Who I have the same questioned this topic

I was just on the phone with a Verizon rep and I was informed that I am REQUIRED to use the provided Verizon modem/router combo (model# ASK-RTL108) to continue receiving service.

So for example, if I wanted to instead use something like a Netgear LM1200, I will not be permitted to do so. I was told if I do put my Verizon SIM card in such a device, I will receive one warning letter telling me to put it back in the Verizon device, and if I fail to comply my service will subsequently be terminated.

I would like to receive a response from a Verizon employee either confirming or denying that this is truly the case. If this is accurate information, I'd like to see precisely where it is stated on Verizon's website. The only pertinent information I have been able to find on Verizon's website is from the network management page, where it states: "Does Verizon allow consumers to use non-branded devices and applications? [...] You may activate devices that Verizon Wireless has certified to be compatible with its network, including devices not purchased directly from Verizon Wireless."

If this is true, I think Verizon is making a huge mistake. The ASK-RTL108 modem/router is demonstrably inferior to third-party options from both a software and hardware perspective, and I will list the reasons below.

• Software Limitations
  1. Signal information is provided as signal bars only. In comparison, the Netgear modem I linked previously provides actual numerical figures for RSRP, RSRQ, LTE band, and Cell ID. This is invaluable diagnostic information for anyone who wants to use an external antenna and position it correctly to receive maximum signal quality. It's also just cool to see, from a nerd standpoint.
  2. The Verizon modem/router cannot be placed into "bridge" mode to disable the routing functionality. This is a major problem for anyone who wants to use their own router, and use the Verizon modem/router for its modem functionality only.
  3. THERE IS AN ACTIVE 35 PAGE THREAD ON THIS VERY FORUM COMPLAINING ABOUT DISCONNECTION ISSUES ON THE V... Maintaining connectivity should be considered basic functionality - functionality that the provided modem/router is apparently failing to meet.
• Hardware Limitations
  1. The ASK-RTL108 device only has a single external antenna port. This completely precludes the use of any external MIMO antenna, limiting Home LTE customers who need to use an external antenna to SISO antennas only. From Wikipedia: MIMO has become an essential element of wireless communication standards including IEEE 802.11n (Wi-... Can this really be called LTE service if MIMO connectivity is disallowed?

The phone rep told me that the reasoning behind this purported policy is that third-party modems allow a customer to get around data usage limits and Verizon's network management policies. This can't possibly be accurate, since I can see on my My Verizon page that my data usage is correctly reported. I've also confirmed in my other thread that I am still impacted by Verizon's throttling policy for video streaming content.  I assume any other network management practices that Verizon uses are also working.

Needless to say, the conversation I had with the Verizon rep this morning has left me quite upset. If this is truly the official Verizon policy on third-party LTE modems, I believe it only serves to punish customers who want to invest in their own equipment to utilize the service they're paying for to the fullest extent. At this point I require an official response to my concerns, or you will have lost a customer.