The search for an internet service provider can be simple yet complicated. It is quite difficult to run into people with just one broadband provider in their area as we have to encounter multiple choices. This makes the decision-making process quite annoying. I mean the choice is easy when you have a couple of providers in your area but it is quite complicated when you have a dozen on a table. No matter where you go, you encounter three internet service providers namely Mediacom, Spectrum, and Cox. To help you get out of this abyss, we created a comparison between these three providers. The comparison is done on three fronts where we discuss the pricing, speeds, data caps, and quality of service.
Mediacom
Mediacom provides services in more than 22 states with greater coverage in Georgia, Iowa, and Illinois. Mediacom is connected with more than 7.6 million people, making it the 5th largest residential cable provider in the US. Their service is delivered over coaxial cable and fiber-based networks. To make the most of their internet service, subscribe to Mediacom Internet Plans and get discounts on bundles!
Pricing: The most basic internet Mediacom offers is $39.99 and there are multiple plans available in $79.99, $99.99, and $119.99.
Equipment and Installation: Unlike Spectrum, Mediacom charges you for a modem every month. The modem rental is $11 and it has built-in WiFi. New customers have to pay an activation of $10 and installation is $99.99. However, you qualify for some amazing discounts based on risk assessment. They don’t run a credit check but may ask you for personal information such as DOB and Driver’s license.
Download Speeds: You can get 60 Mbps for basic usage, 100/200/500 Mbps and even 1 Gig for excessive usage.
Data Caps: All the packages have a fixed data cap. You get 400GB per month for the most basic package and with high-tier packages; you can get up to 1000GB that is close to unlimited. These data caps are exceedingly important with reference to your usage. For instance, excessive downloading and streaming requires an unlimited data package or you might end up paying a lot than what you signed up for.
Contracts: There are no contracts with Mediacom.
Quality of Service: Customers are quite satisfied with the service quality offered. They have decent customer service but an installation fee of $99.99 is something customers don’t want to pay for.
Spectrum Internet
Spectrum Internet took over the US with a storm after its merger with Brighthouse Network and Time Warner Cable. You can get the service in more than 40 states. Here are some features of Spectrum Internet:
Pricing: The starting price for Spectrum Internet is $44.99. The taxes, fees, and other surcharges are always on top. You can get high-tier packages at a starting price of $64.99 and $100. Spectrum also offers to assist packages for lower-income households and customers can get as low as $17 to get basic internet.
Equipment and Installation: Spectrum does not charge you monthly rental for the model but you have to pay $5 every month for a WiFi router. You can get professional installation in $49.99 and self-installation (Store pick-up or Shipment) in just $9.99.
Download Speeds: Spectrum is a cable service provider and offers high-speed internet for its users. The most basic speed spectrum offers is 100 Mbps that is the maximum speed most of the providers in the US offer. The assist package offers 30 Mbps for lower-income households. You can also get up to 200 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and 940 Mbps.
Data caps: All spectrum internet packages are truly unlimited.
Contracts: All the packages are on 12 months or 24 months promotion and there are no contracts.
Quality of Service: Customers are satisfied with the internet speed and service. However, many people complain about poor customer service. Spectrum gives a 30-day money-back guarantee for new customers.
COX
Another close competitor of Spectrum and Mediacom is Cox. They offer services in more than 18 states with the greatest coverage in California, Virginia, and Arizona.
Pricing: The basic internet package has a starting price of $39.99 and for high-tier packages, it goes up to $59.99, $79.99, and $99.99.
Equipment and Installation: Customers can either use their own equipment or rent from COX in $10.99. Based on credit checks, customers qualify for discounts on installation. They offer self-installation. If you bundle internet with Cable, you get free installation.
Download Speeds: The download speeds are based on the usage of every household. You can get basic internet of 30 Mbps or fast internet of 150 Mbps, 300 Mbps, and 940 Mbps for HD/4k streaming and online gaming.
Data Caps: All packages come with a 1TB data limit which is approximately unlimited.
Contracts: All packages come with a one-year service agreement. However, you can sign-up for a month-to-month service by just paying $10 extra.
Quality of Service: Most of the customers complain about the pricing after the end of the promotional term.
So, which one you think is the best? Let us know in the comments!
