Get ready to experience the Internet’s express lane. Whether you’re checking out streaming media, downloading new software, checking your email, or talking with friends on the phone, the ARRIS TG852G Telephony Gateway cable modem brings it all to you faster and more reliably. All while providing toll quality Voice over IP telephone service and both wired and wireless connectivity.
It also provides a Lithium-Ion battery backup to provide continued telephone service during power outages. The Touchstone Telephony Gateway provides four Ethernet connections for use as the hub of your home/office Local Area Network (LAN).
The ARRIS TG852G Touchstone Telephony Gateway also provides 802.11b/g/n wireless connectivity for enhanced mobility and versatility. In addition, the Touchstone Telephony Gateway provides for up to two separate lines of telephone service. Installation is simple and your cable company will provide assistance to you for any special requirements.
Does the Arris TG852G work with Comcast Xfinity?
Yes! This model is still on their approved list and has been confirmed by our technicians as still usable on Comcast’s network.
Does the TG852G have telephone ports?
Yes! This model has 2 telephone ports on the back. These both can be independently activated by your cable company. Please note that you will need to have phone service on your plan in order to activate these.
Jerryjohn22 –
Bought the new (Docsys3) modem because I wanted more thruput and I WAS’NT GOING TO PAY ANOTHER $ 3.95 MONTHLY TO TWC. I had another problem with Time Warner that required a Tech, so I asked him to get me started on the new Telephony Modem. He hooked everything up to the new one so I could return the old modem to TWC and skate the $ 3.95 monthly. Tech then went back to his truck and when he returned to the house he told me ” We HAVE to provide you with a modem at no charge because you have telephone service thru the TW cable. If you choose to install the new Modem, TWC still must provide you with a telephone modem, and you will not be charged the $ 3.95 per month, but I (tech Rep) cannot remove the old modem from the house. So I have the new modem hooked up with a signal splitter from the cable to BOTH modems. However, I think this setup is slowing down my download speed because the old modem is Docsys2. What a stupid situation. Anybody out there have any suggestions????
Karyn Riola –
SUMMARY:
I am using the TG852G with Comcast for BOTH Internet AND phone service and consequently I am no longer paying Comcast’s $7/month modem rental fee. The WiFi-enabled TG852G works perfectly for this. However, in my experience, most Comcast representatives are ignorant that the TG852G can be used for both Internet & phone service and so you might have to call Comcast several times until you get a Comcast representative who is properly trained and can help you. I had about 7 different Comcast reps (including supervisors) tell me that I absolutely could not use my own modem for phone service but they were all completely wrong (to put it nicely). After about 5 calls to Comcast, I finally got a knowledgeable tech-support guy who enabled my TG852G for both Internet & phone service. He said that most Comcast reps don’t know how to do it, thereby confirming my experience that you may have to call Comcast several times in order to get a well-trained representative who can help you get the TG852G set up to work with BOTH Internet AND phone service (and to stop getting billed for a $7/month modem rental fee).
Note that it may take several minutes (perhaps even up to a half hour or so) for Comcast to automatically update the modem’s firmware when it first connects to Comcast’s network. In the case of my Ebay-purchased, TG852G (that had been used in a Time-Warner-Cable home) Comcast automatically replaced the Time-Warner firmware with Comcast’s firmware– which actually has much nicer, more richly-featured modem-configuration screens. Once the Comcast firmware is installed, any of the modem’s original configuration screens will likely be completely different from those that originally came with the modem. For the Comcast firmware, the Quick Start Guide and the User Guide may be found on Comcast’s website. (From Comcast’s website, click on “Support”, then “Xfinity Internet”, then “Wireless Gateway”, and you’ll see the links to the user guides.)
Note that you may have to unplug the modem AND pull the battery in order to get it to reboot and (in my case get the WiFi) to work properly, but then everything (Internet, phone, & WiFi) should work well.
Don’t believe any ignorant Comcast representatives who tell you that this modem can’t be used for Internet and/or phone service. It can. I’m doing it. Keep calling Comcast back until you get a representative who knows how to do it. Most of them don’t know how.
