Spectrum Internet Modem (Rental)

Yes, Spectrum provides a standalone cable modem for their internet customers, allowing you to connect your own personal WiFi router via an Ethernet cable. Spectrum generally recommends using your own router to avoid paying the additional monthly WiFi service fee. This setup gives you much better control over your home network speeds and security.

Spectrum includes the modem rental at no additional cost for most standard residential internet plans. Unlike many other major internet service providers, they do not tack on a separate leasing fee for the basic modem unit itself. However, if you want them to provide a combo modem-router (WiFi gateway), they will charge you an extra monthly fee.

Spectrum currently issues modems that utilize DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which is capable of handling gigabit internet speeds. This advanced standard allows for high-speed data transmission and better network reliability. Even if you only subscribe to a 300 Mbps plan, the modem is future-proofed for faster tiers if you decide to upgrade later.

If you cancel your Spectrum internet service, you are required to return the rental modem to a local Spectrum store or via a UPS drop-off within a specified timeframe. Spectrum tracks the equipment by its MAC address. If you fail to return it, they will automatically bill your account an unreturned equipment fee, which can be over $100.