With over 2,900 internet service providers in the country, there is absolutely no shortage of a reliable provider for your household’s connectivity needs. While most areas have a pool of ISPs to choose from, the decision-making doesn’t get any easier. In fact, the more choices there are, the more confused an average internet user gets about choosing the right provider for their household.
Altafiber and Spectrum are two such providers in the US that have built a reputation for themselves. While Spectrum offers phenomenal area coverage, Altafiber makes blazing-fast speeds a reality with its advanced fiber network. With advanced internet service features and generous data allowances, both providers prove to be excellent choices.
So, how does one decide which of the two to subscribe to, Altafiber or Spectrum?
Let’s explore our way through all the important specifications of each internet provider, diving into the details of internet plans, prices, data allowances, coverage, service type, and much more!
Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of Altafiber and Spectrum services.
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Coverage | 3 states | 41 states |
Internet Type | Fiber | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) |
Speed Range | 400 Mbps to 1 Gigabit | 300 Mbps to 1 Gigabit |
Starting Price |
$39.99/mo.
for 24 months. Promotion requires service activation and ebill subscription |
$50/mo.
For 1 year* |
Contracts | None | None |
Other services | TV and Home Phone | TV and Home Phone |
please call at 855-349-9328.
In terms of the number of states covered, Spectrum takes the lead with coverage across 41 states. In comparison, Altafiber, formerly known as Cincinnati Bell, has coverage in 3 states, with maximum availability in Cincinnati.
Here is what you need to know about Altafiber vs Spectrum internet coverage and availability.
please call at 855-349-9328.
Spectrum Internet plans start from download speeds of up to 300 Mbps and gradually increase up to a whopping 1 Gigabit. The plans all include a 12-month promo period, offering a much lowered price that you can enjoy for a year without getting tied up to any long-term contracts. This peace of mind, topped with a 30-day money-back guarantee makes Spectrum the most risk-free and hassle-free investment.
As for Altafiber, its download speeds start from 400 Mbps, gradually going up to 1 Gig. In some areas though, you may even encounter speeds starting from 100 Mbps and in some, going up to 2 Gig.
Altafiber subscribers can rest assured that there will be absolutely no price hikes if they opt for its 2-year or 3-year price lock offers. While the price lock does not tie you to any long-term contracts or hefty ETFs, it does require a commitment from you for a long period. Additionally, Altafiber also offers some great discounts and price benefits when you opt for the price lock deals. If you don’t want a price lock guarantee, you can simply enjoy the 24-month promo period, and cancel any time the need be.
please call at 855-591-2568.
The internet service type determines various important factors, such as internet speed, reliability, cost, and area-wise availability. Here are the different service types offered by Altafiber and Spectrum.
Altafiber has a 100% fiber-optic network that delivers fast and reliable speeds to its 3-state coverage area. The fiber-optic cables are made up of extremely thin glass or plastic strands, allowing data to travel in the form of light pulses.
Thanks to the glass coating or cladding around the core, data loss is minimal in fiber cables. As fiber-optic network transmits data in the form of light, speed and reliability is guaranteed. As opposed to traditional cable internet where data travels in the form of electric signals, leaving a lot of room for interruptions and data loss.
Altafiber utilizes such advanced technology in order to deliver some of the fastest speeds to its customers in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. While fiber internet is all the rage these days, its infrastructure can be pricey and complex, and therefore less easily available. However, Altafiber at least ensures that its fiber internet is reasonably priced.
Spectrum tends to break free from the shambles of conventional technology by utilizing an advanced hybrid fiber-coaxial network. Spectrum delivers high-speed internet through pre-existing coaxial cable lines that have an extended fiber-optic backbone.
This type of network transmits data over a fiber-powered network but might resort to coaxial cable for the “last mile” in neighborhoods and regions where fiber cables are not available. So, for most of the journey, the data travels through fiber-optics, ensuring a much higher speed and better reliability than conventional networks.
Here is what you need to know about Altafiber and Spectrum’s service features, perks, benefits, and contracts.
Spectrum Internet plans come with NO mandatory annual contracts. This means you can cancel the service anytime you want without having to pay any Early Termination Fee (ETF).
Altafiber internet plans come without any annual or long-term contracts. However, you are given the option to choose either a 2 or 3-year price lock so that there are no unforeseen price hikes. The price lock also guarantees better cost savings.
Other than the basic internet service cost, there may be some other additional charges you must cater to. These charges can be one-time and upfront, or be charged on a month-to-month basis. Altafiber and Spectrum additional costs are as follows:
Fee Type |
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Installation (upfront) | Varies |
Standard professional installation: $65 Self-installation kit: $30 |
Activation (upfront) |
— |
$30 |
Early Termination Fee (ETF) |
None |
None |
Late Bill Payment Fee (monthly) |
Up to $13.95 |
Up to $8.95 |
please call at 855-349-9328.
In your search for the perfect internet service, you will come to know that all services are only close to your definition of perfection.
All in all, it comes down to what you need from an ISP, and then make the final decision. In the case of Altafiber vs Spectrum, you can rest assured that both providers have some of the best offerings in the industry. Both providers have similar speed ranges, starting from 300 Mbps to up to 1 Gbps. Both also offer unlimited data allowance, advanced Wi-Fi equipment, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and do not require any long-term contracts.
However, the biggest difference between the two lies in their coverage area. While Spectrum offers services in over 41 states, Altafiber only covers 3 states. So, before you decide to go with Altafiber, make sure to speak to Altafiber customer service and verify its availability in your area.
Spectrum Internet prices start from $50/mo. for 1 year. To discover Spectrum Internet deals in your area, call 855-423-0918.
Spectrum internet is delivered over a network of hybrid fiber-coaxial cables, allowing data to travel at blazingly fast speeds. Its download speed ranges from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps, with unlimited data allowance that guarantees no speed throttling. Spectrum Internet is ideal for medium to large-sized households and activities like gaming, 4K streaming, and remote working.
To verify Altafiber availability in your area and subscribe to fiber-optic internet, call Altafiber customer service at 855-591-2568.
Cincinnati Bell is now delivering fiber-optic internet in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana under the name Altafiber. It is a new brand name for an all-fiber internet service.