Considering dropping DSL modem rental, bad idea?

[davec]

We have DSL high speed internet through Frontier and have been paying a monthly modem rental fee. I contacted Frontier about purchasing a ADSL modem, and avoiding the rental fee, and they stated I could do that but their support of internet service would not cover the modem I purchase. How difficult is it to install/maintain my own ADSL modem? Am I asking for a bunch of headaches? If I do purchase a modem are there certain models/brands that seem the most reliable and compatible with my Mac?

We current rent a Siemens Speedstream modem (5 ethernet ports) which is connected to an AirPort BaseStation. This system works well, but Frontier is wanting to replace the current rental modem with a new (but more expensive) rental. They state they will discontinue supporting the original modem "in the near future".

Thanks for your help!

Dave