Optimum offers cable and fiber internet. While fiber is available in select areas, the network is steadily expanding; however, cable internet is more prevalent.
When it comes to the cost of Optimum Internet, both fiber and cable internet plans have comparable pricing for similar speeds. However, pricing and packages vary by location; fiber internet may come cheaper than cable internet in areas.
Fiber internet is the better option in terms of speed and overall performance. Cable internet offers much slower upload speeds, but you can still enjoy decent download speeds.
Like most internet service providers (ISPs), Optimum Internet plans are subject to annual price changes and taxation. Equipment charges, generally a rental fee, for the modem and router/gateway device, are also to be considered. Therefore, if your Optimum Internet bill is not what you expected, it’s time to clear up all the confusion.
First Optimum Internet Bill
The first bill is usually higher than the subsequent bills, so don’t panic if that’s your case. For starters, if you call in a professional to set up the Optimum Internet connection for you, it costs around $100. Prices can vary by location and the type of connection you choose.
Customers who choose Optimum’s self-setup option do not have to bear installation charges. They can have the internet equipment shipped to their address (which takes up to 48 hours) or visit the nearest Optimum store for pickup.
Apart from that, the amount on your bill also depends on when you signed up. For example, if the internet bill is issued on the 1st of every month, and you begin using the service on the 25th, your first bill will cover the cost of those five to six days plus the cost of the entire month after that.
New Optimum customers are eligible for a free gateway (modem and router), but any extra equipment or add-on service (such as a Wi-Fi extender) will incur additional charges.
Breakdown of the Monthly Optimum Internet Bill
Your internet bill will not be the same as the monthly cost of your chosen Optimum Internet plan. A few dollars in taxes and service charges (if applicable) will be included in the bill. Customers who have been on board for over a year may also have to pay rental fees for the internet gateway.
You can save the cost of renting the gateway by using your own equipment.
Refer to the following resources for info regarding compatible modems and routers for Optimum equipment:
Top 10 Compatible Optimum Modems of 2024
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Summary of taxes and fees added to your internet bill:
- State and local sales tax
- State and local utility taxes
- State and local communications services tax
- Universal Service Fund (USF) fee
- Regulatory recovery fee
Optimum Internet Plans and Prices
Not an Optimum customer yet? If you’re looking for a fast and reliable internet connection for your home or office, one of the Optimum Internet plans might interest you. Compared to other cable and fiber internet providers, the overall pricing is reasonable and offers good value for money.
Optimum offers 99.9% reliability and fair pricing; moreover, you won’t face any hidden charges. Internet plans have no data caps, so you don’t have to worry about speed throttling and overage fees. Customers are not required to enter a term contract, which means no early termination fees either.
Scheduled Price Increases
As a new customer of Optimum Internet, you’ll be able to avail a discounted price as advertised, regardless of the plan you choose. However, you should expect a price hike after twelve months.
In the second year of using Optimum Internet, your monthly bill is likely to increase by $15; this is a rough estimate, as price changes vary by location. You can anticipate a similar price increase in the following year.
Rounding Up
When you sign up for an Optimum Internet plan, you are eligible for a low promotional price. Aside from initial installation charges, taxes, and service fees included in the monthly bill are nominal. Check out Optimum packages to bundle your home internet with TV and mobile data service for a great price.
Do you want to save more on Optimum services? Here’s how:
How to lower Optimum Bill | Contact Optimum Customer Service
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Macy Davis is an SEO expert with a passion for content writing, enabling her to curate some of the most detailed and thorough guides for our readers. She has been working closely with Optimum, DIRECTV, AT&T, and has an eagerness to stay up-to-date with all recent activities. Macy is an ambitious writer and a staunch SEO analyst who focuses greatly on the quality of blog pieces, so they can provide all the information that our readers require. Her FAQ guides, troubleshooting guides, and internet review blogs have proved to be extremely helpful for subscribers in making informed choices for their home’s internet, TV, and phone needs.
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