If your modem was indeed 10 years old, there's a chance it wasn't even a DOCSIS 3 modem (which would be Bad). Even if that weren't the case, newer modems have more upload and download channels on them, which results in more reliable speeds, particularly in congested neighborhoods. This is true even if you're not on a very high speed tier.
The new modem has nothing to do with your speed tier in and of itself. Bringing back your old one wouldn't bring back that speed tier - they would have to reprovision your modem for service, and the provisioning file would match whatever service tier you have right now. 

-------- Original Message --------
From: Lou Judson <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2018 05:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] AW: [ARSCLIST] Data mining, was: ARSC Facebook Group?

>
> I’m not interested in individual exchanges, so keeping it on the list. I wish listmembers would let the replies go to the list!
> 
> I noticed an $20 increase in my bill, so I enquired. They reduced my bill to the introductory amount, and suggested that my ten year old modem needed updating. When the service tech came, he suggested I use their modem as a rental. Then I discovered the upload speed went down.
> 
> I am still wondering if I bought my own modem if the up speed would still be throttled. A new modem costs about six months rental on theirs. I might get one and pay the G*****n extra!
> 
> But it doesn’t matter all that much, it is just annoying dealing with corporoconglomerates with no competition. That’s why I want the 2005 internet back! :-)
> <L>
> Lou Judson
> Intuitive Audio
> 415-883-2689
> 
> On Sep 14, 2018, at 2:33 PM, Stewart Gooderman <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> > Dear Mr L,
> > 
> > Did you not inquire on upload speed before you upgraded?
> > 
> > Comcast does have 2 GB upload *and* download availability in select markets, but you’ll have to pay $$$.
> > 
> > Would it be better to cancel and return to your original plan?
> > 
> > DrG
> > 
> > 
> >> On Sep 14, 2018, at 2:17 PM, Lou Judson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> >> 
> >> Net unneutrality means big things to me - when Comcast recently upgraded my conneciton, I was able to get triple the dowload speed, but half the upload speed! Sending hour long auio up now takes a lot longer.
> >> 
> >> Grrr.
> >> 
> >> I still think the internet was best in 2005, downhill ever since.
> >> <L>
> >> Lou Judson
> >> Intuitive Audio
> >> 415-883-2689
> >> 
> > 
> > 
>