Get a Cable Modem Free

Okay, so the title is a little bit misleading but I no longer pay rent on the cable modem supplied by my cable company.

How did I manage that? For the umpteenth time I got pissed off about paying monthly rent on the gosh-darn modem. I had been meaning to call the cable company but for an entire year I either put it off or forgot about it completely. Yesterday, I had had enough. After berating myself yet again for not having taken care of it a year ago, I finally hopped on my cell phone and called the cable company.

After going through their security checks ("Last four of your Social Security?", "Address?", "Are you Deborah Miller?"), the young lady finally asked what she could do for me.

"I've been one of your customers for two or three years. I was thinking of going out and purchasing a cable modem but I thought I'd give you a call first. I think you should give the one I've been renting and have probably paid for a couple of times to me."

"Yes. Uh-huh. Right. Can you hold for a moment while I ask my supervisor?" the young lady asked.

"Sure," I said though my reply went unheard as she was a quick little belle and had me on hold before I knew it.

"Thank you for holding. Yes, Mrs. Miller, we will take that charge off your bill but we will not give you credit for the difference for the rent you've paid versus the cost of the modem," the young lady said.

"No credit? I think I should at least get a twenty dollar bill," I replied.

Laughing, the young lady said, "I'm sorry. We can't do that."

"Then a free month's worth of cable."

Again the young lady laughed. She obviously didn't know I was serious.

"No, no. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"

"Nope," I responded.

"You have a good day then."

"Thank you."

And that is how I got a free modem.