Does Cox Panoramic WiFi Cost Extra?
Cox Communications is a telecommunications company that provides its clients with internet as well as other products and services which include phone, cable television, and telecommunications security. These are some of the options that come with internet packages from Cox and the modem/router device comes in the form of Panoramic WiFi. This device can effectively assist you in amplifying your home’s WiFi connectivity to avoid occurrences of black spots. However, when you sign up for Cox Internet, does it mean that you have to pay an additional amount for this equipment? Let's take a look.
Cox Panoramic WiFi is a wireless Internet service from Cox Communications that provides customers with broadband wireless connectivity.
Cox Panoramic WiFi is a cable modem and home wireless router given by Cox Communications for internet usage. It can be used with all the internet plans available with Cox and it provides consistent and fast WiFi connection in the entire house.
Key features of the Panoramic WiFi equipment include:
- Download speeds of 1Gbps which is achievable with the Gigablast plan.
- The product has a 2.4 & 5GHz dual band WiFi for connecting multiple devices.
- It comes with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports to connect wired devices.
- Voice control with integration to Alexa Or Google Home
- Action: Cox has made it possible for parents to control which content their children can access through the use of the Cox application.
- It is vital to employ security software that will protect your network against possible threats and invasions.
The Panoramic WiFi modem makes use of the currently modernized DOCSIS 3.1 to achieve higher Internet speeds via the Cox network. It also serves as an AC2200 dual-band wireless router with the ability to cover homes of up to 3, 000 square feet.
Why does Cox offer me such a good deal on the package?
Indeed, Cox offers the Panoramic WiFi modem/router to their internet customers for free of charge and with no extra monthly fee. If you want to use the equipment, you have to of course have a Cox residential internet service of some sort, but the equipment is then available for free.
This means that no extra charges for renting equipment or buying a modem will be incurred upon procuring Panoramic WiFi hardware from Cox. Some cable providers, for a standard $10/month modem rental fee, do not apply if a Cox service is used and a modem is provided by the company.
The company has recently removed all modem rental charges and therefore all Cox-supported Panoramic WiFi hardware modems and all the other supported modem options are now offered for free. They made this change to provide more benefits and options to consumers in selecting ISPS and their internet packages.
What's Included Exactly?
Here is what's included when you get a Cox Panoramic WiFi modem:
- A single device that combines both modem and router functionalities, such as the panoramic WiFi gateway.
- Power supply
- One ethernet cable
- Setup instructions
That is all the components you’ll need to buy to set up your home network; there are no other pieces that are necessary to establish the networks. Cox does not charge for anything else with the Panoramic WiFi equipment, as you will see from the table below.
As for the wire connections that you would need to physically plug the devices into the modem’s ports, the ethernet cables would be supplied separately if more were needed. Nevertheless, all the necessary parts are there from Cox and within the box.
What are the steps to acquire that Panoramic WiFi Modem?
Getting set up with a Cox Panoramic WiFi modem is quick and easy:
1. Choose a Cox internet plan that meets your requirements and is eligible for a Cox internet promo code. Almost all of the key residential plans let you bundle the Panoramic WiFi hardware choice for no additional price. Be sure to ask a Cox sales representative when you’re getting your service.
2. Schedule installation. A Cox technician will then visit your home to configure your newly subscribed service and place the new Panoramic WiFi modem. Meetings are usually 1 hour long.
3. Plug in the required devices to the existing WiFi network name and password written on the modem. Then started to experience increased speed and extended coverage as fueled by the installation of a new modem.
Cox also has DIY kits that include a Panoramic WiFi modem in instances where you prefer to install it yourself. Specifically, the cost of professional installation is the same as the cost of installation using home DIY techniques.
As for the modem, can I use my modem?
Indeed, Cox offers the ‘bring your own modem’ option, which means that the client may utilize his/her compatible modem instead of the Panoramic WiFi gateway provided by the company. Ensure whichever modem you are going for is specifically approved to be used on the Cox network.
Cox Internet no longer sets a different price for those who want to use their device – BYOD policy does not affect a regular Cox Internet pricing model. Third Party modem also attracts no discount or penalties as long as Cox can confirm that that modem model is compatible with home use on their lines.
This may be due to an attempt to avoid paying hardware rental fees or because customers want to continue using their existing modem or purchase a new one. However, since Cox has done away with all modem charges there are smaller to go around the free Panoramic WiFi gateway. The best activation method typically is to remain loyal to all Cox-issued equipment.
The last advantage that can be mentioned is the fact that a modem owned and operated by customers would allow for more customization and settings management. The tradeoff is that you will not get new firmware and OS on brands owned by Cox that only are available through the firmware and OS on their Cox-branded devices.
Additionally, it is worth knowing whether Cox charges for WiFi extenders or not.
