More on Comcast...

[Robert La Ferla]

*set cynical mode=on*

Perhaps, this is the reason for the modem "upgrade":

Peter Howe from the Globe wrote: "Comcast Corp., however, is looking 
only upward in its tiering strategy. In what could be a glimpse of its 
future broadband offers in New England, Comcast is currently testing in 
New Haven, Conn., a $65-a-month plan -- about $20 more than its standard 
residential broadband plan -- that offers faster downloads through a 
device that also lets users connect several computers through wireless 
and cable connections to their broadband cable modem connection. An even 
faster $95 plan is also in the works."

http://business.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2003/07/21/firm_doesnt_follow_rivals_lead_on_pricing