Our technology-driven world is highly dependent on the internet. And an unsatisfactory internet service can halt many of your daily operations. Whether it’s your emails not getting sent, buffering videos, or a poor quality conference meeting, a poor internet connection can be extremely frustrating. Hence, investing in a reliable internet service is vital for uninterrupted connectivity.
While many internet service providers are available in the market, the choice always comes down to your requirements. You might have already come across Spectrum and Google Fiber while searching for a reliable ISP. If they are available in your area and you are confused between them, this article can help you out with your decision.
Spectrum
Spectrum is the second-largest cable internet provider in the US. It relies on a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network to deliver high-quality services to customers. Spectrum’s high-speed internet plans can satisfy the requirements of most households. It also offers fiber-like internet speed with Spectrum Internet Gig. Although it is susceptible to slower internet speeds during rush hours, it is a much better option than DSL and Satellite internet services.
Pros:
- Wider availability
- High-speed gigabit plan
- Free access to numerous Spectrum WiFi hotspots
Cons:
- Price hike after promotional period
Google Fiber
Google Fiber is a fiber internet service by Google. Although introduced in 2010, its pause since 2016 has limited its expansion. Currently, you can find this service in only a few select cities.
Pros:
- Multi-gigabit plan
- Reasonable price for plans
- No hidden fees
Cons:
- Limited availability
Spectrum vs. Google Fiber
Internet Type
Spectrum primarily provides cable internet to customers. While it may not be as fast or reliable as fiber internet, it is still faster than other internet types. However, you may experience slower speeds during rush hours with cable internet.
Google Fiber offers fiber internet to customers. It uses the latest technology to deliver reliable, low latency internet with symmetrical download and upload speeds.
Availability
Spectrum is one of the most widely available internet providers in the US. It reaches over a third of all US households and covers 40+ states. There is a chance you can find this provider at your location.
On the contrary, the biggest drawback of Google Fiber is its limited availability. You can only find it in cities like Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Huntsville, Kansas City, Nashville, Orange County, Provo, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, The Triangle, and Wes Des Moines.
Plans & Pricing
Spectrum offers three simple plans at different rates. The plans come with promotional prices and different speeds. The promotional prices are for the first 12 months, after which Spectrum increases the cost of your packages by approximately $25. The best thing about Spectrum is its transparency about plan pricing.
| Plan | Promotional Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | $49.99/month | 300 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | $69.99/month | 500 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $89.99/month | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Google Fiber only offers two internet plans, Fast and Faster. The plans provide incredible speeds at better prices than other similar gig plans offered by different ISPs. Google Fiber does not rely on promotional offers. Therefore, its pricing remains the same after 12 months.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Data Caps | Contact Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | $70/month | 1000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
| 2 Gig | $100/month | 2000 Mbps | None | Call Now |
Equipment Fees
Spectrum offers a free modem, but it charges a monthly equipment rental fee of $5 for its WiFi with its slower internet plans. You don’t have to pay this fee with its gig plan. On the other hand, Google Fiber does not charge any equipment rental fee.
| Provider | Equipment Fee |
|---|---|
| Google Fiber | None |
| Spectrum | $5/month for WiFi (Spectrum Internet & Spectrum Internet Ultra) $3/month for each Spectrum WiFi Pod |
Installation Fees
Spectrum is very straightforward about its costs, and you don’t have to dig deeper for them. It provides two installation options, pro-installation, and self-installation. Its professional installation costs about $65.00, and while Spectrum self-installation is free, you have to pay $30.00 for service activation. Meanwhile, Google Fiber does not charge any installation fee.
Speed
Spectrum has recently upgraded its speeds for Spectrum Internet and Spectrum Internet Ultra. The provider now offers 300 and 500 Mbps speeds instead of 200 and 400 Mbps, which means you can now stream, play games, and work from home more effectively. Spectrum also provides a gig plan suitable for large households and businesses.
On the other hand, Google Fiber offers symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1000 and 2000 Mbps, allowing you to conduct your online activities with absolute ease.
Data Caps
Both providers offer unlimited data with their internet plans, allowing you to use the internet without worrying about data usage and overage fees. You also don’t have to worry about speed throttling.
Contracts
Neither ISP binds you in annual contracts. Their contract-free plans give you the freedom to switch providers without worrying about early termination fees (ETF).
Bundles
Spectrum Deals allow you to bundle its internet plans with Spectrum TV Select and Spectrum Voice. It only offers 125 standard cable channels with its TV service, and you have to pay extra for the premium channels like HBO Max and SHOWTIME. Contrarily, Google Fiber does not offer bundles with TV.
Customer Service
Customer service is a painful topic for many ISPs, but Spectrum has shown promising improvement since it acquired Time Warner Cable. It showed remarkable results in J.D. Power’s latest report by scoring 725 on a 1000-point scale in the Southern region. However, its 63/100 score on the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s latest rankings for ISPs puts it on edge.
Major reviewers like American Customer Satisfaction Index do not cover Google Fiber. However, we can determine its customer service by looking at the customer reviews. Google Fiber shows mixed reviews as some customers are satisfied while others are angry with this provider.
Final Words
A reliable internet connection is necessary for performing many of our daily activities. Google Fiber and Spectrum are prominent internet providers, and the choice depends on which provider can fulfill your requirements. If speed is your main concern, Google Fiber is an ideal option. But if you are an entertainment enthusiast, you can bundle your services with Spectrum. We have provided a detailed comparison of these providers to simplify your selection process.
