Spectrum Internet Overview and Plans

spectrum-internet-overview

Spectrum Internet is a provider of high-speed internet, Advanced WiFi, and a Spectrum Mobile™ Unlimited line that you can subscribe to for $49.99 per month for the first 12 months, with download speeds of up to 300 Mbps. You can easily manage your account and pay your bills online by signing in to your Spectrum account. Spectrum Internet also provides support for internet connection and WiFi setup. They offer different plans and packages with different download speeds and prices, starting from $49.99/month for 12 months for the Spectrum Internet Standard plan. Spectrum Internet offers speeds of 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps on different packages and plans

We are going to look in detail at Spectrum internet plans, bundled packages, internet speeds, and data caps, equipment rental, installation and setup options, availability in specific areas, customer support, billing and account management, promotion and discounts, home Wifi and network setup options and business plans.  This is a comprehensive guide with tons of value so get ready to know the unknown about Spectrum Internet. You can read a specific section or read everything and make an informed decision before buying Spectrum Internet. Enjoy!

Spectrum internet plans, prices, and speeds

Spectrum offers fast and reliable internet plans with speeds ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Sign up for a plan and get the Spectrum One bundle which includes Advanced WiFi and a Mobile line with Unlimited data. Enjoy 99.9% network reliability, free modem and antivirus software, and no data caps or contracts

The most common Spectrum Internet packages include

1. $44.99/mo 2. $69.99/mo 3. $104.99/mo

Lets discuss each one now

Spectrum Internet plan for $49.99 per month for 12 months. This plan offers download speeds of up to 300 Mbps, it is perfect for families. Additionally, you will get a free modem when you sign up for this plan. This plan includes internet, WiFi, and a mobile line for $49.99 per month.

Spectrum Internet Ultra plan costs $69.99 per month for 12 months. This plan offers faster download speeds of up to 500 Mbps which is perfect for gamers and big families. It also includes a free modem, this plan includes internet ultra, WiFi and a mobile line for $69.99 per month.

Spectrum Internet Gig plan costs $89.99 per month for 12 months. This plan offers the fastest download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps which is perfect for those who want the best internet speeds. It also includes fast upload speeds that are great for smooth video calls. This plan includes an internet Gig, WiFi, and a mobile line for $89.99 per month.

Some people confuse Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Wifi. The main difference between Spectrum Internet and Spectrum WiFi is that Spectrum Internet is a service that brings the Internet into your home through a modem, while Spectrum WiFi is a wireless router that creates a wireless network for your WiFi-enabled devices to connect to the Internet once it reaches your home via the modem. In other words, Spectrum Internet is the service that provides the connection to the internet, while Spectrum WiFi is the device that allows your devices to connect to that connection wirelessly.

Compare Spectrum internet plans with Xfinity and ATT

ProviderPlan NameDownload SpeedMonthly Cost (First 12 months)
SpectrumInternet Standard300 Mbps$49.99
SpectrumInternet Ultra500 Mbps$69.99
SpectrumInternet Gig1 Gbps$89.99
XfinityPerformance Starter100 Mbps$29.99
XfinityPerformance Select200 Mbps$34.99
XfinityPerformance Pro600 Mbps$49.99
XfinityBlast! Pro1 Gbps$64.99
XfinityExtreme Pro2 Gbps$74.99
AT&TInternet 100100 Mbps$39.99
AT&TInternet 300300 Mbps$49.99
AT&TInternet 10001000 Mbps$69.99

Benefits of using Spectrum Internet

spectrum-internet-benefits

The Benefits of Using Spectrum Internet Services are as follows

Spectrum Internet Speed

The Spectrum Internet speeds vary according to the package you choose. As per the speed test and stats given by broadbandnow.com the speeds vary according to the location too. The standard internet provides you with a download speed of anywhere between 60 and 300 Mbps. If you upgrade your package to Spectrum Ultra, you will have a download speed of 1 Gbps.

Companies looking up to Spectrum Internet for commercial usage would benefit from its high-speed, superfast, Spectrum Gig internet clocking the meter at 940 Mbps for downloading speed.

Expect to receive about 75% of the stated speed at any given time for downloading.

Spectrum Internet Wifi Spots

Being a Spectrum Internet user, you have unlimited access to a ton of spectrum wifi hotspots. They have a wide network, spreading throughout the country. To have a detailed overview of the locations from where you can access the Spectrum Internet WiFi service, you can check this wifi hot spot map

To connect to the hotspot, turn on your wifi and take a look at the available networks. You can connect with:

  • SpectrumWiFi
  • SpectrumWiFi Plus
  • CableWiFi
  • Boingo

If any of the given options are available, you can tap on them. Enter your Spectrum username and password to sign in.

No data caps with Spectrum

Spectrum is a company that resulted from the merger of three businesses and there was a ruling that the new brand won’t be able to charge its clients any overages. Moreover, the company is unable to force any data cap on the consumers which is great news. The ruling is applicable for seven years.

Parental control with Spectrum Internet

The parental controls come in very handy to enforce the restrictions you like and make sure that appropriate content is reaching your kids. Spectrum Internet gives you a chance to use parental controls.

