As one of the most connected countries in the world with the third-highest number of online users, America has plenty of top-quality internet services. Thousands of internet service providers serve this vast land, offering cutting-edge services to the users.
Spectrum is one such example, providing service to more than 30 million people across 41 states. This HTC vs Spectrum Internet comparison will evaluate a national provider with a local ISP to help you fully grasp your choices and make an informed decision. We will explore their services, pricing, and customer reviews to help you determine which provider is the best fit for your needs.
Spectrum
Spectrum by Charter Communications is one of the largest internet providers in the country, offering a range of telecommunications services to residential and business customers in 41 states. The provider delivers high-speed internet ranging from 300 Mbps to 1000 Mbps using both fiber and cable networks, but it primarily uses the latter.
In addition to the internet, they also offer TV, home phone services, and Spectrum Mobile™ Plans, allowing customers to benefit from impressive bundles. But there’s more! Additionally, it offers mobile service, home WiFi, and home security, giving users various options to suit their diverse demands. In short, Spectrum is an excellent option for those seeking a reliable and high-speed internet provider with its wide range of services and coverage area.
Spectrum is a nationwide provider, available in more states than other top options, but you should analyze the benefits and drawbacks of this provider before choosing it.
Pros
- Wide coverage area
- Free modem
- Contract-free plans
- Unlimited data
- Excellent bundle options
Cons
- Asymmetrical upload & download speeds
HTC
Local internet service provider, Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC), provides internet access to people in Horry, Georgetown, and Marion counties in South Carolina. The company offers two internet services – cable and fiber – allowing customers a choice between traditional and high-speed internet with speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
Besides broadband, HTC also provides a range of services, including video, voice, mobile, security, and advanced business solutions to customers via a fiber network. And while it may not have Spectrum’s nationwide coverage, its excellent service and simple pricing structure make it a popular regional internet provider.
A local internet provider like HTC may be more beneficial if you live in South Carolina. But before making any commitments, let’s explore the pros and cons of this local internet provider.
Pros
- Symmetrical fiber internet speeds
- Equipment fee included in the plans
- Unlimited data
Cons
- Limited coverage area
- High installation charges
Internet Service Comparison – HTC vs Spectrum
Spectrum and HTC have three identical plans in terms of internet speed, but the latter offers them via two different technologies, giving you a choice between traditional and symmetrical internet speeds. In terms of similarities, both providers offer unlimited data and free modems, but besides that, both providers have different coverage percentages, policies, and more.
This HTC vs Spectrum Internet® comparison will help you uncover all these similarities and differences in detail to help you reach a comprehensive decision.
| Features | Spectrum | HTC |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Plans | 3 | 3 |
| Price Range | $49.99 – $89.99/mo. | $49.95 – $74.95/mo. |
| Speed Range | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |
| Internet Type | Hybrid fiber-coaxial cable | Cable, Fiber |
| Contracts | None | Yes |
| Wide Coverage Area | Yes | No |
| Contact Provider | Call 877-410-3834 Now! | Call 877-395-5851 Now! |
Internet Plans – Spectrum vs HTC
As mentioned earlier, Spectrum and HTC offer three plans with similar internet speeds. However, HTC offers two internet options, letting you choose between a cable internet service and, if available in your location, the more dependable fiber network.
The pricing structure of broth providers is also significantly different, with HTC’s mid-tier and gigabit plans starting out with more reasonable rates, but are they better than Spectrum? Let’s find out.
Spectrum
Spectrum takes a rather direct approach with its internet service to attract many customers. There are three affordable Spectrum InternetⓇ plans ranging from 300 Mbps to 1000 Mbps over a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network. In addition to fiber-like download speeds, Spectrum’s internet service is contract-free and features unlimited data, a free modem, enhanced online security, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Plan | Price | Speed | Contact Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $49.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 300 Mbps | Call Now |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 500 Mbps | Call Now |
| Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 1000 Mbps | Call Now |
HTC
Horry Telephone Cooperative also offers three internet plans with similar download speeds to Spectrum. The difference starts with what internet type delivers these speeds to your home. Unlike Spectrum, HTC has two broadband networks; fiber and cable. Its fiber internet is available at most addresses, whereas cable internet is limited to locations where the infrastructure has not yet been upgraded. Some areas have both options, and your choice can depend on your requirements.
The pricing structure is also quite different, as except for the entry-level plan, HTC’s mid-tier and gigabit plans are more reasonable. The plans include unlimited data and no monthly equipment charges, but unlike Spectrum, you have to sign a 1-year contract for special perks.
| Plan | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Internet Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTC Internet Tier 1 | $49.95/month | 300 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| HTC Internet Tier 2 | $59.95/month | 500 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| HTC Internet Tier 3 | $74.95/month | 1000 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
Internet Speed – Spectrum vs HTC
Both providers deliver the same download speeds – 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps. So how do you differentiate them from this aspect? The answer lies in upload speeds. Comparatively, all HTC cable internet plans have the same upload speeds – 20 Mbps – but Spectrum’s upload speed can go up to 35 Mbps.
