Ok so to understand about the modem portion. I don't need to rent their modem. If I just pay for internet I can go get a modem from a store to use. Don't they require you to use theirs?

 

^ I think some do and some don't. It is worth finding out though. You can get a good price on a modem from newegg.

 

^^ I have cable one and they were 100% fine with me using my own modem. i just had to give the rental to them.

I just got a motorola surfboard off newegg for like $40.

Also i know this sounds weird but with my own modem my internet sped up like 300kbps

 

Comcast allows you to use your own modem as long as you don't have their phone service too. Did you click the link?

You have my sympathy. They are the worst cable company I've ever dealt with. Their Internet service is so bad I use AT&T DSL.

 

So did you ever get it worked out?

 

No, but you'll need to let them know you are using your own modem. They'll have to add the MAC address to their DHCP server.

 

WOW you guys pay a lot for Comcrap.

I also have Comcast but I have Digital Starter
HD DVR
HBO
20mbs internet
use my own modem ~$70 to buy a motorolla vs rent their crappy one

I get HBO for $5/month for a year
I get my HDDVR for $7/month for a year

My bill with tax is $106 and have the free upgrade for internet. I have been with them for 4 years and always call when my bill goes up and have them lower it. Its ridiculous how much they charge. I got the free internet upgrade after they screwed up my account and took them 2 months to fix my email. Once it goes up again, I will call and tell them to lower it or cancel my account. There are tons of other options out there for people and comcast knows that. Why else would they always lower people's rates with "special offers"....there not special, just can't cheat every person and they know that.

They have horrible customer service, which is why they changed their name to Xfinity to get away from the bad reputation that Comcast has.

 

I work for a lagre cable company up here in Canada. The quickest way to reduce the bill is to select the mid speed service. This will be what you will need and use. The higher speeds are only good if you stay within the ISP service area. The moment you enter the Internet outside of the ISP routers you end up going the same speed as all the others. Think of the freeway etc. during off hours and during rush hours. Most of the net is in rush hour traffic. Why pay more and not really get it? Move down to a mid-speed service. You can save if you get your own modem.

As for poor internet service ... it is usually an issue in the service drop to the house with poor connectors, splitters, wiring as well as POOR GROUNDS!!! If it is not grounded the noise does affect the signals. The other area is usually within a block or two of your home. The hopefully technical service rep should be able to "read" your modem's nominals to see it there is an issue with your service. If they do not seem to be able to help, always ask for the second level suport. It is there to spend the extra required to correct the problem BTW ... I have been with the company over 36 1/2 years in a technical position. I did start Internet over cable in 1985 ... T1 over coax ... There are many tings that can cause poor service including the radio shack & home depot splitters/cables/connectors. These do NOT meet the minimum technical specifications that we require. Get to know some cable guys or look for some of their supliers and get their products.