Armstrong: can you use your own modem?

Checked against Armstrong's own policy on 2026-08-25 — Armstrong's own page. Not paid by Armstrong or any ISP — we track 39 ISPs and 39 named models (how we verify). Amazon links are affiliate.

Own modem allowed — approved list published

Yes — Armstrong allows customer-owned modems and publishes its own approved-device list. It names devices including Arris SB6190 and Arris CM3200A. Your device must meet at least DOCSIS 3.0. Buy from that list — anything off it may not activate. Every detail below is quoted from Armstrong's own page, last checked 2026-08-25.

Connection: cable (DOCSIS)
Minimum standard: DOCSIS3.0
Verified: 2026-08-25

Browse DOCSIS 3.1 modems for Armstrong on Amazon →

Exact product links open the title-verified model shown; fallback links open an Amazon search. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. They never change what Armstrong permits: check the model against their own page below before ordering.

Which modems does Armstrong approve?

Armstrong names these models on its own page. They are the exact make and model strings published there as of 2026-08-25 — a sample of the list, not necessarily all of it.

Amazon product/search links · affiliate — we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Arris SB6190Amazon lists this exact model, but no new unit is sold there right now. The button opens a search for it.DOCSIS 3.0 · Up to 800 Mbps · 1 Ethernet portBest for: Plans up to 800 Mbps
Search this model →
Arris CM3200ANo exact catalog match yet — opens a model-specific search.
Search this model →
Netgear CM700Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.0 · Up to 800 MbpsBest for: Plans up to 800 Mbps
See price on Amazon →
Netgear CM1000Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 1 GbpsBest for: Plans up to 1 GbpsAlso named byGCI Spectrum
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Netgear CM2000Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 2.5 GbpsBest for: Gigabit+ plans, future-proofAlso named byBreezeline GCI Sparklight Spectrum Xfinity
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Motorola MB8600Amazon lists this exact model, but no new unit is sold there right now. The button opens a search for it.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 1 Gbps · 1 Ethernet portBest for: Plans up to 1 GbpsAlso named byBreezeline Sparklight
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Hitron CODA56Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 2.5 Gbps · No built-in Wi-Fi (pairs with your own router) · 1 Ethernet portBest for: Gigabit+ plans, future-proofAlso named byBreezeline Sparklight Spectrum
See price on Amazon →

Browse DOCSIS 3.1 modems for Armstrong on Amazon →

Amazon product/search links · affiliate — we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Check the savings math: Armstrong's own wording says: "Armstrong does not charge a lease fee for the modem we provide." Do not buy solely to avoid a modem fee unless Armstrong confirms one applies to your plan; owning can still make sense for hardware choice or control.

Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
The internetthe part you actually want

Your equipment has to satisfy Armstrong before it reaches the internet at all — which is why their published rule, not a retailer's compatibility claim, is the one that decides.

Can I use my own modem with Armstrong?

Yes, with a restriction: the device has to appear on Armstrong's published approved list. In their words: yes, list-restricted: "You are permitted to purchase your modem from your favorite retailer, provided that the modem is on the list below and is minimally DOCSIS 3.0 compliant with eight downstream channels or greater." Household cap applies: "Armstrong reserves the right to limit the number of modems per household. Currently, no more than 2 Armstrong-provided or customer-purchased modems are permitted." Note there is little financial upside: "Purchasing your modem will not affect the monthly fees you pay for Zoom Internet."

Does Armstrong charge an equipment rental fee?

"Armstrong does not charge a lease fee for the modem we provide."

What DOCSIS version does Armstrong require?

"minimally DOCSIS 3.0 compliant with eight downstream channels or greater". Recommendation: "To ensure your modem remains compatible with future speed increases, we recommend purchasing a modem with 32 downstream channels. DOCSIS 3.1 devices will operate in 3.0 mode in markets where DOCSIS 3.1 is not available."

Do Armstrong's requirements change with my speed tier?

The page publishes a per-tier approval matrix, and it is NOT uniform. Residential columns are Zoom Express / Zoom / Zoom II / Zoom Extreme: Arris SB6190 is approved for Zoom Express, Zoom and Zoom II but NOT for Zoom Extreme; the other seven (Arris CM3200A, Netgear CM700, Netgear CM1000, Netgear CM2000, Motorola MB8600, Hitron CODA, Hitron CODA56) are approved on all four residential tiers. Commercial columns are Zoom Pro 100/200/300/400/500: Arris SB6190 is approved through Zoom Pro 400 but NOT Zoom Pro 500; the other seven are approved on all five.

What does Armstrong not allow?

"Older modems can affect download and upload speeds and are not permitted." Anything not on the published table is not permitted. Household limit of 2 modems total (Armstrong-provided or customer-purchased combined).

Where does this information come from?

Every statement on this page is quoted from Armstrong's own published page:

https://armstrongonewire.com/Support/Internet/Articles/ApprovedModems

Last verified 2026-08-25. Approved lists and equipment policies change without notice — re-check the source above before you buy.

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