NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] Issues in cable modem rentals, etc.
It's worth noting that according to the same press reports, Comcast customers (at least in some regions) have the option of buying cable modems (DOCSIS 3.0 ~$100 at Fry's reportedly) instead of paying the cable modem rental fee. However, in Time Warner Cable systems (at least those that I'm familiar with) there is no cable modem fee, so no value to buying your own modem (assuming TWC would even be willing to enable it). This bring up a key fact. It's almost impossible for ordinary subscribers to fully understand the cost structures of these systems, especially when hardware is bundled into monthly service fees rather than as line items. But even when hardware is unbundled, service rates can be arbitrarily raised to help make up the difference. The TV side of cable systems is illustrative. You can -- in theory -- avoid high set top box rental fees by using cableCARD devices, but the pricing of cableCARDS is also arbitrary and rising rapidly, and devices that use them are hobbled (at least until more true "two way" devices hit the market). An even bigger problem is that much of the time getting cableCARDS activated is such an incredible mess, often involving confused techs and multiple visits, that few non-techie subscribers are likely to want to bother. All of this is pretty much symptomatic of the oligarchical telecom environment in the U.S., with a few gigantic telecom companies in command of the vast majority of subscribers. --Lauren-- NNSquad Moderator