the modem arrived, and marcos, my main server, is back online! whoohoo! props up to #oricom for the swift delivery, and thanks everyone for the help...

@Anarcat The modem will need to be provisioned remotely by #oricom, since you didn't get it from them, after you send them the MAC of it. At least, I suspect that is the case. Unless it's a router modem that you can configure your self. But if it is a "black box" you'll need their help, I think.

@Anarcat Bummer. I wondered why and discovered that #oricom 's HQ is in kebec. Now I wonder why they don't have a distribution point located closer to a major metropolitan centre. I'll bet the majority of their customers aren't in kebec.