MY SAGA IF YOU’RE INTERESTED:
I had TV, Internet, & phone service though Comcast (with an Arris TM502 modem) but I wanted to eliminate Comcast’s $7/month modem rental fee by buying my own modem. So I did some Internet research, I saw many conflicting posts, and then called Comcast 3 times and spoke to 3 different tech-support people. The first representative told me that I COULD NOT buy my own modem. The other two reps told me that I COULD buy any of the following 3 Arris models: TM602G, TM722G, & TG852G. Only the TG852G has WiFi built-in, so I purchased a used TG852 from Ebay (for $85).
At first I connected power, and my PC (via Ethernet) to my TG852G, without connecting it to Comcast’s cable because I wanted to set it up with the right WiFi SSID name, etc. (The modem configuration page was at 192.168.0.1 Username: admin. Password: password.) I was worried because my used TG852G had been used on Time-Warner-Cable’s network and had Time-Warner-Cable firmware installed, so I thought it might not work on Comcast’s network. Then I connected it to my (Comcast) coaxial cable. It took several minutes (maybe 15) before the “DS” (DownStream) arrow LED lit up solidly green and the “US” (UpStream) arrow lit solidly orange. (I guess that was because it took a while for Comcast to automatically install Comcast’s firmware to the modem.)
Next I called a Comcast technical support (from my cell phone) and told him that I had bought a TG852G. Then (at his request) I gave the tech support guy the unique CM-MAC and eMTA-MAC numbers from the modem so that he could authorize the modem to work on Comcast’s network. He said that he would have no problem setting up my customer-owned modem with Internet AND phone service because he had done it several times. It didn’t work at first, but after unplugging the modem, pulling the battery, and re-plugging the modem (and battery) it rebooted and worked fine for Internet service. Unfortunately, my cell phone connection to this knowledgeable tech support guy was lost before we could get the phone service working.
So I called Comcast technical support again. This time a different tech-support person said that I couldn’t use the TG852G for phone service and that I could only use it for Internet service. I told him that several Comcast reps said otherwise, and got him to bring in his supervisor, but the supervisor concurred. They said it was absolutely impossible because it was a security risk to their network. Wrong!!!
So I called Comcast technical support again. Again, a different tech-support person said that it’s impossible and that it’s only possible in some areas, but not my area (Ft. Myers, FL). Her supervisor concurred and said that it was even illegal to use my own modem because the government requires me to pay Comcast a $7/month leasing fee. What ridiculous BS!!!
So I called Comcast technical support again. Again, a different tech-support person (and her supervisor) said that it’s only possible with an Arris TG722G and only if I bought it at my local Best Buy. Wrong again!!!
So I called Comcast technical support again. This time I got a knowledgeable tech-support guy (David) who said that it’s possible, and he’s done it many times, but that most Comcast reps aren’t trained on how to do it. I gave him my CM-MAC and eMTA-MAC numbers. He said that he would have to put in a work order to have the billing department stop charging me, and to have my current phone number assigned to that eMTA-MAC. He said that it would take up to one business day. Unfortunately, that was on Friday late-afternoon so my phone service didn’t work until Monday morning. (No problem for me since I have a cell phone, but you may want to consider making this change on a Monday-Thursday.)
My Internet & phone service now work perfectly on the TG852G, and Comcast is no longer charging me $7/month for a modem rental fee. (It’s funny but Comcast didn’t even ask me to return my old Arris TM502 modem, which I’d be happy to do. Obviously they don’t want that worthless old modem for which they were charging $7/month!)
Once the Comcast firmware got automatically installed, all of my previous settings were deleted, so it’s a waste of time to configure the modem before the Comcast firmware gets automatically installed. When I first got the modem, its firmware allowed me to configure it with my web browser at 192.168.0.1, but once the firmware automatically updated the new configuration page was located at 10.0.0.1. (User name: admin. Password: password.)
One quirk: After I configured the modem with my preferred WiFi settings (like my preferred SSID & WPA2 password, and my preference to broadcast the SSID) the modem would not broadcast the SSID and the WiFi didn’t work. I tried using the configuration pages to reboot the WiFi and to reboot the modem, but it didn’t work. So I unplugged the modem and pulled the battery, waited a few seconds, and then reconnected the battery and power. After that the WiFi (Internet & phone service) worked fine. I’m not sure if that’s the fault of the TG852 or the fault of Comcast’s firmware, so I’m giving the TG852G 5 stars.
