[flv width=”480″ height=”288″]http://www.phillipdampier.com/video/Post-Standard Time Warner Cable Modem Lease Fee 1-30-13.flv[/flv]

A reporter from the Syracuse Post-Standard is featured in this video explaining how to swap out your leased Time Warner cable modem for one you can buy yourself. It will save you $3.95 a month. One piece of advice: If the coaxial cable you plan to use has a push-on style connector, toss it for one that screws on. The push-on connectors are not recommended, even if your cable modem comes with one. You can also use the cable Time Warner originally supplied if it has a superior screw-on connector. Time Warner does not need the cables returned with the cable modem or the original box. Just return the cable modem and power cord to any Time Warner Cable store location and make sure they print, and you keep, the returned equipment receipt. (4 minutes)

Would you pay Time Warner Cable $6.99 a month to guarantee they will update your equipment on a regular basis to provide you with reliable service?

An unspecified number of customers participating in a Time Warner Cable focus group are being asked that question this month as the cable company ponders charging the new fee in the future.

“As technology, Internet speeds, and entertainment options keep getting better, you want, and need, your equipment to keep up. That’s why we’re introducing Time Warner Cable’s Future Proof Guarantee. Starting next month you will see a $6.99 equipment lease fee on your bill, which will guarantee you have the right equipment for all your TWC services. That means we will keep your Modem, and DVR set-top box up-to-date so you can enjoy a seamless, reliable experience and the service you expect.”

To be clear, Time Warner is only considering this new fee and is testing the concept with its focus group to gauge potential customer reaction.

The Stop the Cap! reader and focus group member who shared the news with us was not impressed.

“This feels like another money grab from an already very-profitable company,” our tipster told both us and the cable company.

The new fee would double-down on Time Warner’s already lucrative new cable modem rental fee, now $3.95 a month. The new $7 fee would cover “upgrades” that most subscribers might assume they were already entitled to as paying customers. We have no word if this fee would replace existing equipment rental fees or would apply in addition to those rental fees.

Any customer renting equipment can generally be assured of getting a free “technology upgrade” just by swapping existing equipment at any Time Warner Cable store — no additional fee required.