Is it worth getting an unlocked modem for FTTC + router recommendations please

[Spudgun]

I've not followed the FTTC rollout from the start, so please forgive me for some rather basic questions, but with roadworks.org suggesting that work on my cabinet is due to start next week I thought it best to start making preparations even though it could be several months before the cabinet goes live.

Firstly, is it worth purchasing an unlocked modem via e-bay to be able to access the stats etc? Hopefully as I am asking well in advance I can scout for a bargain rather than a buy it now last minute purchase?

Secondly, if I do go for an unlocked modem, should I get an ECI one or a Huawei one?

Finally, are the Asus WRT based routers routers still the router of choice for managing home connections? (I would be connecting 1 x PC, 2 x phones, 1 x tablet, 1x laptop, 1 x TV, 1 x Sky HD, 1 x Bluray, 1 x xbox360 and my WDTV to the network - which i currently have connected via a set of switches, homeplugs and wireless).

Many thanks for any help offered

 

[bremen1874]

There isn't much you can do with the line stats even if you have them.

 

[Caged]

Just ask for a modem when your service is installed. There is still a modem allocated to each FTTC install, it just doesn't get used if you have a Home Hub 5.

That being said, there's no advantage to having the separate modem if your router of choice has a VDSL modem built in. My AirPort didn't, so I used the separate modem.