I have cable modem that was givin to me.Can I use this modem without contacing my cable company?

Betty, January 2005

For cable modem service you will need to call the local cable company and give them the MAC address of the modem ,or it will just work for 3 seconds and shut off.

John Mayer, August 2005

No, because most cable companies require the MAC address of the modem to be registered with them before that will allow that particular modem to connect and sync up with their network.
Once you notify them and give them the MAC address, which you should be able to do over the phone, they can provision that address and you should be able to connect it up in a few minutes.

Rick, April 2005

i use different cable modems to the 1 that i was given from my provider so i think it should be fine try it if it dosent work well then get them to get you 1

wardie,coronagixer, February 2005