I used to work for a call center that did the tech support for Verizon DSL. We had an internal system that's responsible for line testing, and this system also let us push changes equipment we've provided. Most agents didn't know how to use the functionality of this system, but it's almost required, because some customers aren't able to change the settings with or without our help. "We need you to reset your modem. Hold down the little button on the back. You can't find it? You don't know how a button works? Fine, just let me do it from here." To OP, it's a modem that happens to have a router, not just your router. You may own the equipment, but it's still connecting to the Verizon Network, and since Verizon provided the equipment, they're going to make sure that they can make it work if you fraked it up.

Isn't there a web browser named Midori? Like, the webkit version of Epiphany? Would they be able to keep Microsoft from using the name?