Virgin offering me a free new modem. Why?

manxminx · 15-04-2009, 00:13

I don't see an existing thread about this . . .

We have the 20Mb service and a Scientific Atlantica WebSTAR DPX100 modem which is plugged into a Netgear WGR614 router. Internet service is fine, we have no complaints, and we always achieve a download speed of between 15 - 19Mb/s (Newcastle NE6).

So seeing as there is nothing wrong with our cable connection, or modem (power levels and s/n are fine), and we have rarely if ever had to report a problem with our service, why have Virgin sent us a letter offering us a 'new, improved modem'? What's the catch? I really don't believe that they would give everyone new modems just for the sake of it . . .

There's even a webpage about it at http://www.virgin.com/swapmodem

My motto is if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So is there any reason why we should take up their offer? Which 'new, improved modem' would we get?

Thanks,
Ali.

aseriouscat · 15-04-2009, 00:33

Dont worry its not a con its just a free upgrade to the Ambit 256, I think its part of the whole "future proof" plot....

dbateman2k5 · 15-04-2009, 00:36

The modem you would likely get is the black 'Virgin Media' branded Ambit 255/256 modem, but I do agree with the motto of 'if it ain't broke, leave well alone'

Tech_Boy · 15-04-2009, 00:54

The Scientific Atlantica WebSTAR DPX100 is not Docsis 3 certified, and most 20 meg customers will be moved to the Docsis 3 network once it is fully rolled out.
That is why you are being offered a new modem.

manxminx · 15-04-2009, 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbateman2k5

but I do agree with the motto of 'if it ain't broke, leave well alone'

The only downside to that is that I'm having trouble finding the new Prodigy album on cartridge to play on my 8-track in the Anglia! And the V+ box not being compatible with my Rediffusion Mk10

I'll keep my existing modem for a while longer then. Or maybe not. Docsis 3 sounds like something nasty you catch, so I better get an Ambit inoculation

Thanks,
Ali.

esdxc37 · 15-04-2009, 01:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by manxminx

The only downside to that is that I'm having trouble finding the new Prodigy album on cartridge to play on my 8-track in the Anglia!

You have an eight track lucky sod.

Still using my 78 R.P.M. unit but goes a bit funny when I replace the tube with these new round vinyl thingys.

Tarantella · 15-04-2009, 04:07

Perhaps if you want to leave VM in the next 12 months they might charge you full whack for the new one?

frogstamper · 15-04-2009, 04:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by esdxc37

You have an eight track lucky sod.

Still using my 78 R.P.M. unit but goes a bit funny when I replace the tube with these new round vinyl thingys.

Cor!!! an eight track and 78s... you people don't know your born, I'm still making do with a comb and paper.

:

Peter_ · 15-04-2009, 06:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarantella

Perhaps if you want to leave VM in the next 12 months they might charge you full whack for the new one?

You do not get charged for modems they are free of charge and a DPX100 tends to struggle on 20Mb as they were not designed for 20Mb speeds.

12noon · 15-04-2009, 06:59

I'm still on the old surfboard that i got years ago.

Peter_ · 15-04-2009, 07:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12noon

I'm still on the old surfboard that i got years ago.

What model and what package

broadbandking · 15-04-2009, 10:31

The never modems are DOCSIS 2.0 not DOCSIS 3.0, VM want move the heavy users onto the DOCSIS 1.1 network thats why VM want to change your modem.

Nameless · 15-04-2009, 11:58

well this happened to me even though i had the new modem! so the engineers *2 came out installed the new modem, ever since my speeds have been crap constan loss high pings and no matter when i phone them it seems to fix itself for a meer few hrs, so they cant do anything. id say stay with the one you got for now

broadbandking · 15-04-2009, 13:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nameless

well this happened to me even though i had the new modem! so the engineers *2 came out installed the new modem, ever since my speeds have been crap constan loss high pings and no matter when i phone them it seems to fix itself for a meer few hrs, so they cant do anything. id say stay with the one you got for now

That maybe your issue but certainly not some else's I do find it hard to believe your connection fixes itself everytime you phone up, or have you only phoned up once and then it was fixed.

Ignitionnet · 15-04-2009, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadbandking

The never modems are DOCSIS 2.0 not DOCSIS 3.0, VM want move the heavy users onto the DOCSIS 1.1 network thats why VM want to change your modem.

The DPX100 is 1.1 only so when VM eventually turn up DOCSIS 2 upstreams people will need a 2100 or Ambit 200+ to allow VM to take maximum advantage of it.

I'd guess it's the DOCSIS 2 compatibility that's the key thing, other than that the DPX100 syncs fine on the current DOCSIS 3 network.