ApprovedModemwhat your ISP actually allows

Armstrong: can you use your own modem?

Own modem allowed — approved list published

Yes — Armstrong allows customer-owned modems and publishes its own approved-device list. It names devices including Arris SB6190 and Arris CM3200A. Your device must meet at least DOCSIS 3.0. Owning one replaces Armstrong's monthly equipment fee. Buy from that list — anything off it may not activate. Every detail below is quoted from Armstrong's own page, last checked 2026-08-25.

Connection
cable (DOCSIS) — Zoom Internet
Minimum standard
DOCSIS3.0
Verified
2026-08-25
Browse DOCSIS 3.1 modems on Amazon →

Links go to an Amazon search — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. They never change what Armstrong permits: check the model against their own page below before ordering.

Why people buy their own: Armstrong charges for the equipment it supplies — in their words: "Armstrong does not charge a lease fee for the modem we provide." A compatible modem you own is a one-time purchase, so over a typical contract owning usually costs less than renting.
  1. Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
  2. Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
  3. The internetthe part you actually want
Your equipment has to satisfy Armstrong before it reaches the internet at all — which is why their published rule, not a retailer's compatibility claim, is the one that decides.

Which modems does Armstrong approve?

Armstrong names these models on its own page. They are the exact make and model strings published there as of 2026-08-25 — a sample of the list, not necessarily all of it.

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Browse DOCSIS 3.1 modems on Amazon →

Amazon search · affiliate link — we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Can I use my own modem with Armstrong?

Yes, with a restriction: the device has to appear on Armstrong's published approved list. In their words: yes, list-restricted: "You are permitted to purchase your modem from your favorite retailer, provided that the modem is on the list below and is minimally DOCSIS 3.0 compliant with eight downstream channels or greater." Household cap applies: "Armstrong reserves the right to limit the number of modems per household. Currently, no more than 2 Armstrong-provided or customer-purchased modems are permitted." Note there is little financial upside: "Purchasing your modem will not affect the monthly fees you pay for Zoom Internet."

Does Armstrong charge an equipment rental fee?

"Armstrong does not charge a lease fee for the modem we provide."

What DOCSIS version does Armstrong require?

"minimally DOCSIS 3.0 compliant with eight downstream channels or greater". Recommendation: "To ensure your modem remains compatible with future speed increases, we recommend purchasing a modem with 32 downstream channels. DOCSIS 3.1 devices will operate in 3.0 mode in markets where DOCSIS 3.1 is not available."

Do Armstrong's requirements change with my speed tier?

The page publishes a per-tier approval matrix, and it is NOT uniform. Residential columns are Zoom Express / Zoom / Zoom II / Zoom Extreme: Arris SB6190 is approved for Zoom Express, Zoom and Zoom II but NOT for Zoom Extreme; the other seven (Arris CM3200A, Netgear CM700, Netgear CM1000, Netgear CM2000, Motorola MB8600, Hitron CODA, Hitron CODA56) are approved on all four residential tiers. Commercial columns are Zoom Pro 100/200/300/400/500: Arris SB6190 is approved through Zoom Pro 400 but NOT Zoom Pro 500; the other seven are approved on all five.

What does Armstrong not allow?

"Older modems can affect download and upload speeds and are not permitted." Anything not on the published table is not permitted. Household limit of 2 modems total (Armstrong-provided or customer-purchased combined).

Where does this information come from?

Every statement on this page is quoted from Armstrong's own published page:

Last verified 2026-08-25. Approved lists and equipment policies change without notice — re-check the source above before you buy.

Other providers to compare

Other cable providers:Astound BroadbandAtlantic BroadbandBlue Ridge CommunicationsBreezelineBuckeye Broadband

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