This week my internet has been down for four (4) days. I called Earthlink Support. After having me disconnect everything (house phone and DSL line) from the phone jack, I was informed by the technician I needed a new modem. He told me my "signal was weak." He said I had two options, 1) pay for a new modem; 2) renew my contract with Earthlink and I could get the modem for "free." I told him I did have a third option - leave Earthlink. I had the same issue last year. Like I fool, I bought the modem. The new modem was the exact same as the old modem. If I had bought a new modem this year it would be my third one in two years. I just feel like Earthlink is trying to scam me. I am not under contract so this is their way of getting more money from me. Rather than trying to correct problems - time is wasted on 1) disconnecting equipment and 2) their sales pitch. Is there any recourse out there? Should I complain to the FCC? Do modems really need to be replaced every year? Thanks! MG P.S. I hooked up my old modem from last year and my internet is back. The maddening part - it is the exact same modem the technician said I replace less than four hours ago.