New Router sent out with contract renewed contract

[efaust70]

I just got off the phone with Verizon asking them why they sent out a new router for me after I resigned for another two years. I was told that it's a newer router with the best features. It is, however, the exact same router that I have now (the quantumn gateway).

Rather than disconnect my current router and re-do all of my connections and passwords, I'd just as soon keep the existing router. Am I missing something here? What could possibly be different about a newer version of the same router?

I assume the hardware has not changed so only the firmware or some other software could be different. I also assume that I could updated the firmware myself.

[JustinG1 · Accepted solution]

You don't have to disconnect your current router, as long as your getting the speeds you paid for. Your service will still work. Both routers should be pretty similar, I'm not aware of too many hardware differences and firmware would be upgraded on your old router automatically.

This happened to me as well, I think its part of Verizon's billing system that they just send you a new router when you re-sign. I believe they do this to try and get as many customers off the old Aciontec routers they used to send out.

If you wanted, you could use the new 2nd one as a network extender over Coax (guide here: if interested, the GUI is older in the guide but the steps are the same).

[efaust70]

Thanks JustinG. I called support to ask why they sent one and was told that it was newer than the one I had. I said, ok, but is it any different? The support tech replied that it's good to get a new one because my old one was used up.

I'm no network specialist, but I'm pretty sure that routers don't get used up. I'd keep the old one to use as an extender as you suggest, but I'm told that I have to return the old one or I'll be charged $100. 

[JustinG1]

That response from support is ridiculous. No, routers cannot be "used up".

This sounds like billing thinks your account is still using one of the old Aciontec routers, hence them trying to get it back so bad.

Personally I'd send back the new router. Or if you wanted to roll the dice with support again and try to explain to them that you already have the newer G1100 model NOT an aciontec, maybe they'd let up then.

Best of luck!