Rogers Launches Wi-Fi 7: What You Need to Know
Rogers has recently expanded its Wi-Fi 7 service across the country, but there's a catch: it comes with an additional monthly fee of $25.This new offering is part of their ‘Xfinity Pro’ plan, which bundles the latest Wi-Fi 7 hardware along with a small battery backup, enhanced tech support, and professional installation services.
The Xfinity Gateway modem Explained
the centerpiece of this upgrade is the Xfinity Gateway modem (Gen 4). Some customers in regions where Wi-Fi 7 was introduced earlier may already have this new equipment installed. Though, for many others, acquiring it will require paying extra. It’s worth noting that initial rollouts were limited to select areas, so not everyone will have access just yet.
If you check Rogers' main internet page right now, only their highest-tier plan at $120 includes Wi-Fi 7 without any added fees. Interestingly enough,when I entered my address for pricing details,I noticed some changes that made it seem like I was getting a better deal—though the top plan's download speeds remained unchanged at 150 Mbps while its price shifted from $150 to “on sale” for $120.
A Confusing Upgrade Process
Initially, it appeared that nearly every internet package could be upgraded to Xfinity Pro during checkout. Though, after several discussions with rogers representatives last week about my findings in Toronto neighborhoods, they removed this option from all addresses I checked.Now customers must call in if they wish to upgrade to Wi-fi 7/Xfinity Pro—a puzzling move given how prominently they advertise the $120 plan on their website.
Is Upgrading Worth it?
You might wonder if having top-notch home networks justifies investing in Wi-Fi 7 hardware. The plans available where I looked also cost around $120 and offered impressive download speeds of up to 2Gbps—enough reason for many users to consider upgrading their modems. While it's true that most people would find adequate performance with existing technologies like Wi-Fi 6 or even older versions like Wi-Fi 6E.
For most users today, modems supporting Wifi standards up through six should suffice.
The Value of Enhanced support Services
Looking at things more broadly reveals an fascinating trend: while many consumers may not need immediate access to cutting-edge technology like Wi-Fi 7 over existing options such as six or six E anytime soon; charging extra for upgrades feels odd—especially when bundled with services that used to be complimentary years ago like installation and customer support enhancements.
This shift follows Rogers' decision earlier this year when they ended contracts with Foundever leading up to layoffs affecting around nine hundred call center employees—a move that's sparked complaints regarding customer service quality lately on various platforms including Reddit forums dedicated specifically towards discussing issues related directly back towards Rogers’ support systems.
Perhaps these upgraded support features are more valuable than one might initially think!
A Closer Look at Battery Backup Features
An intriguing aspect of this subscription is its cellular/battery backup system which offers some impressive capabilities but does come with limitations outlined clearly within fine print found on Roger’s website stating “Storm-Ready Wifi requires access…” among other conditions regarding speed restrictions during outages etc.. This device operates using a connection via LTE cellular network allowing connectivity even amidst power failures—but keep in mind there are still constraints involved here too!
Roger's support page indicates that this device can also function as a home-based wifi extender utilizing five G connections; however despite sounding appealing—it doesn’t necessarily outperform standard mobile hotspots available today! Given how infrequently most households experience prolonged outages annually—it raises questions about whether paying an ongoing fee makes sense especially considering remote areas often lack high-speed internet altogether negating potential benefits associated specifically tied back towards subscribing solely based off wanting faster connections through newer technologies alone!
Your Best Bet? Consider Alternatives!
This subscription seems somewhat limited overall unless you’re truly set on obtaining access exclusively through them! If you're keen on enjoying all advantages associated directly linked back towards utilizing modernized equipment—I’d suggest looking into purchasing your own modem alongside mesh wifi systems instead rather than relying upon what carriers offer via rental agreements!
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