I would assume he checked a few different websites at first to make sure your machine was seeing the whole Internet. And, as there's always "hold" time when they're doing an install (they have to call in and get an IP address established, etc.,) it wouldn't have bothered me at all.

I'd rather he surf the web while on hold than poke through my files, or around my desk!

P.S. Congrats on getting cable! Woo hoo! Weeeeeeee!