Bring Your Own or BYO. It’s a term we most commonly associate with eating out. Who doesn’t love a BYO restaurant?!
However, it’s not just restaurants where BYO is becoming popular. It’s also when it comes to modems. Yup, those little square things that sit in your house and provide you with fast internet!
More and more broadband providers are encouraging customers to bring their own modems when they switch providers instead of getting a new rental modem.
But you may be thinking, why should I do it?
Well we’re here to answer all your questions and show you why using your own modem instead of renting a new one is a really good choice!
We’ve all got a modem at home. If you’re looking at changing to a new broadband provider, then you may be thinking- can I keep using my current modem?
Well BYO modem means just that!
Many providers nowadays are encouraging new customers to keep their existing modem when they switch providers as long as the modem is compatible.
It’s important to note that not all modems are compatible with every provider (or plan that they offer). If you’re upgrading to a Fibre plan, then chances are your VDSL or ADSL modem will not be compatible.
So you’ll definitely want to check if your modem is compatible with the new provider or plan before you switch!
A lot of modems will work across different plans so you’ll likely be okay but it always pays to double check!
Many broadband providers encourage new customers to use their existing modems! Contact Energy, MyRepublic, NOW Broadband, and Slingshot are some providers that are very enthusiastic about BYO modems!
If the provider does support BYO modems, they’ll likely have a page about their BYO modem policies on their website. This page will include information on such things as specifying which modems are supported, the settings or configurations that must be implemented to connect to your new plan, and so on.
If you’re keen on BYO modems AND are flatting or often moving then a great provider to look into is MyRepublic! Alongside being able to bring your own modem, MyRepublic has open term contracts and blazing fast speeds! So you can always have great internet, no matter how often you move!
While a lot of broadband providers are supporting BYO modems, most providers do offer rental modems to all customers.
Unlike a BYO modem, a rental modem is one that the provider will give you to rent. So you won’t own it and will need to return it at the end of your contract (unless you renew your contract).
Renting does have some benefits though!
The modem itself is typically free and you only need to pay a one-off delivery fee, usually between $10-$15.
Some providers may charge you a small amount per month for the modem. For instance, MyRepublic will charge a tiny $1 per month for the modem on their open term plans BUT you’ll get an incredible modem with super fast speeds AND you’re not locked into a long-term contract!
This is what makes renting great- you’ll get a powerful, long-lasting modem for FREE or a small monthly cost. With modems being really expensive valuable pieces of technology, this is a major bargain!
Take for instance, the Sky Broadband Wi-Fi 6 modem. This is one of the best modems you can get but it will set you back hundreds of dollars! However, if you join a Sky Broadband plan, you’ll be able to get one and not have to pay a cent for it! How fantastic is that!!
The big downside to rental modems however is that you can’t keep these awesome modems. Unless you’ve purchased the modem off your provider, you’ll have to return it to them when you part ways.
Some providers do allow you to purchase the modem but if you’re going down this avenue, you may be better off just shopping for one on your own. If you want to do this, then use PriceMe to find a great deal!
While getting a rental modem may be enticing, we highly recommend you use your existing modem if you can!
Here’s a few reasons why:
1). You’ll be able to get connected to the internet quicker! If you use your own modem when you sign up to a new plan then you can basically just plug in and go! Also, if you want a rental modem, you may have to wait a while as most modems are manufactured overseas and due to impacts caused by covid, many providers are facing delays on getting stock in. So don’t wait weeks just for a modem. Use your existing one and start surfing the web straight away!
2). You can save some money! Even if it’s just the $15 delivery charge or the small monthly cost that comes with getting a rental modem, you’ll still be saving money by opting for a BYO modem. With the rising cost of living, every little bit you can save counts!
3). You’ll be helping save the environment! Why get a new modem if you’ve already got a great one at home that works? This is a great way to reduce your waste. We are tidy Kiwis after all!
The first thing you should do is use Broadband Compare!
Broadband Compare is a website that lets you compare different broadband providers and plans to help you find the right one for your needs AND one that’ll save you heaps of money!
So jump on our website, enter your address and some filters to match your preferences. Then all the broadband plans available to you will come up. You can then compare them all side-by-side!
The best thing is that for each plan, it will list whether it supports BYO modems and/or rental modems!
So once you find the perfect plan that suits your needs AND supports BYO modems, then all you need to do is switch to the plan!
Once you’ve switched, consult your chosen provider for more information on their specific BYO modem policies. Then you’ll be away and racing!
So there it is, all the fantastic reasons why you should go BYO modem!
Don’t delay, get onto it now!