On the other hand, HTC fiber internet is a different story. Its first two internet plans have symmetrical upload and download speeds. However, the gigabit plan is asymmetrical, with an upload speed of up to 500 Mbps. Nevertheless, the fiber internet plans offer sufficient bandwidth to accommodate ordinary activities like high-definition streaming, playing online games, and video conferencing, as well as data-intensive activities like remote working, online learning, and healthcare.
| Internet Speed | Spectrum | HTC |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed Range | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed Range | 10 Mbps – 35 Mbps | 20 Mbps – 500 Mbps |
Bundles – Spectrum vs HTC
Bundling your internet with other services, such as TV or a home phone, can be a cost-effective solution for your household. Customers can not only save money on their overall bills, but they can also save time by subscribing to multiple services from one provider.
Both Spectrum and HTC offer internet bundles. But to choose the best service, it is necessary to compare the pricing, availability, and features of each provider’s bundles. It is also a good idea to check if any promotions are available, as they can help you save extra money on your monthly bill.
Spectrum
Spectrum provides a range of cost-effective packages to accommodate various requirements and price ranges of different individuals. We can sort Spectrum’s bundles into the following categories.
Spectrum One
Spectrum One is a new bundle package launched by Spectrum last October that combines a high-speed Internet plan with Advanced WiFi, and Spectrum Unlimited Mobile plan at one incredible price for the first 12 months. This bundle is an affordable solution for your internet and mobile needs. Plus, its Advanced WiFi comes with cutting-edge security solutions, elevating your online experience by keeping all your connected devices secure. Overall, this bundle offers seamless connectivity and is an excellent option for those looking to simplify their monthly bills.
Internet & TV Bundles
Spectrum’s most popular bundle option allows you to combine high-speed Internet with Spectrum TV® packages. While these bundles may not offer exclusive savings on your monthly bill, they provide excellent content to entertain your household and also save you from the headache of dealing with multiple operators.
| Bundles | Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet + TV Select | $109.98/mo. for 12 mos* | 300 Mbps | 125+ |
| Internet + Spectrum Mi Plan | $89.98/mo. for 12 mos* | 300 Mbps | 145+ |
Internet, TV & Phone Bundles
Spectrum also allows you to combine three services under one consolidated bill. These bundles give you more than 125 HD channels, high-speed internet, and unlimited nationwide calling with advanced features.
| Bundles | Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Home Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet + TV Select + Voice | $129.97/mo. | 300 Mbps | 125+ | Unlimited calling with 28 features |
| Internet + Mi Plan + Voice | $109.97/mo. | 300 Mbps | 145+ | Unlimited calling with 28 features |
HTC Bundles
HTC offers a variety of customizable bundle options, so you can tailor them to suit your needs and budget. All you have to do is to search which services are available at your address and then you can choose and customize according to your requirements.
Who Has Better Customer Service – HTC or Spectrum?
Comparing the customer service of these providers is impossible, considering the vast difference in their coverage areas. More importantly, HTC is not covered by ACSI or J.D. Power, making it more challenging to determine its customer satisfaction scores.
In contrast, Spectrum continues to demonstrate consistent improvement in yearly reports, achieving its best score in the southern region of J.D. Power’s Self Study and maintaining a steady score in the ACSI’s 2022 assessment.
| ACSI Report | Spectrum | HTC |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 63 | N/A |
| 2021 | 63 | N/A |
Who Has a Better Coverage Area – HTC or Spectrum?
The coverage area is the main difference between these providers. HTC is a local internet provider only covering three counties of South Carolina, Horry, Georgetown, and Marion. Meanwhile, you can find Spectrum in the following 41 states. However, the coverage is patchy and concentrated in densely populated areas.
Both providers overlap in South Carolina, but Spectrum edges over HTC, covering more cities and towns.
| Spectrum Coverage | ||||
| Alabama | Illinois | Minnesota | New York | Virginia |
| Arizona | Indiana | Mississippi | North Carolina | Washington |
| California | Kansas | Missouri | Ohio | West Virginia |
| Colorado | Kentucky | Montana | Oregon | Wisconsin |
| Connecticut | Louisiana | Nebraska | Pennsylvania | Wyoming |
| Florida | Maine | Nevada | South Carolina | |
| Georgia | Maryland | New Hampshire | Tennessee | |
| Hawaii | Massachusetts | New Jersey | Texas | |
| Idaho | Michigan | New Mexico | Vermont | |
Final Verdict: Which is better, HTC or Spectrum?
The answer ultimately depends on what is available at your address. HTC is a good option if you can access its fiber internet. Otherwise, Spectrum is a much better choice, considering the vast availability, better bundle options, and contract-free plans. Additionally, it offers you a 30-day money-back guarantee so you may test out its service. In this HTC vs Spectrum Internet® comparison, we’ve highlighted every similarity and distinction between the two service providers so you can formulate your own opinion.
