ApprovedModemwhat your ISP actually allows

RCN: can you use your own modem?

Own modem allowed — approved list published

Yes — RCN 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 RCN's own page, last checked 2026-08-25.

Connection
cable (coax) primarily, plus fiber-to-the-home in some areas — page states …
Minimum standard
DOCSIS3.1
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 RCN permits: check the model against their own page below before ordering.

  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 RCN 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 RCN approve?

RCN 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 →

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Can I use my own modem with RCN?

Yes, with a restriction: the device has to appear on RCN's published approved list. In their words: but NOT on fiber. Page states under "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."

What DOCSIS version does RCN 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."

Do RCN'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." 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." Critically for the RCN footprint: "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."

What does RCN 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 BYOM restrictions: fiber-to-the-home / Ethernet-delivered areas (Astound equipment required), and Astound Digital Phone customers without an EMTA. Digital Phone note: "You can still use your own modem! But you'll need to keep an Astound EMTA device to use the phone service."

Two boxes

  1. Modemtalks to the ISP line
  2. Routermakes the Wi-Fi

One box — a “gateway”

  1. Modem + routerone unit does both jobs
RCN treats the modem and the Wi-Fi router as separate questions. Read their wording below before assuming one box covers both.

Where does this information come from?

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

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

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