When you sign up for a new Internet service with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), you often have the choice of purchasing a modem or renting one provided by the ISP.
Should you buy or rent your modem?
The choice comes down to a few factors. You need to compare the cost of owning versus the cost of renting long term, the quality of each modem, and how much it costs to upgrade.
When you sign up for Internet service with a cable Internet company or a telephone Internet company, the salesperson will ask you whether you want to purchase or rent a modem.
It is best to compare the costs in advance to know what the most affordable option is for your situation. The monthly costs for renting a modem vary considerably from provider to provider. The most common providers and their rental prices are:
