ARC-XCI55AX Not Updating Software (Continued)

Question

Hello, this is a continuation of the thread posted here.

For some reason, that post was locked, at least to my account, and I can no longer reply, edit, or update there. The reply given by me that was 'marked as the solution' by a Verizon representative is wrong.

To quickly summarize: My ARC router caused issues when set up for IP Passthrough. This was caused by a bug, and was fixed in a recent software update. The XCI55AX can only update itself, not manually, and seemingly refused to do so. I was sent a replacement by a representative as a solution.

I received the WNC-CR200A today. And after setting it up, I found that it would not activate itself. I contacted support on chat was was eventually told it should be fixed by someone. When it was still not activating, I was placed into contact with another representative who was very patient and invested in fixing the situation. Apparently the device I was sent could not even be set up for activation.

Eventually it was concluded that another line would have to be opened on my account and the old one canceled. I am now waiting to be sent an ASK-NCQ1338FA as a replacement. I will update upon receiving and testing it to see if it works to solve the original problem.

Edit: So I've just gone through several posts, including recent ones, stating that the ASK-NCQ1338FA also suffers from IP Passthrough issues. And unfortunately, the update page for the ASK model is much sparser, along with it being an even older model that may be retired soon anyways. I am now in the process of trying to replace this with either an updated ARC, or the newer WNC model.

Supernova45 · Accepted Answer

This is probably going to be my final update on this issue for now. If you want to skip the mess below, the summary is this: The only fix I can possibly recommend at this point is switching away from Verizon to another provider.

After spending a cumulative 12 hours at least with Verizon support representatives. The furthest I have gotten is that I have the newer WNC-CR200A activated and set up on my network. But still, this unit is also plagued by the exact same IP Passthrough issues, and purposefully has the ability to select DNS servers deactivated in the web portal.

Not to mention the fact that this unit is stuck on firmware 3.2.0.15, when the latest firmware is 3.4.0.4. I don't know if Verizon just likes to put up fake bug fixes or what, but no one I have spoken to seems to have any clue how their systems work.

Not to mention that this whole process has placed my account into a chaos of new lines, with devices, even now, still being shipped to my door. Ones I did not even request, nor are even usable on my account. I expect to spend several more hours, at the very least, just sorting out the tangled mess that these "fixes" have put me in.

Needless to say, if you're a person who cares about privacy or knowing what happens to your data, I would not recommend sticking with Verizon. They've made their stance clear on the issue already. If Verizon has their way, you'll be paying for website access like cable tv channels or streaming service bundles. At this point, the lack of clarity and communication regarding some of these specific issues with their network can only come across as malicious.