Connecting to the Internet

[question everything]

Yes, I know. I am connected, after all. Like many I started with a phone line (Earthlink, I think) and then switched to cable. Has been with Comcast for many years now with all their "upgrades" and new modems etc.

Last month they told me I needed a new modem and they sent me one. I started installing and one step was to download an app - xFi which... I found out, is only for iPhone.

I don't use any "smartphone." So I took the modem to the store and the agent told me that they should be able to work around it, but a technician will have to come over.

OK, got an email confirming the appointment and..

"Tips on how to prepare for your appointment

If you’re having Internet installed, please download the Xfinity xFi app prior to your technician’s arrival as the app plays an important part of the activation process."

So I wonder whether we will have to find a new carrier.

Any ideas? Thanks

[DonaldsRump]

1. We have xfinity cable and internet, and I don't have an iPhone

I have an android and can stream xfinity to my phone, but I don't think you need it for activation.

It's been a few years since we had xfinity, but I would THINK you'll be ok.

[question everything]

3. Thank you. n Android, still, is a "smartphone"

But, for a change, got a very friendly, knowledgeable agent who told me that I don't need the app, that the technician will work around that.

Interestingly, I went to the store to return the modem they shipped me and the help on the phone now mentioned that... I will need a modem for the technician tomorrow. So he added to bring it..

[DonaldsRump]

5. Yes, but my point was I don't think you need a phone of any sort to activate

If you want to stream cable, then yes, you need a smartphone. But I don't think you need to have a smartphone to activate Xfinity. Different modems might have different requirements, so it's best to coordinate with Xfinity.

I know a ton of folks complain about them, but I have almost (key word) always found their customer service folks and their techs to be great.

[Ron Obvious]

2. I have Comcast too and don't own (or want) any smartphone

I've just bought my own cable modem/WiFi router and use that. I think I had to call support to get them to enable it, but everything went really smoothly.

Frankly, I wouldn't even want any of their supplied hardware in the first place.

[question everything]

4. I am not knowledgeable enough to do this

Interesting, two years ago they came to install new modems for the TVs.

We have an old CD Tape player and six months later could not open it. So paid $100 for a visit from the Geek Squad who used to work for Comcast and said that they would disconnect any device not part of their equipment