Can I use a third party modem with my AT&T Uverse internet?

We have Uverse with a DSL modem (AT&T calls it fiber-to-copper - fiber to a box down the hill, copper phone lines the rest of the way). 

Am I able to use a third-party modem/gateway in place of the AT&T modem we were sold? 
If so, will I have to set up the settings manually to make it work?