This is a question that is frequently asked by Jump partners. A returned modem doesn’t have its box or “wires”, so can I reissue it? It most cases ‘no wires’ means no ethernet cables (the yellow and blue ones).
The modems normally come with two short ethernet cables, but most Jump customers never need to use them. So what are they for? In the old days before WiFi was invented, people used these cables to connect their devices to the internet modem, but these days, WiFi is so good that you hardly ever need a cable connection. In fact most new devices like laptops no longer have an ethernet port, so there isn’t even a slot that you can plug these cables into.
So again, you are probably wondering why do we need this cable with a Jump modem. The answer is on page 27 of the customer guide (“How do I change my WiFi password?”). For this, we recommend you connect a computer to the Jump modem using one of the ethernet cables.
But then you might be wondering why are there two ethernet cables in every box. Well, this really has nothing to do with Jump. The same modems can be configured for fibre connections and you then need an ethernet cable to connect your modem to the fibre ONT (Optical Network Terminal).
But to add further confusion, there is another cable in most Jump boxes – it is grey with telephone connectors and looks like the one in the photo below. This has nothing to do with modems configured for Jump, as unlike fibre connections, these don’t support telephone devices.
So, to cut a long story short, all you need with each modem is one ethernet cable and of course the power supply and user guide. We (DIAA) can supply spares if needed (just drop us a line at jump@diaa.nz).
But wait, there’s more – what about returned modems with no box? You are welcome to issue modems without boxes. We know that most Jump boxes are put in the recycling bin as soon as they are opened. Some library partners have bags for their customers to use in transporting books home and they use these for Jump modems. Others use one of the Jump “zero” bags – we can supply these on request.
As always, there is a moral to the story – let’s “reuse” Jump modems wherever possible and only return those that are faulty or obsolete.
Thanks! But I have a question – what if the modem is just dropped off (sometimes I’m lucky if I have a name!) and I don’t know if it is faulty or not? Should these be returned or not?
LikeLike
Good point Helen. Assuming the modem is in good condition (not dirty, broken or defaced), the best approach is to assess the modem as “suitable for re-issue” in the Modem Returns form and Skinny will then proceed to delink the modem; if they encounter a problem like an expired SIM Card, they will alert you (and us) and we will reclassify the modem as faulty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kia ora. That is one thing we stress to our clients….if they are returning the modem (for whatever reason) please bring back the cords etc….IN THE BOX!! Does this happen??? Hardly! So what else can we do. Even with removing the sim card, we tell them the modem will automatically disconnect and they won’t be able to use it again and they can’t ask for another modem. But as always it goes in one ear and out the other and they think…” Just get another one bro….its free.” Maybe they need to start paying for modems again. Just a thought! Sorry for the rant??
Ngaa mihi Cynthia Takiari Secretariat Administrator
LikeLike
You make a good point here Cynthia. This is a problem with things that are free – while most appreciate this offer, there are some who take advantage of this, probably not even understanding that someone is paying, even if it is free for them. I would like to see us tighten up the requirement for modems only to be issued to existing customers if they return the ‘faulty’ one. There are of course exceptional cases where customers report stolen or lost modems – but we ask partners to never issue replacements in these cases – they must be reported through the Skinny Care team.
LikeLike