WideOpenWest (WOW!): can you use your own modem?
Checked against WideOpenWest (WOW!)'s own policy on 2026-08-25 — WideOpenWest (WOW!)'s own page. Not paid by WideOpenWest (WOW!) or any ISP — we track 39 ISPs and 39 named models (how we verify). Amazon links are affiliate.
Yes — WideOpenWest (WOW!) allows customer-owned equipment, but publishes technical requirements rather than a list of approved devices. Owning your own may avoid WideOpenWest (WOW!)'s monthly equipment fee. Match every requirement below before you buy — a device that misses one will not activate. All of it is quoted from WideOpenWest (WOW!)'s own page, last checked 2026-08-25.
- Connection
- cable (DOCSIS); also fiber (FTTH) in some markets
- Verified
- 2026-08-25
- Your modemyou buy it, or you rent it
- Your ISP's networkthey decide what connects
- The internetthe part you actually want
How do I find a modem that works with WideOpenWest (WOW!)?
WideOpenWest (WOW!) publishes requirements rather than naming specific devices, so match anything you shortlist against the requirements on this page, then confirm the exact model with WideOpenWest (WOW!) before ordering.
Can I use my own modem with WideOpenWest (WOW!)?
Yes. WideOpenWest (WOW!) permits customer-owned equipment that meets its published requirements. In their words: no on fiber. Page: "Should you choose to use your own modem/wireless gateway, we recommend a DOCSIS 3.1..." and "You alone are responsible for ensuring that your modem or gateway: (i) is compatible with the WOW! Internet service and is permitted for use on our network* and (ii) is capable of delivering the Internet speed to which you subscribe." On FTTH/fiber: "Customer owned devices are not permitted."
Does WideOpenWest (WOW!) charge an equipment rental fee?
Modem rental $14.00 a month; the fiber ONT is listed as "Included".
What DOCSIS version does WideOpenWest (WOW!) require?
"DOCSIS* 3.0 / Channel 24x8 & 32x8 / WOW! Internet Speed 600Mbps or less / Minimum requirement".
Do WideOpenWest (WOW!)'s requirements change with my speed tier?
Verbatim table: "3.0 | 24x8 & 32x8 | 600Mbps or less | Minimum requirement"; "3.1 | Any | 1000Mbps | Recommended"; "3.1 | 32 x 8 with 2.5GbE Port | 1200Mbps / 2000Mbps | Required".
Can I use my own router with WideOpenWest (WOW!)?
Combined modem/router permitted — the document addresses "modem/wireless gateway" throughout and titles itself "Modem/Wireless Gateway Compatibility / Customer Owned Device Guidelines". For 1200/2000Mbps a gateway with "32 x 8 with 2.5GbE Port" is Required.
What does WideOpenWest (WOW!) not allow?
FIBER = NO customer equipment: "A WOW! Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is required for WOW! Internet service in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) areas. Customer owned devices are not permitted." and "A WOW! Fiber Terminal is required for WOW! fiber Internet service in applicable markets. Customer owned Fiber Terminals are not permitted." Phone: "A WOW! Advanced Modem/EMTA (or Fiber Terminal in fiber areas) is required for WOW! Phone Service." Also: "going forward WOW! will not allow any additional DOCSIS 3.0 4x4 channel or 8x4 channel or DOCSIS 2.0 or older modems/wireless gateways on our network."
Two boxes
- Modemtalks to the ISP line
- Routermakes the Wi-Fi
One box — a “gateway”
- Modem + routerone unit does both jobs
Where does this information come from?
Every statement on this page is quoted from WideOpenWest (WOW!)'s own published pages:
- https://www.wowway.com/docs/wow/documents-support-internet/modem-compatibility-list.pdf
- https://www.wowway.com/help-center/internet/can-i-use-my-own-wifi-device
- https://www.wowway.com/help-center/phone/can-i-purchase-my-own-emta-modem-for-use-with-wow-phone-or-do-i-have-to
- https://www.wowway.com/help-center/equipment-return
Other providers to compare
Other cable providers:MidcoOptimumRCNService ElectricShentel