Cox does not impose any additional cost when a homeowner may require other equipment to extend the signal to other parts of the home beyond the core Panoratic modem/router.
If the standard Panoramic WiFi gateway cannot sufficiently reach all areas of your house with a strong wireless signal, you have a couple of options:
1. Cox WiFi Range Extenders – At a monthly rate of $4.99/month, Cox allows for the lease of WiFi range extender pods. This wall plugs into the wall socket and extends the existing WiFi network broadcast from the Panoramic modem to areas that may have poor signal reception.
2. Your Extenders – For another, you can buy your third-party WiFi extenders at electronics stores or through the internet. These would join your Panoramic WiFi SSID and none of them would cost you extra coin from Cox.
Still, Cox does extract a small monthly fee to lease their extender equipment, but you will be able to escape these expenses if you connect your expanders. Cox does not charge any extra fees if you want to sort out the problems of enhancing the WiFi coverage on your own.
What If My Modem Was Lost Invaded By Thieves Or DestroyED Somehow?
Since Cox provides the Panoramic modem to you at no charge, they are also responsible for repairing or replacing the device if anything happens to it: Since Cox provides the Panoramic modem to you at no charge, they are also responsible for repairing or replacing the device if anything happens to it:
- Stolen Modem – In cases where a Panoramic WiFi gateway is stolen in a break-in or from exterior wiring, Cox will send a new modem to the customer via overnight P & D. It is also important that you should contact them immediately and report such a situation.
- Damaged Modem – This is where the modem has been affected by lightning, a power surge, or when it was dropped or impacted with something and the functionality has been affected, Cox will replace it at no extra fee. These things usually are permitted for a free swap because equipment fails in a way that cannot be controlled by the consumer.
- Lost Modem – If you have misplaced the modem in your home and you cannot look for it, unfortunately with Cox, you will be charged around $100 for the modem. So be careful not to join the list of people who just misplace their equipment!!!
Unless you fry the modem due to a connection issue or it gets stolen, or even worse is destroyed by natural calamity, then you’re in luck because Cox will be more than glad to give you new ones for free. However, you are only responsible for ordinary and reasonable loss of replacing the property that it would have been reasonably avoidable on your part.
Do they charge for professional installation of the Cox packages?
Whenever you request new service or equipment including the Panoramic WiFi modem, Cox usually sends one of their technicians. However, when it comes to simple installation activities falling under the basic or standard level, there are no installation fees incurred.
The next is the standard installation process where the technician comes in to install your new modem and have it activated for you – this is free. You should not be charged any extra fees on your first bill for this service call to install the standard account.
However, if the wiring work that the technician has to do is beyond normal, or if more than one wall mount is needed, or if the technician has to troubleshoot beyond bringing on the service, s/he may charge custom labor. In case of such need, ask for these non-standard rates if your case requires more physical hardware installation indoors or outdoors of the home.
Your selected representative should let you know whether you expect a modem connection or if pre-wiring, conduit work or any other special provisions may attract custom installation fees from the installer. But again, even modem provisioning and connection during new service orders is always free and is part of the regular process.
I like the modem, but I am just wondering whether I can return the modem if ever I cancel the service.
Disregarding this, you have to return the Panoramic WiFi modem or any other Cox-supplied equipment once you cancel Cox services. These devices are owned by the company and they are not yours to take home after canceling your service.
Since you are not buying the modems from Cox or paying rental charges on the same, that specific hardware does not belong to you and you cannot keep it if you want to shut down your account. Cox takes back all their property when you cancel your subscription so that they can reuse it for other customers.
When you sign up with them and remove Cox Internet from your home, they offer you a prepaid shipping box and label for the modem so that you can easily post it back without any charges. It makes total sense to follow the return process as it enables one to avoid being charged for unreturned equipment.
In Summary
The Cox Panoramic WiFi modem and router accompany the service at no additional monthly charge if you purchase internet packages. The said hardware is free for subscription to Cox Internet plan subscribers on condition that they maintain an active Cox Internet subscription.
During the standard setup processes, the company provides free installation for the Panoramic WiFi gateway for professional installation. This modem can be returned to Cox for any of the following reasons: But if it has been stolen or is defective, Cox will offer to replace the modem at no extra cost in most circumstances. This is the essential hardware setup that the company offers to ensure that users can gain quick and uninterrupted connectivity across their homes without additional charges upon signing up.
Therefore, in answer to the most important question of this article, I must say that setup with the Cox Panoramic WiFi modem involves no hidden charges or costs over and above the normal retail monthly charges one would be expected to pay for the internet service. Both the equipment and the basic connection are a part of the service being a Cox internet subscriber.
Ready to upgrade your internet experience? Call us now at +1 844-349-7575 to explore the best Cox Internet plans for your needs!