Bring your own modem (BYOM)
Thinking about using your own modem with Astound internet? Here’s what you need to know.
We love helping you get the most out of your Astound internet. If you’re considering using your own modem instead of one from Astound, this simplified guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What you'll learn:
- What Kind of Modem Do You Need?
- Popular modems that work great with Astound
- Special areas: Fiber Network Upgrade Zones
- Switching to BYOM (Bring Your Own Modem)
- What if I have Astound Digital Phone?
- BYOM restrictions
- Want to go back to an Astound modem?
- Fees & purchasing info
- Looking for more support?
What Kind of Modem Do You Need?
Look for a modem that supports DOCSIS 3.1. It’s the latest technology that helps your internet go faster. If your modem says DOCSIS 3.0, it won’t be able to keep up with Astound’s higher speeds.
For speeds above 1000 Mbps, we recommend a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5GE port—this lets more speed flow through.
Popular modems that work great with Astound
| Brand | Model | Type | Port | WiFi | Max Upload | Max Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola | MT8733 | Modem + WiFi | 3x1G & 1×2.5G | WiFi 6 | 100 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Motorola | MG8725 | Modem + WiFi | 3x1G & 1×2.5G | WiFi 6 | 100 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Motorola | MB8611 | Modem only | 1×2.5G | No WiFi | 100 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Arris | G36 | Modem + WiFi | 4x1G & 1×2.5G | WiFi 6 | 100 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Arris | S33 | Modem only | 1x1G & 1×2.5G | No WiFi | 100 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
| Netgear | Nighthawk CM 3000 | Modem only | 2.5 x 1G | WiFi | 500 Mbps | 2 Gbps |
|
Brand
Motorola |
Model
MT8733 |
Type
Modem + WiFi |
Port
3x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
WiFi 6 |
Max Upload
100 Mbps |
Max Download
2 Gbps |
|
Brand
Motorola |
Model
MG8725 |
Type
Modem + WiFi |
Port
3x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
WiFi 6 |
Max Upload
100 Mbps |
Max Download
2 Gbps |
|
Brand
Motorola |
Model
MB8611 |
Type
Modem only |
Port
1×2.5G |
WiFi
No WiFi |
Max Upload
100 Mbps |
Max Download
2 Gbps |
|
Brand
Arris |
Model
G36 |
Type
Modem + WiFi |
Port
4x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
WiFi 6 |
Max Upload
100 Mbps |
Max Download
2 Gbps |
|
Brand
Arris |
Model
S33 |
Type
Modem only |
Port
1x1G & 1×2.5G |
WiFi
No WiFi |
Max Upload
100 Mbps |
Max Download
2 Gbps |
|
Brand
Netgear |
Model
Nighthawk CM 3000 |
Type
Modem only |
Port
2.5 x 1G |
WiFi
WiFi |
Max Upload
500 Mbps |
Max Download
2 Gbps |
Note: The Motorola MB8600 has known issues connecting to Astound’s network. Also, EURODOCSIS modems won’t work in the U.S.
Special areas: Fiber Network Upgrade Zones (currently the Lehigh Valley, PA)
If you live in a fiber network upgrade area, you’ll need a Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 modem. It supports speeds up to 2G download and 500 Mbps upload.
If you have the 5G x 1G tier, you’ll need to use Astound’s modem and eero Max 7—there’s no retail modem available yet that supports this speed.
Switching to BYOM (Bring Your Own Modem)
-
Buy a compatible modem from a store or online.
-
Connect it to your home’s coax cable.
-
Call Astound at 1.800.427.8686 and give them the MAC address from your new modem.
-
Return your Astound modem to avoid rental fees.
If you want help installing it, Astound can send a technician (please note, there will be a fee for this work).
What if I have Astound Digital Phone?
You can still use your own modem! But you’ll need to keep an Astound EMTA device to use the phone service.
BYOM restrictions
You can’t use your own modem if:
- You use Astound Digital Phone and don’t have an EMTA.
- You live in an area with fiber-to-the-home or Ethernet-delivered internet—Astound equipment is required.
Want to go back to an Astound modem?
No problem! You can:
- Pick one up at a local Astound office.
- Contact our Care team and ask that one be mailed to you.
- Request a technician to install it (additional fee applies).
Fees & purchasing info
- You can buy approved modems at electronics stores or online.
- Astound does not sell its own modems.
- If you install your modem yourself, you don’t pay the technician fee.
- If your BYOM breaks and you want a tech to install a new one, you’ll need to pay an installation fee.
Quick links
Looking for something else?
Check out Astound Support Center for all help and support related information.
*Internet speeds vary, not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required. See astound.com for details. Modem req’d. No contracts. Astound Internet is powered by fiber and connected to the premises via coaxial connection or fiber, where available. Delivery methods may vary by area. Subject to availability. Ltd-time offer; subj. to change without notice. Internet speeds under 1 Gig, pricing valid for 12 mos. Gig+ Internet speeds, pricing valid for 36 mos. Add’l fees apply for taxes, surcharges, & data overages, & are subj. to change. For details visit astound.com/fees. Enhanced WiFi or Whole Home WiFi included with Gig+; $5/mo for lower speeds or add’l devices. Regular rates apply after promo ends. Monthly price shown includes discount for enrolling in autopay & e-bill. $10 off/mo w/ bank acct autopay or $5 off/mo w/ credit/debit card autopay. Valid email & enrollment req’d. Must enroll w/in 30 days of order. Discount appears within 3 bill cycles, ends if autopay/e-bill is canceled, svcs change, or acct isn’t in good standing. ^Astound Mobile req’s Astound Internet service for activation. Max 5 lines. Equip., intl./roaming charges, taxes, fees extra & may change. Astound not liable for svc disruptions or outages. Higher rate applies if Internet not maintained. Mobile svc only in Astound areas. Pricing subj. to change. Data may slow during congestion. After 20GB, Unlimited plans slow to 768 Kbps; 1.5GB/3GB plans capped. No rollover; add’l data $10/GB. Coverage varies. Some features may require specific plans. Mobile svc includes BIAS w/ data, voice, texts & SMS. Other restrictions may apply. See astound.com/mobile for details. Offer valid for new res. customers or former customers in good standing w/out Astound svc in past 60 days. Add’l svcs, equip, premiums & tiers extra & subject to add’l charge & reg. increases. $14.99 one-time activation fee (plus install) applies & may change. Taxes & surcharges extra & subj. to change. WA RESIDENTS: unless otherwise specified, price does not include 2% Regulatory Administration Fee. Cust. responsible for any accrued charges. Subj. to credit check. Not all svcs/speeds avail. in all areas. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee for new residential customers who cancel within 30 days of install. Maximum refund is equal to one month’s monthly recurring service fee of services & equip. ordered & installed. Refund within 60 days after conditions are satisfied. Refund not applicable to usage-based fees. All svcs are governed by Astound Customer Terms & Conditions found at astound.com/policies-disclaimers. © 2025 Radiate HoldCo, LLC d/b/a Astound Broadband. All rights reserved.