Are You Still Renting Your Router? Here's How to Stop Paying That Fee Forever

This is one of the most overlooked charges on internet bills — and one of the easiest to eliminate. Many homeowners have been renting the same piece of equipment for years without realizing that buying their own would have paid for itself long ago.

Step 1: Find the Charge on Your Bill

Look for any of these line items on your monthly statement:

• Equipment rental
• Modem/router fee
• Gateway rental
• WiFi equipment

Common amounts are $10–$15/month from Xfinity/Comcast, and $10–$20/month from CenturyLink or Lumen. Multiply that by 24 months and you've likely paid $240–$480 for a device you could have owned for $80–$150.

Step 2: Check What Equipment You Need

Before purchasing anything, call your provider and ask: "Which modem or router models are approved for my service plan?" Providers publish compatibility lists, and buying the wrong equipment is a frustrating mistake to undo.

In most cases, you'll need a compatible modem ($60–$100) and a router ($50–$150). You typically break even within 6–12 months — and save money every month after that.

Step 3: Set Up Your Own Equipment

1. Connect the new modem to your internet line
2. Call your provider to activate it on your account (usually a 10-minute call)
3. Connect your router to the modem
4. Reconnect your devices to the new network

Step 4: Return the Rental Equipment

1. Call your provider and tell them you're returning the rental
2. Ask for a confirmation number
3. Return it to a local store or drop-off location they specify
4. Keep the receipt until your next bill shows the rental charge removed

If the charge doesn't disappear from your next bill, call back with your confirmation number.