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 37 ISPs and 27 named models (how we verify). Amazon links are affiliate.
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
Our pick Hitron CODA56
Armstrong approves it on all four home Zoom plans.
DOCSIS 3.1 · 2.5 Gbps · no built-in Wi-Fi
Not for: Saving on fees: Armstrong says buying a modem does not change your monthly fee.
Price as of
See price on Amazon →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.
- Arris SB6190Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.0 · Up to 800 Mbps · 1 Ethernet portBest for: Plans up to 800 MbpsPrice as ofSee price on Amazon →
- Arris CM3200ANamed on Armstrong's list. Buy links are on the other models in this list.
- Netgear CM700Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.0 · Up to 800 MbpsBest for: Plans up to 800 MbpsPrice as ofSee 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 GbpsPrice as of Also named byGCISpectrumSee price on Amazon →
- Netgear CM2000Exact model matched in Amazon's catalog 2026-09-11.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 2.5 GbpsBest for: Gigabit+ plans, future-proofPrice as of Also named byBreezelineGCISparklightSpectrumXfinitySee price on Amazon →
- Motorola MB8600Named on Armstrong's list. Buy links are on the models above.DOCSIS 3.1 · Up to 1 Gbps · 1 Ethernet portBest for: Plans up to 1 GbpsAlso named byBreezelineSparklight
- Hitron CODA56Named on Armstrong's list. Buy links are on the models above.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 bySparklightSpectrum
- Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
- Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
- The internetthe part you actually want
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: "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." See the modems Armstrong approves.
Does Armstrong charge an equipment rental fee?
"Armstrong does not charge a lease fee for the modem we provide." So buying your own modem does not lower a monthly equipment fee with Armstrong; the reason to own one is choosing the hardware yourself from the models it approves. See the modems Armstrong approves.
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." Compare the DOCSIS version all 37 providers name.
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. See the modems Armstrong approves.
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). Compare Astound Broadband's rules.
Where does this information come from?
Every statement on this page is quoted from Armstrong's own published page:
Other providers to compare
Other cable providers:Astound BroadbandBlue Ridge CommunicationsBreezelineBuckeye BroadbandComporium