  • You need to go to the security suite and opt for the parental controls
  • Turn on parental control
  • Turn the options on and off to do necessary tweaks
  • Take a look at
  • Search result filter
  • Time limits
  • Statistics

Control the things and make the content child-appropriate.

Get a free modem for your internet

Shifting to a Spectrum connection, you don’t have to pay for the modem. This is because you can acquire a modem without paying any fee. Unlike other services that charge you for the hardware, the only amount you need to pay here is $7 which is a fee to enable wifi service.

Spectrum Internet contract buyout deal

People who look up to making a switch earlier need to pay a contract buyout fee. To encourage individuals to shift their network, the company is offering Spectrum contract buyout service. They will pay up to $500 for making the switch to their network, allowing the individuals to use the given allowance for contractual buyouts. Please find details of this three-step process for a contract buyout.

Comparing Spectrum Internet Prices

Spectrum provides different plans to its users. Let’s take a look at the common options below:

Spectrum internet only plans

Spectrum 10 MBPS – Cheapest internet provider plan

MONTHLY $ 49.99

  • Download Speed
  • 300 Mbps
  • Upload Speed:
  • 10 Mbps
  • Best For Homes

Spectrum Unlimited – Internet ultra plan

MONTHLY $ 69.99

  • Download Speed
  • 500 Mbps
  • Upload Speed:
  • 20 Mbps
  • Best For:
  • Homes and small-scale commercial usage

Spectrum UNLIMITED – Internet GIG

MONTHLY $ 89.99

  • Download Speed
  • 940 Mbps
  • Upload Speed:
  • 35 Mbps
  • Best For:
  • Small to large-scale commercial usage

Why go for Spectrum internet-only plans?

  • There are no contracts
  • Great price considering the speed
  • No data caps and restrictions (the best)

Why Not?

  • The given plans and pricing may vary depending on your location
  • The uploading speed is considerably slow compared to the download speed
  • WiFi activation costs $7a month

Save Money with Spectrum Internet Bundles

spectrum-internet-bundles-save-money

The Spectrum internet bundles provide you a chance to use Cable TV and Phone Plan along with internet services. What you are able to use depends on the bundle you select. Below is a list of different packages by Spectrum and what they offer to you. 

Spectrum BASIC – Internet & Phone

MONTHLY $ 64.98

  • Download Speed
  • Up to 100 Mbps
  • Phone Plan:
  • Unlimited calling throughout the county
  • Not Provided
  • Cable TV:

Double Play – Select

MONTHLY $ 89.98

  • Download Speed:
  • Up to 100 Mbps
  • Phone Plan:
  • Not Provided
  • Around 125 free HD channels
  • Cable TV

Double Play – Silver

MONTHLY $ 109.98

  • Download Speed:
  • Up to 100 Mbps
  • Phone Plan:
  • Not Provided
  • Around 175
  • Cable TV

Double Play – Gold

MONTHLY $ 129.98

  • Download Speed:
  • Up to 100 Mbps
  • Around 200
  • Cable TV:
  • Not Provided
  • Phone Plan

Triple Play – Select

MONTHLY $ 99.97

  • Download Speed:
  • Up to 100 Mbps
  • Phone Plan:
  • Unlimited calling throughout the country
  • Cable TV:
  • 125+ Channels (including ESPN, CNN, and A&E)

Triple Play – Silver

MONTHLY $ 119.97

  • Download Speed:
  • Up to 100 Mbps
  • Phone Plan:
  • Unlimited calling throughout the country
  • Cable TV:
  • 175+ Channels (including HBO Showtime)

Triple Play – Gold

MONTHLY $ 139.97

  • Download Speed:
  • Up to 100 Mbps
  • Phone Plan:
  • Unlimited calling throughout the country
  • Cable TV:
  • 200+ Channels (Including StarzEncore, The Movie Channel, HBO Showtime)

Pricing, plans, and offerings may vary as per your location.

Comparison of Spectrum Internet with Other ISPs

spectrum-internet-comparison

It is important to compare Spectrum Internet offerings with other ISPs before making a selection. Don’t waste your energy reading those long spectrum internet reviews and details about other ISPs. Here we have given a comparison table to assist you.

  Frontier AT&T Xfinity Spectrum Verizon FiOS Century Link Cox
Communic.
Download Speed 24 To 45 Mbps For DSL, 500 Mbps For Fiber 50 To 100 Mbps For DSL Connections, 100 Mbps To 1 Gbps For Fiber Optic Connection 10 Mbps To 350 Mbps For Cable, 100 Mbps To Gbps For Fiber 100 Mbps To 200 Mbps For Cable, 400 To 940 Mbps For Fiber 100 Mbps To 2 Gbps 25 Mbps To 140 Mbps For Cable, 1000 Mbps For Fiber 25 Mbps
Phone Plan $20 Per Month $40 Per Month $30 Per Month $45 Per Month $35 Per Month $45 Per Month $60 Per Month
Cable TV Perhaps The Cheapest Option In The Market Matchless Customer Services Fast Internet Cable TV And Internet The Best Fiber Optic Internet Option Good Deal For Business Internet A Satellite Internet Service

Each ISP has its own pros and cons, so make sure you consider your needs before finalizing the selection.

