Can a consumer buy a modem that is not certified?
Yes. The specification was developed to provide consumers with a high degree of confidence that their off-the-shelf modem will function compatibly with their cable operator’s headend. Vendor participation is voluntary, but the benefit to the vendor’s sales and marketing efforts is obvious. Non-certified modems are available from some stores and operators in regions of the country, but those modems may not work if purchased and then transported to other regions of the country.
