text: Contact your cable provider first as some do not permit the use of privately owned modems, or use proprietary cable modem technologies not available on the market (few but some).  If they will allow it, ask if it needs to be DOCSIS 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0 compliant as different cable services have varying requirements.  \n\nIf they provide a modem, make sure, once you receive the modem and setup your service you have them "provision" the modem on their network as it is likely they will have provisioned theirs already for you.  Provisioning assigns the address of your new modem to your cable connection, otherwise the new modem will not be "allowed" to communicate on their network.  Also, make sure to return the modem they provide, and have them cancel your rental fees!