Faqs Related To Spectrum Internet Speeds

Some of the frequently asked questions about Spectrum Internet are

Will Spectrum provide me money for contract buyout?

Spectrum is providing you with money to buy the contract, which is a requirement for those who are looking to make an early shift.

How much money spectrum pays for a contract buyout?

The company covers up to $500 for contracts. In case your buyout charges are more than $500, you have to pay the remaining yourself.

My contract with the previous vendor is complete. Will I be paid now?

Well, the company only deals with contract buyouts. If your contract ends, there won’t be any coverage for the cancellation of the services with your previous network.

My broadband speeds are fluctuating. Why?

For the first 14 days, it is likely that you’ll have a fluctuation in the speed. The company tries to adjust your line and provide the fastest speed possible.

What is covered under my monthly data usage?

It includes but may not be limited to the following:
Any browsing you perform
The content you watch on video streaming sites
Games you play online

Can I use Spectrum WiFi?

The service is available for those who are Spectrum Internet customers.

How will I know that I am reaching my data limit?

You’ll be notified at 80% and another notification will be sent upon reaching 100%.

What is the difference between standard WiFi and WiFi Plus?

The latter offers you a securer connectivity.

Beware of the hidden costs of Spectrum Internet

spectrum-internet-hidden-costs

When ordering a Spectrum Internet plan, it is likely that you may not notice certain charges. These hidden costs, when displayed on the final bill, is a shocker for many people. So, beware of the following payments:

Internet Charges

  • $49.99 installation fee
  • $9.99 to enable WiFi
  • $4.99 for reconnection
  • WIFI ON-THE-GO (500,000 Wifi spots)

Note: The above-listed fees are one-time charges.

TV Charges

  • $8.85 standard fee
  • $49.99 one time installation fee
  • $4.99 for the reconnection
  • $8.95 for delayed payments
  • $11.99 for the DVR equipment (you pay the rental fee)
  • $12.99 service fee for a single DVR
  • DVR package of up to 4 DVRs for $19.99
  • Enable HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, Cinemax for $15 each

Note: The payments above are recurring and shall be paid on monthly basis (excluding installation, and reconnection).

Spectrum Internet Speed Tests

Speedtest.net released a report in 2018, stating that the speed of Spectrum internet averages 87.56 Mbps which is less than the average speed of 96.25 Mbps. While it is true, this does not indicate that the ISP is underperforming. The speed tests indicate that you won’t face the problem of slow internet speed.In fact, the report by the FCC states that the ISP’s actual speeds are much higher than the stated speeds. The results showed

23.22 Mbps for 20 Mbps connections
36.66 Mbps for 30 Mbps connections
65.37 Mbps for 60 Mbps connections
111.7 Mbps for 100 Mbps connections

All the given speeds are more than 100% of the advertised Spectrum Internet speeds according to the plan.

As you decide to perform a Spectrum Internet speed test on your connection, you should keep an eye at your plan. If you are looking to get the highest speed from the Spectrum Internet Gig, clocking at 940 Mbps, you have to be in one of the following cities:

  • Hartford
  • Milwaukee
  • Los Angeles
  • San Antonio
  • Lincoln
  • San Diego
  • Charleston
  • Omaha
  • Austin
  • Kansas City
  • Cleveland
  • Orlando
  • El Paso
  • Oahu
  • New York City
  • Dallas
  • Raleigh
  • Charlotte

Note: In order to achieve the given speed, you need DOCSIS 3.1 Modem.

Moreover, the reports by the FCC state that Charter internet is delivering as promised. The company offers one of the best median downloading speeds, listing it at the top as a network with the least fluctuation in speeds. Also, the report states Spectrum Internet is a network whose actual speed is more than 100% of the advertised speed. What else? It performs equally well in peak hours as it does in off-hours.

Considering the stats from the FCC report, Spectrum Internet is not the network providing the highest downloading and uploading speed. However, it certainly offers more than the advertised bandwidth, and the minimal fluctuation makes it a highly reliable connection.

Cheap Internet Providers Under $50

When you look up to Spectrum Internet plans, whether plans Austin, plans San Diego, plans Los Angeles, plans Dallas, or simply plans in my area, you are likely to compare it with some of the other options. So, here is a list of internet plans under $50.

AT&T DSL connection of 5 Mbps for $30 a month
AT&T Fiber connection of 100 Mbps for $40 a month
CenturyLink connection of 60 Mbps for $45 a month
Cox connection of 10 Mbps for $19.99 a month
Frontier DSL connection of 6 Mbps for $20 a month
Frontier FiOS connection of 50 Mbps for $29.99 a month
Spectrum connection of 200 Mbps for $49.99 a month
Verizon FiOS connection of 100 Mbps for $39.99 a month
Windstream connection of 6 Mbps for $19.99 a month
Xfinity connection of 15 Mbps for $29.99 a month