3gb internet new hardware question

I was suppose to have an installation service today for an upgrade on my internet service; going from 1 gb to 3gb. The technician showed up without any new hardware and told me that there is no stock in the warehouse at the moment. I thought that the 3gb internet plan comes with a newer modem to handle the faster speeds. The technician told me to cancel the appointment and to wait for the new hardware to come in. Is this the normal procedure for these 3 gb installations and why would a tech show up without the proper equipment?