be able to plug devices into the Internet cable directly coming out of the wall through an Ethernet. This works if WiFi is not a must, but this is rare in most situations. Check with AT&T to make certain no modem would be necessary.
Many customers will continue to use an AT&T modem for rent or purchase another modem that is compatible with the service. Though it is good to know that in case your circumstances allow one of the other setups, you are not exactly compelled to pay modem rental fees. Each location has its particular requirement depending on the address and the account number.
Riding the ‘Free’ Coaxial Cable Elephant: Getting Past the Rental Modem Mindset
When it comes to phone and cable companies, it is a common practice to familiarize customers with the idea that leased modems are inevitable. And for simplicity’s sake rent is desired because the provider of rental is also the one who maintains or operates the hardware. However, as an individual consumer, buying your own modem is much cheaper in the long run.
If you are not sure what type of modem to use with AT&T internet, you should be glad to know that there are other modem types you can purchase rather than renting directly from AT&T and this will help you decide on the best home networking option. Using a few minutes to turn on modem equipment you own enables AT&T internet service provisions that do not involve paying monthly rental costs that reduce the overall value in the long-term. The only reason for choosing the latter is if you need the simplicity of an all-in-one gateway appliance If you are okay with it then bringing your modem is the better option.
Call (844) 905-5001 to get a new AT&T connection now!
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