GCI Installation Guide Overview
Installation Guide
Our Installation Guide
Let us show you how to install your GCI Cable and Internet on your own, so you can get to browsing and watching quicker. Learn how you can use the GCI Self-Install Kit, get your Wi-Fi set up and whether it’s best to rent or buy equipment.
Ways to Install TV & Internet from GCI
It’s now easier than ever before to install your Internet and Cable TV services. GCI offers support videos, as well as tons of useful information to make the process simpler. Traditionally, people often have a technician come out to their homes to get their Cable and Internet set up. However, many are choosing to do it themselves because it not only can save time, but you don’t have to wait around for much of the day for the installer to arrive.
You have a couple of choices when it comes to installation:
- Call a GCI technician to come and do the installation for you
- Self-install GCI Cable and Internet
This guide will walk you through how to self-install.
Pros and Cons of Self-Install for GCI
Installing your Cable and Internet on your own may seem like a lot of work, but the information in this guide and on GCI.com can make the process simple and straightforward. If you’re having a hard time deciding whether you want to self-install or reach out for an expert, take a look at the pros and cons below.
Pros of self-installation:
- All the equipment you need is sent to you by GCI
- You don't have to pay an installation fee
- You can limit the number of people who get access to your home
Cons of self-installation:
- You need a bit of technical knowledge to do the job right
- You can’t get professional assistance in-person
- If you have to call for help, you may spend a long time on the phone
How to Use GCI Self-Install Kit
It’s easy to connect your GCI Internet with the GCI Self-install Kit. All you have to do is sign up for GCI services, and they will send you the Self-install Kit. Inside the kit, you have all the cables and equipment you need to get your Internet service set up so you can start streaming, downloading, and exploring online content.
What Does the Self-Install Internet Kit Include?
Your GCI Self-install Kit comes with:
- Wi-Fi modem
- Power cord
- Coaxial cable cord
The Self-Install Cable TV kit comes with:
- Digital converter
- Two coaxial cable cords
- Power cord
How to Self-Install GCI Internet?
The GCI Self-install Kit can be set up in two easy steps.
1 Connect the Wi-Fi Cable Modem to Your Cable Outlet
- Connect one end of the coaxial cord that comes with the kit to the coaxial cable outlet in your home.
- Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to your modem
2 Connect the Power Adapter
- Connect your modem to the provided adapter or power cord
- Plug this into an electrical outlet close to where your TV is going to be
- Once you do this, the status indicator lights on your modem will come on.
- Wait a few minutes while the modem gets online. When you see the “@” symbol on the front of the modem stop flashing and remaining lit up, the modem is connected and ready
How to Self-Install GCI Cable TV?
Just like the GCI Self-install Internet Kit, you can also self-install your cable service by ordering the kit and following the installation procedure.
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Connect Your Digital Converter
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Plug in the Digital Converter
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Wait for TV Programs to Sync with Your Guide
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Tune Your TV or VCR/DVD/Blue Ray Player
1 Connect Your Digital Converter
- Connect the digital converter to your TV or your VCR/DVD/Blue Ray player using the provided coaxial cable
- If you’re connected to a VCR/DVD/Blue Ray player, you will have to connect to the player first and then connect from that to the TV using another coaxial cable.
2 Plug in the Digital Converter
- Plug the digital converter into a wall outlet
- Turn the digital converter on
3 Wait for TV Programs to Sync with Your Guide
- You may have to wait as long as two hours for all the TV channels to appear in your guide
4 Tune Your TV or VCR/DVD/Blue Ray Player
- Turn your TV or VCR/DVD/Blue Ray player to channel 3. In Juneau, AK you should use channel 4. This enables the channels on the digital converter to be changed using your universal remote
- Program Your Universal Remote
- Locate the codes in your universal remote manual for your TV or VCR/DVD/Blue Ray player
- Follow the instructions in your universal remote manual to sync the channels. This way, you will be able to use the universal remote to control both the TV and any other components.
How to Self-Install GCI Wi-Fi
Similar to cable and Internet, you can install GCI Wi-Fi yourself by ordering the installation kit and following the installation procedures.
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Locate the Default Network and Password
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Connect Your Wi-Fi-Enabled Device
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Configure Your Home Network
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Connect via Ethernet (optional)
1 Locate the Default Network and Password
- Look on the back of your modem for a sticker that has your default Wi-Fi network name and password
- Write them down so they’re easier to access in the next step or if you ever have to reset your modem
2 Connect Your Wi-Fi-Enabled Device
- Turn on your device, as well as its Wi-Fi
- Go to your Wi-Fi settings and find the name of the default network that’s on the back of your modem
- Select the default network
- Enter the password, exactly as it is written on the back of your modem and connect
3 Configure Your Home Network
- When your device has connected to your modem’s Wi-Fi signal, a browser should open up showing the Hitron Easy Connect Wizard
- Once connected, select “Let’s go” and follow the steps outlined in the wizard to set up your Wi-Fi modem by giving it a new name and password
- You should make the name of the network easy to identify
- Your password should be one that is difficult to guess. This will help keep your Wi-Fi connection secure from people who may want to connect to it or eavesdrop on your Internet usage
- Write down both the name of the network and password and keep them in a secure place
- Troubleshooting: If your Wi-Fi-enabled device doesn’t go automatically to the Hitron Easy Connect Wizard, you can navigate there manually. Open your web browser and enter 192.168.0.1. Then press enter. You will then see the “Let’s go” page where you can start configuring your network.
4 Connect via Ethernet (optional)
- Insert one end of an Ethernet cable into your computer
- Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into your modem
- Open a web browser like Chrome, Firefox or Safari
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Renting vs. Buying Equipment for GCI
GCI rents its equipment for cable TV and Internet, and it is the property of GCI while it’s being leased. If you were to end your contract, you would have to return the equipment to GCI.
However, GCI does allow users to buy their own modem if they choose. GCI only has one modem that they have approved for use with their service: the Netgear CM1000. You can purchase a Netgear CM1000 at some local retailers or online, such as on Amazon.com.
GCI doesn’t list its equipment fees on its website, but you can call (800)800-4800 to speak with customer service about how much their rental services cost.
| Device | Fee |
|---|---|
| Self-install kit | Call (800)800-4800 |