Running a small business is tough enough without wasting money on avoidable expenses. One commonly overlooked drain on your budget? That modem you’re renting from your internet provider. Most Maryland businesses pay between $10 and $25 per month in modem rental fees — often for outdated, consumer-grade hardware.
What’s Wrong With ISP Modems?
While they’re fine for basic home use, ISP-provided modems often fall short for business environments:
- Limited network controls: You typically can’t manage VLANs, guest networks, or firewall settings.
- Poor WiFi performance: If it’s an all-in-one modem/router, expect dead spots and slowdowns.
- Security limitations: ISPs rarely push timely firmware updates, leaving your network vulnerable.
- Hidden fees: On top of monthly rentals, some ISPs charge extra for modem swaps, configuration help, or troubleshooting visits.
Enter the UniFi Cloud Gateway (UCI)
Ubiquiti’s Cloud Gateway is a business-grade solution that replaces your ISP’s modem entirely. It integrates directly with your internet connection and offers advanced networking features through a simple, cloud-based interface.
Key Benefits:
- Eliminate monthly rental fees — saving up to $300 over three years.
- Full control over your firewall, VLANs, guest WiFi, and port forwarding.
- Remote access and cloud management.
- Regular security updates from Ubiquiti.
The Financial Case: Real Savings for Small Businesses
Let’s break it down:
- Typical modem rental fee: $15/month
- Average business internet contract term: 36 months
$15 x 36 = $540
Even with installation and hardware costs, you’ll recover your investment within 12–18 months.
The Hidden Costs of Keeping That Rental Modem
Beyond the monthly fee, relying on an ISP modem can cost you in other ways:
- Outages and poor WiFi coverage result in lost productivity.
- Lack of remote management means you’re stuck calling the ISP for minor changes.
- Limited scalability as your business grows or adds new systems like VoIP phones or cameras.
How Duppins Technology Makes It Easy
We offer complete modem replacement services for businesses throughout Frederick, Carroll, and Prince George’s Counties:
- Hardware recommendations and procurement
- Seamless installation with zero downtime
- Custom configuration for WiFi, VLANs, and firewall rules
- Remote management setup and training
- Optional ongoing maintenance packages
We’ve completed successful replacements for businesses like WorldVia Travel Network, Strawbridge Community Church, and Safe Harbors Business Travel — each saving hundreds per year while gaining better control over their networks.
Ready to Drop the Rental Fee?
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll assess your current setup, quote a custom solution, and show you how easy it is to cut the cord from your ISP’s equipment.
