WideOpenWest (WOW!): can you use your own modem?
Checked against WideOpenWest's own policy on 2026-08-25 — WideOpenWest's own page. Not paid by WideOpenWest (WOW!) or any ISP — we track 37 ISPs and 27 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's monthly equipment fee. Match every requirement below before you buy — a device that misses one may not work. All of it is quoted from WideOpenWest's own page, last checked 2026-08-25.
- Connection
- cable (DOCSIS); also fiber (FTTH) in some markets
- Verified
- 2026-08-25
Our pick ARRIS Surfboard S33
WOW!'s own chart recommends DOCSIS 3.1 for 1000 Mbps plans and asks for a 2.5GbE port at 1200 and 2000 Mbps. This is DOCSIS 3.1 with a 2.5 Gbps port.
DOCSIS 3.1 · 2.5 Gbps port · modem only
Not for: WOW! fiber homes and WOW! Phone lines, which need WOW!'s own equipment. For 1200 or 2000 Mbps, WOW! also asks for 32x8 channels: check the spec sheet. To activate, you give WOW! the modem's MAC address.
Price as of
See price on Amazon →- 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 WideOpenWest (WOW!)?
Yes. WideOpenWest (WOW!) permits customer-owned equipment that meets its published requirements. No on fiber. "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." Compare all 37 providers.
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". Compare the DOCSIS version all 37 providers name.
Do WideOpenWest'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." Compare Shentel's rules.
Two boxes
- Modemtalks to the ISP line
- Routermakes the Wi-Fi
One box — a “gateway”
- Modem + routerone unit does both jobs
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 above, then confirm the exact model with WideOpenWest (WOW!) before ordering.
Where does this information come from?
Every statement on this page is quoted from WideOpenWest'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:ShentelSparklightSpectrumSuddenlinkVyve Broadband