I’d give Comcast zero-stars for poorly training their representatives. I’m sure Comcast loves collecting a $7/month modem-leasing fee so they have no incentive to make it easy to buy your own modem.
gator –
I got this 3 months ago after moving from DSL to cable internet. I used comcast’s list of compatible devices to select this combo modem and wireless router. Setup took a good bit of work–At first, I could get the wireless to connect to my computer, but no internet. Then after calling comcast, I got internet to work but no wireless. I had to call comcast to have them send a signal to change it out of bridge mode. The router did lose its settings a few times during the first couple of weeks, but it hasn’t done it in a while–I was able to correct those problems without calling comcast. A comcast installer had to come by the house for a separate problem with the TV cable box and recommended unplugging the router’s backup battery. He said he has seen problems with this type of router with the battery plugged in. Overall, setup was difficult, but it’s probably more comcast than the router.
Robert Young –
I would like to have gotten a modem and wireless separately but I was afraid I would get something that was not compatible from either my cable provider or modem or wireless router, so I settled on this. It works fair but it’s in my office (center of my house) and my pc gets a strong signal about 3 feet from the wireless but my laptop and Google Cromecast and Roku in either end of my house (about 20 to 30 feet away) only get half the strength. I get the same strength signal on my laptop as I get from my neighbor’s wireless about 100 feet away:(
Cleft Dad –
If I were simply evaluating this device’s connectivity to the internet, I would give this a 5. I purchased a refurbished one, and I have no complaints about the wireless signal nor the ethernet ports in the back of the device (there are 4 hardline ports, plenty for my small home network). I took one star because this device is huge – nearly the size of my DirecTV DVR. This is not a device you’ll place on a corner shelf or some other inconspicuous place and forget about it. I took another star for the headache you’ll get if you try to use this device as a self-install with Comcast. Apparently Comcast spends all their money on Brian Urlacher commercials and not training customer service reps how to use drop-down menus. **THIS IS NOT A CABLE MODEM, ACCORDING TO THE INTERNAL SYSTEMS THAT COMCAST USES** If you call their customer service and call this device a cable modem (and if you say nothing, they’ll assume this is what you have anyway) whatever person you talk to will say that this is an unsupported device. To avoid this, you need to tell them that this is an EMTA, or voice gateway. Comcast’s internal programs have these devices listed under a different menu, and it’s not one they look at generally. There is no way for you to know this is what you’re purchasing if you use Comcast’s website to select your device as their supported devices website simply lists hardware, not what type of hardware it is (they’ve since added a link to this page with more consumer-friendly devices to purchase). At any rate, I’ve been using the device for a month and have had no major issues. I have had my wireless signal drop a few times a week, but I don’t know whether it’s my device or the wireless card in my computer, so I’m not dinging the box for that.
Peter F. –
Works as it is supposed to. I like having the modem and router in one unit — less muss and fuss with wires and stuff. We bought this because it was on the list of modems compatible with Comcast’s new technology. I have had this for over six months without any problems. Make sure you are updated to the latest firmware (or that it has been updated automatically when you connect the new modem).
Coheeba –
Works great with Comcast. Exceptional speed on the wi-fi 40-50mb/sec with decent coverage in a fairly large house. All in all it will pay for itself in not renting from Comcast.
***Update**
This is a great Modem for use with Comcast Triple Play but if you are using a separate wi-fi router (not the internal router) you need to call Comcast and have them “bridge the modem” this in effect shuts the wi-fi router off, which you cannot do using Comcast software. I was having problems with my router dropping the signal. I bridged the modem and now no drops for over a month.
Todd V –
First off, the unit itself is fine and delivery from the seller was prompt. But there’s much more behind the scenes. My comments relate to Comcast/Xfinity and Arris – other providers may be different. I purchased this on Comcast’s recommendation – their Customer Service Rep claimed they get the fewest service calls on this unit. When it arrived I was shocked to see that it had NO instructions – clearly this is a single unit taken from a bulk provider order and not intended for retail consumer sale. So I went online to Arris and found the user manual. Once hooked up I called Comcast knowing that they needed to “activate” the unit and connect it to my account. 1 hour later internet was working but telephone and WiFi weren’t. Long story short, I spoke with 6 different agents in 4 different departments, finally after nearly 3 hours got the phone and internet up. Used Live Chat on the Arris website for WiFi help since Comcast refused to do anything since it wasn’t leased. Arris tells me that “by contract, the service provider must provide all support” and “I don’t even know what that unit looks like”. While waiting on hold for a Supervisor I finally managed to get into the router, change my network name and password and get my wireless devices to recognize it.
