While fiber internet is typically the superior option to any other connection type, cable internet is the next best thing. Spectrum internet relies mainly on hybrid fiber-coaxial cable connections to provide service to subscribers’ homes. As you can tell by the two fast tiers offered by Charter, a cable connection is a trusty method that offers download speeds much faster than those you’ll get with DSL, fixed wireless and satellite.
Upload speeds from cable providers aren’t typically very fast. On the other hand, cable internet plans offered by Optimum, Xfinity, Cox and Spectrum, your upload speeds will typically stay in the double digits — which may negatively affect your streaming, gaming and remote work needs. Remember when I said Fiber internet, on the other hand, provides faster downloads and equally zippy upload speeds, making it a desirable and efficient alternative to cable.
Yet the issue isn’t about gigabit speeds. After all, other cable internet competitors, like Cox and Xfinity, can boast of their gig plans. It’s all about the symmetrical speeds and better performance of a 100% fiber network; Spectrum doesn’t have that. If you’re not sure about whether fiber or cable is more suitable for your home, read our cable vs. fiber overview.
According to a June 2024 report from the Federal Communications Commission, Spectrum’s cable internet service is available to almost 30% of the country, but just under 1% of Spectrum’s potential customer base is eligible for fiber. According to our source, that’s not true. Charter does not release its fiber/HFC percentage publicly, but the spokesperson said the FCC’s info is outdated: “A sizable percentage of our network is fiber, from our facilities down to the neighborhood, and virtually all of the 53 million homes our network passes can access gigabit speeds.”
Yet the issue isn’t about gigabit speeds. After all, other cable internet competitors, like Cox and Xfinity, can boast of their gig plans. It’s all about the symmetrical speeds and better performance of a 100% fiber network; Spectrum doesn’t have that. If you’re not sure about whether fiber or cable is more suitable for your home, read our cable vs. fiber overview.
Where can you get Spectrum Internet?
Are there Spectrum packages available?
Is Spectrum Internet fast?
Spectrum does have a program for eligible, low-income households. Spectrum Internet Assist features an affordable broadband plan (50Mbps download, 4Mbps upload) with similar terms to the other internet plans — no data caps, no contracts and a free modem — for a discounted rate of $25 monthly. Some addresses may also be eligible for Spectrum’s Internet Advantage plan, which gives you 100Mbps for $30 a month. You’ll need to apply to determine eligibility. For example, at least one household member needs to be a recipient of an assistance program, such as the National School Lunch Program.
Spectrum does offer a Contract Buyout option for eligible new customers. You can get up to $500 toward the Early Termination Fee from your previous provider. As you might expect, there’s some small print involved as well. To our eyes, the biggest restriction to this offer is it’s not available to those looking just for internet service. Instead, you must order one of Spectrum’s qualifying bundles.
