I dont even use my own router and I'm an IT guy
Depending who the provider is, their units can make a huge difference.
At my old apartment, I had Spectrum and their unit was crap. I bought my own unit and my internet speed doubled. When I moved 2 years ago, the only available provider for that area is Verizon. I got their unit (and only use it on Wifi) and it's some of the best internet speed I have ever had. My friend, who lives nearby and also has Verizon, uses his own device and his internet is much slower than mine.
Was the router "on them"?
Do you even router?
I was confused at first, as I wasn't distinguishing between "modem" and "router". The (Bell) modem is part of the plan - that's what brings the TV and Internet service into the house. It also has a built in wi-fi router in it as well. There's no additional charge for this device (there is an additional charge for the DVR boxes that connect to the TVs). I then also have my own (TP-Link) routers so that I have better coverage throughout my home.
So, does PMS' buddy rent additional wi-fi router(s), or is it the modem-router that is being rented? I interpreted PMS' post that they're paying additional for their own shitty white-labled wi-fi routers, and that's a waste of money.
I'm one of those guys who has friends who also get a little too invested in my home router situation. I wound up looking into this a little bit ago because a friend of mine was in disbelief that I used the router Comcast provide. I was starting to look at what it would take to upgrade, but I found out what Comcast charge me 15 bucks a month for is not really a "router" as much as it's a "access portal" that is both a modem and a router.
After doing some testing around the house, it's not bad enough for me to throw money for two devices at. I just ran a speed test from the furthest room in my house and got 150 Mbps, and I get like 400 in the living room next to the access portal. Plus I hardwire anything important.
Of course, anytime I've had an issue, I simply call the company and they either remote into the access portal to fix it or send me a few miles away to a store where I pick up a upgraded model. So, not a scam to me, it's a pretty decent service as far as I'm concerned!