Tim T –
I purchased this modem gateway after being told that it would work for both phone and internet service by a Time Warner rep. However, when I called to have it configured I was informed that I would still need to use my existing (old) Time Warner modem for phone service (as an eMTA). They say the reason for this is liability–if you bring your own modem and have trouble calling 911 they don’t want to be responsible. So, if I had known this I would have bought a Motorolla 6141 instead, because from what I’ve read it’s a more universal and reliable choice.
Mike Sheikh –
So the unit works okay but the signal strength is a little weak. I mean way weak. I was streaming Netflix and I thought there was something wrong with my Netflix. I called up Netflix and the error I got was carrier related in the sense I wasn’t getting enough bandwidth to my device. I put a pretty expensive amplifier on that I wasn’t using and then Netflix has been working fine since them. I have 3 walls in the way of my access point and the DVD player so we are only looking at about 15ft so for a signal to attenuate that poorly over that distance means this thing is pretty weak.
boomer lady –
Researched this and thought I was making a good choice, but am totally disappointed. We had nothing but problems getting it set up, it often has difficulties taking a password and getting connected, the internet speed seems to have slowed substantially on wifi, and now I am constantly getting messages from my desktop that the gateway connection is lost and has to be reestablished. Is it this model or the fact that I bought a refurbished unit? Who know? just know I am sorry I purchased it.
shaun –
I’d give it 5 stars but although it is on Comcast’s ‘supported hardware’ list, it gives them seizures that can last days or even weeks to resolve. I spent WAY TOO MANY HOURS on the phone with poor suffering Comcast contractor people all over the globe trying to get the thing to work the three times we moved the service so far. I know that is Comcast’s problem, but if you buy this with them in them in mind as your bandwidth provider, it might make you crazy.
Once running, we can stream three movies, internet radio, and talk on VOIP all at the same time with no buffering issues or dropped calls.
Andrei L –
I thought it’s a good device. I set it up pretty quickly and it was easy to use.
I had to return it due to a low signal range in my case. Some of the devices could not get the signal in other rooms of my house, so I decided to get a modem and separate more powerful router
A. Srivastava –
Arrived as expected. Connected quickly with automatic option to Xfinity without any issues. Have used it for over 3 weeks for connecting telephone and WI-FI with over 55 mbps download and 5 mbps upload speeds.
Brian –
wifi blows on this. but it saved the rental fee of the cheap ass’dd 25 dollar Comcast modem. Comcast does not like when you dont have theier rental modme expect poor support from them for problems. As far as the wired connection it has always worked great.
Clint –
According to Xfinity Support tech this modem is “End of Life” (EOL) which translates to it not being compatible with their service. To get around this issue when activating with Xfinity give an Arris model number to the tech that isn’t EOL (i.e Arris TG862) but still give Serial Number and MAC address of the device in hand. They will push the activation and update the firmware for it to work with Xfinity.
Customer –
Works great for Comcast, just remember to Self-Activate the unit yourself online and not call in!!! Should have bought this a long time ago.. Would have saved sooo much on rental fees :/
Michelle –
I bought to say goodbye to all the all the FEE’s that I was getting with TWC AKA Spectrum they are NOW using The UBEE’s so this product didn’t work for me. Because of it was too old of a model. SO they sent me ANOTHER MODEM FREE of Charge to use for just the phone.
I went through 5 modems trying to get the right one. They wouldn’t tell me which one to BUY. SO I am telling you NOT buy this product for this company. It works great, otherwise. But its not what I had intended use. I was trying to get rid of all the equipment in my office, NOW I am I am 2 more. UGH..
Scotty178 –
Larger than I expected. But works great.
Customer –
This modem did a great job and it is still doing it. I bought it in used condition so I do not have to rent a modem from internet company and saved a lots of money already. I have been using it for two years now. Highly recommended brand, their quality is amazing.
HARI PRASAD –
I am using this device with my Xfinity internet and voice plan. Very easy to install, even you will not need to make a call to Xfinity. I just followed the instructions that are provided on a paper with this product for online installation. Inbuilt wifi’s quality is okay.
XFINITY USERS DO REMEMBER ONE THING THAT THIS DEVICE IS NOT COMPATiBLE WITH ‘XFINITY XFI APP’.