Looking for a cable modem

starkweather · 17 Apr 2007 at 17:09

Hi

I am looking to buy a new cable modem. I want something that's reliable and something that can handle 20mb broadband for next month's upgrade with my ISP.

Thanks

PhillyDee · 17 Apr 2007 at 17:20

You mean ADSL modem? As Cable modems are supplied by the cable company.

Wingz · 17 Apr 2007 at 17:27

i think he means cable modem, virgin are offering modem upgrades for £25. what modem are you using now as it may be able to handle 20meg.

Werewolf · 17 Apr 2007 at 17:36

If you're in the U.K. you can only (now*) use modems supplied by the cable company.

The NTL/BY supplied Ambit 250 (blue, about 100x100x30mm) or black Ambit 255 should both cope fine with 20mb I believe.
Older modems may vary.

As mentioned Virgin will supply replacement modems cheap/free, certainly cheaper than buying a new modem yourself (which may flat out not work - Virgin only allow a handful of models on the network).

*You used to be able to buy them from an authorised supplier (when NTL first started the service that was what you had to do, iirc £175 for the modem).

dannyjo22 · 17 Apr 2007 at 17:39

If someone can confirm that the NTL 250 modem can work with 20 meg BB then I will send you my 3 month old one for free. I dont need it any longer as I moved house and had to go to adsl.

Its this model here http://www.cableforum.co.uk/article/141/ntl-release-new-broadband-modem

Any good to you let me know and its yours.

Wingz · 17 Apr 2007 at 17:50

max downstream for the 250 modem is 30 meg so you will be fine.

Avalon · 17 Apr 2007 at 18:25

i) You can't (legally) use a modem that isn't tied to an active account - it won't work unless it's on the same data node/area and the subscription is paid.

ii) You can't (legally) connect a modem other than those supplied to you by NTL/TW/Virgin to the cable network, it's a breach of the T&C's and see point i.

MANY years ago NTL offered modems for sale to customers (you pay for the modem and then got a reduced subscription), this was pulled a few years back and customers were given the option of having a newer modem and put on the normal subscription rate.

Even if you did come by a modem a) it's highly unlikley it's legally yours and b) it's useless without having a MAC that's shown as valid when it connects to the UBR and the only way that is going to happen is if Virgin add it and that's highly unlikley.