Netgear Notification Emails

I’ve been fielding a number of calls about emails from Netgear lately, about a “Product End of Service Notification”. Some people think they are scams, while others believe the messages and want purchasing advice. If you get one of these messages, Don’t Panic. It’s probably not as bad as you think, nor is it worth running to the store!

First of all, this message is legitimate enough. It truly did come from Netgear, and not some liar or sleazy scammer. You are safe in reading the message and checking out its links. But as you dig in to this message, please know that this is a marketing email.

I don’t know about you, but words and phrases like “we’re committed”, “tirelessly” and “come to expect” come across as fake and trite. Gone shopping for a car lately? This is the language I hear at many dealerships…

The plot sickens: this latest paragraph wants you to worry that bad things are coming for your router. Words like “susceptible” and “risks” may jump out at you. But look closely! The language is very couched, and promises nothing specific. “This could mean your device will not perform optimally…” or it could mean that it performs just fine.

At last, they get to the point of all of this. In short, Netgear is saying that your router is 7 years old and we wish you would buy a new one. While you may have spent $150 on that older model, we recommend you buy this $400 model.

My Advice

I am all about following best security practices, and updating tech items when necessary. But I’m also a language maven and this bulletin is steeped in persuasion, not facts. I only like to act on clear statements and specifics. Vagueness is a red flag for me.

Now, if you want to update your router, by all means, do so! But I think you should have a better reason than some fear-based marketing. Some examples:

• Have you tested your internet speed and found it lacking?
• Does your Wi-Fi signal not reach as far as it did 5 years ago?
• Do you find yourself needing to reboot your equipment more and more often?
• Does your employer require you to update to the newest security standards?

I also take issue with Netgear’s recommendation. If you’ve been served well for several years by a $150 router, chances are there’s another $150 router out there that will suit you just fine. There is no way Netgear knows what’s best for your home’s wi-fi, and the end of their email is just one big unethical upsell. Please do not buy Netgear’s $400 router! If you have $400 to drop, you could get a wireless mesh network with multiple access points!

If you would ever like an impartial recommendation, drop me a line. Let me know what kind of router is currently in service, what internet provider and speed you have, and how much square footage is involved. I don’t take kickbacks or commissions from anyone, so any equipment I suggest is just based on my opinion and experience.