How I Grossly Overpaid My Cable Internet Bill For the Last Two Years
By Danny. Filed in Frugal Living, Frugal Office |
Did you know most cable internet companies charge a monthly modem rental fee for use of their modem?
Yep, they sure do and to the tune of $6 a month, which a year turns out to be a staggering $72. Ridonkulous indeed. When you stop and think about it (like I finally did) you realize that over time this little $6 monthly fee adds up fast. It took me two years to connect the dots on this one. Shame on me. I’ve been paying the $6 monthly modem fee on my cable internet bill ever since I moved and signed up for service from Cable One. Duh! But there’s a simple thing I did to save this money each year, and that is to buy a modem. As in I got my own modem. Don’t give your local cable internet company another dime, instead opt to keep that money in your pocket.
If you’re wondering where to get your mitts on a good cable internet modem, below are a few suggestions.
1. Walmart – there’s a Motorola cable internet modem on their website that as of this writing retails for less than $55 and it’s the exact model Cable One “rented” to me.
2. Amazon -another solid online source for finding a good Motorola cable internet modem
3. Best Buy – try your local BB and see if they have one in stock. You should be able to score a reliable and brand name net modem for less than $70. Give them a shot first if you’re in a hurry for one, if not – then online is your best bet.
4. eBay – if you’re looking for something possibly refurbished and cheaper, then you know eBay is your man. Uh, site! Search for “cable internet modem” (without the quotes) and see what groovy auctions pop up.
5. FRC a/k/a Friend/Relative/Co-worker – ask your social network if they have an extra modem they no longer use and then offer a few bucks for it. Just make sure it’s a cable internet modem and not a regular cable TV modem.
Now you know to check your cable internet bill and see if you’re paying a monthly rental fee for a modem. If you are, call the company asap and tell them you’re going to buy one on your own and you will no longer be needing theirs. Then drop it off or mail it back and be proud you’ve decided to SAVE BIG MONEY. Yay!
Did I help you with this tip? If so, please let me know in the comment area. I hope I helped you!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links at coupon sites that help support FrugalQuack.com. Thanks for using them!Tags: amazon, best buy, cable internet modem, cable one, ebay, frc, how to save on your internet cable bill, motorola, walmart
Sunday, September 12th 2010 at 10:38 AM
Since I am living in a hotel for now, I don’t have to worry about this (although I am sure it’s included in my rate
).. it does bother me when I see fees that make no sense.
Like on my cellphone bill: “System Access Fee – $6.95″ WHAT IS THAT!?
Anyway.
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Wednesday, September 15th 2010 at 8:19 PM
Hi,
I hear you on the hotel and the misc rates. Cell phone companies are notorious for this, but many times consumers don’t even bother to look.
But we are getting smarter at looking at our bills and paying better attention, right? Lol.