Xfinity's modem/router needed?
 

We are moving to The Villages next month and in the process of researching internet providers. Looks like Xfinity is the provider in our area. On their website, it suggests we use their modem/router (xFi Gateway) at an additional cost in order to have "unlimited data" for our home internet service.

Xfinity website says unlimited data is not included when using personal equipment. Is this true? Is Xfinity trying to make an additional buck by requiring subscribers to buy their equipment or will we need their Gateway box to have peace of mind? We never heard of this....we are coming from out of state, use Spectrum with our "own" modem/router equipment and never worry about data usage from inside our home.

Thank you for any helpful information.

Their network, their plans, their rules - I haven't looked on the site to see that they require their equipment to get an unlimited plan but it sounds like something they could legitimately do.

I had Xfinity for a couple years (not sure exactly how many months). We had a limit of 1TB that we never exceeded. We hit 900GB in one or two months but typically used about 600GB. If you know your usage will be higher than that, okay, but we had no trouble staying under the limit.

The other consideration, when you have a problem, if you have THEIR modem/router then the service call is no charge, as well as any repairs. In 10 years, modem/router replaced once, and the service drop to the house replaced once, 3 service calls, and no charges.

You will likely be very happy with your own compatible equipment. Be sure to get one of the approved models. They can be purchased from big box stores locally for, last time I upgraded, under 200, perhaps more now. But it pays for itself in fewer than 2 years.

If for some reason you have an issue with unlimited, and I have never had an issue or even known there was a limit, you could always go with their stuff. YMMV

What you might want to do when you move here is to bring your existing equipment with you. Sign up with Xfinity renting their equipment for the initial month or so. Then once you have the service running, you can switch later to your equipment. This way if there are issues on the install, they can not blame it on your equipment.

If Xfinity is there, Spectrum may also be an option. Spectrum provides equipment free of charge and they have unlimited data as well.

The Best thing you can do is stay away from Comcast / Xfinity. Here in the Villages your have other choices! Spectrum is way better and does not charge for their modem or you can use your own and data is Unlimited

Moved here 4 years ago and have xfinity. Instead of getting ripped off renting their modem router bought one from Best Buy and no problem. They keep raising their price and now looking to replace them.

"Here in the Villages" it depends on "where" in the Villages. Where I am, I can get fast broadband Xfinity, or I can get dial-up Century-Link. I could get satellite dish internet but it only works on alternate Thursdays if the sun is out and the wind is under 10mph in a southwesterly direction.

We moved into Marsh Bend in July ‘22. We have a two year deal with Xfinity that included their modem/router. I have my own equipment but theirs has been pretty solid.

You can get DSL from CenturyLink. I guess you could still use a dial-up modem (perhaps there are still some ISPs that support dial-up ??) but why would you when you can get DSL?

We have always used our own equipment, with no problems.

After ten years we had to buy an uprated modem, but still saved a lot by not renting.

Never got anywhere near the usage limits.

I meant DSL, don't know why I said dialup. But yes CenturyLink offers DSL, 3mbp max, in my area. That's fine if you're just using it to check your e-mail, but not useful if you're using it for TV/streaming service, or multiple devices such as desktop, laptop, and a printer.

We bought our own modem and router for around $120 total from Best Buy. Works perfectly with Xfinity.

I'm actually not sure what our limit is but we've never hit it and we use streaming on 2 separate TVs plus wifi cameras all of the time. I think that it's unlikely that anyone using their internet in a normal way is going to be going anywhere close to whatever their limit is.

To be fair, we had Xfinity send a technician when things were not working, the modem and router was one that we bought ourselves and they didn't charge us anything. I don't know what the equipment charge is per month, but we paid around $120 total for the equipment and we've been running smoothly for almost 24 months so far. If the charge is $20/month then 10 years would be $2400 for 10 years.

CenturyLink and Spectrum also are options. Depending on your area, fiber optic may also be available and the service provider will install a fiber "modem" as part of the installation, then all you will need is your own router. If you go to any electronics retailer and look at their cable modems you will see the boxes marked with the provider they support. Basically, the modem has to support the DOCSIS 3.0 standard, and have the connecter you need to connect it to your house wiring.

A lot of people are going away from Xfinity because of their high pricing. YouTube TV has an almost identical channel lineup and you can get reliable Internet for much less than they charge. And you don't have to pay a monthly charge for a proprietary cable box. None of the other providers require a contract so you always can go back to Xfinity if you're not satisfied with your choice. But for us, after Internet and cable got to be more than $200.00 a month we switched and have been very satisfied with our choice.

We have our own modem and router connected to Xfinity. We pay an extra $30 per month for unlimited data while using our own equipment.

Who is the ISP for your YouTube TV ?
 

Who is the ISP for your YouTube TV ? YouTube TV is not a stand alone product to the best of our understanding. They are bundled with Frontier as a carrier in some locations, but not aware of that offering here.
In other words, who provides the Modem connection for your YouTube TV?

Modem
 

Sam’s Club is closing out a Netgear 1750 for $19.97. This is the Wifi5 series dual band and works very well. The newer Wifi6 version is 3 band and includes the 2.4, 5 and 6 mhz bands. Since most of your devices are only 2.4 and 5, the new 6mhz band is basically for future use.

I have my own router with Xfinity and I've never had issues with data overage. I'm very happy with them. When it's time to renew, you can go into their stores and negotiate.

I really like their Gateway modem because it is a modem and router in one. Has excellent range and seems very reliable.

YouTube TV is a streaming service that can be used over any ISP. Just like Netflix, Hulu, or Peacock, you download an app to your streaming device (smart TV, firestick, Roku, iPhone, etc). Then create an account and away you go.

I have used my YouTube TV login with internet service provided by T-Mobile, Xfinity, and AT&T(iphone).

