When Ordering AT&T U-Verse Internet, Must You Use Their Equipment?

by Elle Di Jensen, Demand Media

AT&T; can provide receivers, modems and other necessary equipment.

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With everyone getting into the Internet business these days, from phone companies to cable and satellite providers, it's hard to know what type of equipment you'll need. Even if you know what equipment is involved, many times the service provider wants you to use its equipment. Before ordering an Internet service such as AT&T; U-Verse, you should know up-front if the provider requires you to use some, but not all, of its equipment.

Receiver

When you order AT&T; U-Verse Internet service, a technician will come to your home or business to do the installation. He will bring the necessary accessories, such as the fiber-optic cable that will bring Internet service into your home, as well as the receiver, or wireless gateway. AT&T; requires that you use its receiver since it's built to process AT&T;'s signals coming through the cable. The gateway will be placed in a central location in your home that will work best for any and all U-Verse services you have or might add on in the future.

Modem

Although AT&T; will provide the receiver for the U-Verse service, you can use your own Internet modem if you already have one. Anyone switching over Internet service from another provider might have a perfectly good wireless modem that would allow the Internet to be used anywhere in the house, such as on a netbook or a laptop. Before deciding to forego the wireless modem that AT&T; can provide, it would be wise to consult a customer service or technical support representative to be sure your modem is compatible with the service.

Existing Wiring

When the AT&T; service tech installs U-Verse in your home he will typically have to run fiber-optic cable to and through the house. Sometimes, however, it is possible for him to use existing cable wiring if it is compatible with the U-Verse service. If your house is already wired for cable service, let the technician know as soon as he arrives to do the installation. A quick inspection of your existing wiring could save some time.

Computer System Requirements

AT&T; won't provide the computer for you, but before you order AT&T; U-Verse Internet for your home, you should make certain the computers you intend on connecting to U-Verse Internet meet AT&T;'s minimum system requirements. That will ensure that you get the best result from the U-Verse Internet service. You can visit AT&T;'s website to get a list of the minimum requirements or you can call the customer service center to discuss it with an AT&T; representative.

References

  • Angel Ramirez, customer service representative: AT&T; Customer Service
  • AT&T;: U-Verse Equipment and Installation

Resources

  • AT&T; Customer Service
  • AT&T; Internet Installation; Minimum System Requirements

About the Author

Elle Di Jensen has been a writer and editor since 1990. Her experience includes editing a workout manual and writing grants, newsletters and articles. Jensen's work has appeared in various print and online publications. She studied communications at Boise State University and psychology at Idaho State University.

Photo Credits

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