^ Depends on what kind of connection you have been given. For lower speed connections, you get a cable modem beside your computer.
High speed connections will have a fiber converter at a junction box in your house / close by, to which you will be connected via a LAN cable. You need to provision the router on your own, its better that way, you have choice.
Its a PPPOE connection. Always on if configured in your router. Dial-In if configured in your OS.
Regarging the "first 2 hours", sorry to say this, BULLSHIT!