If you are in a new build area, then Centric Fiber is an option. They already have the modem & router installed in the homes. 1G, unlimited data, $65/mo no other taxes or fees

Check out Quatum Fiber. On their website you can enter your address and see if it is available in your area. It is being rolled out in many areas of TV. 500mbps for $50 or 940mbps for $75.

We had CenturyLink and just switched to Quantum Fiber.

Have you checked if your address can get Quantum Fiber Optic?

Router
 

I had Comcast for two years and all I got was rate hikes. I just changed to spectrum. I used my own equipment for the two years I was with Comcast. Worked fine.

Comcast equipment
 

Try calling spectrum. My sales rep name was Lysander Jimenez at 352-239-3538

if you buy your own router, who is going to configure it? How many routers do you need? Most of the people who say they bought a router for $130 is buying the cheapest/slowest router available with very bad wifi coverage throughout your house and outside. I use 3 mesh routers in our house and I do my own configuring instead of having the Quack Squad from Best Buy do it.

Also, you should know with your current provider how much data you use in a month so maybe the data caps are larger than what you have been using. But with newer 4k shows and in the future 8k, your data usage can double or triple.

How long are you going to stay with Xfinity? If you leave in a year, is the $130 router you bought going to work with the next ISP?

Not all plans have data caps, the slower plans do, but the faster plans do not, at least the last time I dealt with Xfinity. I have always had Xfinity 1.2Gb network since we have been in TV (3 years) and they included their router in the monthly pricing of $85. So I configured a wired bridge mesh network using 2 more Decco routers (mine) with the latest 6e technology and have never had an issue. I am switching ISP's because Xfinity raised their prices and starting in a couple of weeks, my 1.2Gb with Xfinity will jump to $145 a month, just internet service. So I went with Spectrum 1Gb for 1/3 the price and that includes their router. I will change my mesh network to use the Spectrum router.

Youtube TV and all the other streaming providers (apple, Netflix, Hulu, Pluto, etc..) are all streaming services you can use over 5G, LTE, wifi, fiber network, or cable network, any network your device uses.

Check to see what ISP's you have in your area, and if fiber is 1 of them, go with fiber, it will be the fastest/most reliable/and the cheapest. You will need the fiber modem and then you can use your own equipment after the modem. My last house using ATT fiber, I used my own 4 netgear routers after their modem.

When I first moved her a couple years ago I had Xfininity because that's all that was available. I was happy with them except after the 1 year price hike. Thankfully the Spectrum guy (Lysander) stopped by last year Dec and talked me into signing up with them. Internet is 2x less per mo and I also switched phone carriers which is very cheap and also got a great deal on cable with 1000 free channels including all the sports after getting a stick from amazon.

Are you a frog or snowbird?

If snowbird consider Xfinity pay as you go. $45 a month when your in TV $0 when your not, 75mps,. Not had a problem with usage, online in one form or another most of day. Modem/router is provided FOC and has good enough WiFi to power all devices in a 3,000sqf home.
I considered going for a 12 month contract and whilst year 1 worked out $150 a year more expensive year 2 on normal price sky rocketed to an additional $666 a year. Thats more than I pay for 12 months unlimited 1.3Gb in UK + 300 HD TV channels… AND a mobile line with worldwide data, unlimited calls and texts. The UK has many faults but cost of internet is not one of them!!!!!

Just checked and Quantum Fiber not available in Hadley at this time

I’m a Xfinity customer and have been since moving into a new home in ‘21.
I run my own modem and mesh router system. With my viewing habits continuing to increase towards streaming content I ended up tapping the pre-set data limits so I changed my data package to “unlimited “ for an additional $30 per month.
Unless they have recently changed their policy, you certainly CAN use your own modem as long as it’s on their approved list.

On suggestion from xfinity sales rep we purchase high end router and than xfinity service guy installed entire system.

how are they going to regulate that one... anyway that's not my actual point. The xFi gateway is slow on wifi, unless you aren't doing much speed. you can use your own router, and just use the XFI as a modem/bridge as I have in the past. We no longer use them as I require far more than they can provide.

Went online, found a compatible Arris gateway (just like Xfinity but white instead of black) and have been happy since. Be sure to use a really good surge protector, including a cable hookup if necessary.

Xfinity will not fix any glitches you may have and blame any glitch on your equipment. Their pricing is always based on a package price with THEIR equipment and you will only save maybe 5.00 a month for using your equipment but be charged 20.00 more for the package you choose for not using their equipment. They tell you its a bundle price only for those deals with their equipment. Expect after the first year 250.00 + a month for cable and internet and they will tell you call before your end of the year or two year contract ends to continue with the low price they give you at first, well Its NOT gonna happen. After 5 years with xfinity and comcast I'm down to xfinity internet and fire sticks at 127.00 a month. Good luck

Modem Router for Xfinity
 

Would you mind sharing what model you purchased from Bestbuy? Thanks

Xfinity's modem/router needed?
 

I live in the Spanish Springs area and had Xfinity for a few years for internet wifi. But a few months ago i switched to T Mobile Wifi who use their excess cellular tower capacity for wifi and give you a box. It is around $40 a month for everything. Before returning my Xfinity modem, i tried the T mobile for a few months to make sure all the streaming i do to watch TV on my home theater and the security cameras etc i did not have any slowdown or other issues. It only cones with 200 speed that the Xfinity also had. But i found it was adequate and no issues. T Mobile and some other carriers like ATT are offering this now and depends on your area where they make sure the demand does not exceed their supply.

[QUOTE=JRcorvette;2302220]The Best thing you can do is stay away from Comcast / Xfinity. Here in the Villages your have other choices!/QUOTE]

Nor necessarily true. Here in Bonnybrook only Xfinity/Comcast is available.