Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande): can you use your own modem?
Yes — Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande) allows customer-owned modems and publishes its own approved-device list. It names devices including Motorola MT8733 and Motorola MG8725. Your device must meet at least DOCSIS 3.1. Buy from that list — anything off it may not activate. Every detail below is quoted from Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande)'s own page, last checked 2026-08-25.
- Connection
- cable (coax) plus fiber — page disclaimer …
- Minimum standard
- DOCSIS3.1
- Verified
- 2026-08-25
- Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
- Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
- The internetthe part you actually want
Which modems does Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande) approve?
Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande) 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.
- Motorola MT8733 Find on Amazon →
- Motorola MG8725 Find on Amazon →
- Motorola MB8611 Find on Amazon →
- Arris G36 Find on Amazon →
- Arris S33 Find on Amazon →
- Netgear Nighthawk CM 3000 Find on Amazon →
Can I use my own modem with Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande)?
Yes, with a restriction: the device has to appear on Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande)'s published approved list. In their words: page states "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." Digital Phone customers otherwise CAN bring their own modem: "You can still use your own modem! But you’ll need to keep an Astound EMTA device to use the phone service."
How do I activate my own modem on Astound?
Astound publishes four steps: buy a compatible modem, connect it to your coax, call 1.800.427.8686 with the modem's MAC address, then return your Astound equipment to avoid rental fees.
Can I keep Astound phone service with my own modem?
Partly. Astound states you will need to keep an Astound EMTA device to use the phone service, even if you supply your own modem for internet.
Are any modems known not to work on Astound?
Yes. Astound states the Motorola MB8600 has known issues connecting to its network. For its 5 Gig by 1 Gig tier, Astound says you must use its modem and eero Max 7, as no retail modem yet supports that speed.
How do I return the Astound modem?
Return it at a local office — call 1.800.427.8686 first to confirm they accept equipment — or use Astound's prepaid FedEx label. Return it on or before your scheduled disconnect date, or replacement charges may apply.
What DOCSIS version does Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande) require?
"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."
What should I watch out for with Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande)?
PHONE: "You can still use your own modem! But you'll need to keep an Astound EMTA device to use the phone service." KNOWN-BAD MODEM: "The Motorola MB8600 has known issues connecting to Astound's network." FIBER UPGRADE: for fiber upgrade zones Astound states "you'll need a Netgear Nighthawk CM3000 modem." TOP TIER: for the 5G x 1G tier, "you'll need to use Astound's modem and eero Max 7" — Astound notes no retail modem yet supports that speed.
Do Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande)'s requirements change with my speed tier?
"For speeds above 1000 Mbps, we recommend a DOCSIS 3.1 modem with a 2.5GE port—this lets more speed flow through." Also: "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." And: "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."
What does Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande) not allow?
"Note: The Motorola MB8600 has known issues connecting to Astound’s network. Also, EURODOCSIS modems won’t work in the U.S." Plus the two BYOM restrictions: Astound Digital Phone without an EMTA, and fiber-to-the-home / Ethernet-delivered areas (Astound equipment required). Also the 5G x 1G tier (Astound modem + eero Max 7 required).
Do I have to return Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande)'s equipment?
Return at a local office (Astound says "please call 1.800.427.8686 before visiting to ensure your equipment can be received at that location") or by prepaid FedEx shipping label. Deadline: "Please promptly return equipment on the day of or prior to the scheduled disconnect work order." Consequence: "If you do not return equipment in a timely manner, charges may result to cover the cost associated with replacing the unreturned equipment."
Two boxes
- Modemtalks to the ISP line
- Routermakes the Wi-Fi
One box — a “gateway”
- Modem + routerone unit does both jobs
Where does this information come from?
Every statement on this page is quoted from Astound Broadband (RCN/Wave/Grande)'s own published pages:
- https://www.astound.com/support/internet/bring-your-own-modem/
- https://www.astound.com/internet/equipment/
- https://www.astound.com/support/internet/equipment-return/
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