Spectrum vs Frontier Internet

Spectrum and Frontier are among the nation’s top telecommunications companies, each with a vast network that spans more than half the country. It is due to this reason that their coverage overlaps in 25 states, and hence, it became essential for us to write this comparison blog. 

Frontier or Spectrum? If you happen to live in one of those overlapping states and have both Spectrum and Frontier’s internet service available at your address, then read this blog till the end. We will compare and contrast the two providers based on their internet type, prices, speeds, perks, coverage, customer service, and more to help you pick the best one for your home. 

Spectrum

Spectrum offers fast and reliable internet with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps through its hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network. 

They have a massive 41-state coverage with around 30.4 million broadband internet users. Along with internet services, Spectrum also provides cable TV, home phone, and mobile phone connections that can be bundled for hassle-free billing and cost savings. 

All the Spectrum Internet plans include antivirus software, free equipment, unlimited data, and contract-free service. 

Spectrum plans start at $49.99 per month. You can switch to Spectrum Internet and get up to $500 in early termination fee coverage. 

Pros

• Wide-scale availability
• Free access to Wi-Fi hotspots
• 2-year price guarantees 
• Contract Buyout credits of up to $500
  

Cons

• Price hikes after the promo period
• Slower upload speeds 

Frontier

Frontier Communications, founded in 1935, is one of the top fiber internet service providers. Frontier offers two types of internet connections – fiber-optic and digital subscriber line (DSL). However, its DSL internet service only has one standard plan. Whereas, its fiber internet solutions are available in 4 speed tiers.  

Frontier Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps. However, its availability is limited to 17 states. In contrast, Frontiers DSL internet network covers 29 states across the country. Frontier’s fiber connection offers better gaming experiences, more immersive content, and improved streaming.

Pros

• Service availability in 29 states
• No data caps
• No annual contracts 
• Wi-Fi router included
• High customer satisfaction with fiber

Cons

• DSL is more expensive 
• Fiber is not available to all customers 
• Price hikes after 12 months

Internet Service Comparison – Spectrum vs Frontier 

Plans & Pricing – Spectrum vs Frontier Internet

Frontier and Spectrum offer several plans to suit a variety of budgets. There are no data caps on either provider’s plans, and you can purchase these plans without entering into any contract. 

Frontier Fiber plans start from $44.99 per month, while Spectrum offers plans that range from $49.99 to $79.99 per month. 

As far as speeds are concerned, Spectrum offers speeds between 300 and 1,000 Mbps, while Frontier offers speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. However, customers should determine the maximum speed requirements for their households before choosing any package.

Spectrum Internet Plans

Frontier Internet Plans

Additional Costs – Frontier vs Spectrum Internet 

The cost that internet service providers list for their services is usually only the starting price. Additional costs such as equipment rentals, installations, or early termination fees can raise your monthly bill. These are some of the additional costs associated with Spectrum and Frontier’s internet services. 

Data Caps & Overage Fees

Spectrum and Frontier do not impose data caps on their internet plans. It may come as a surprise because Spectrum’s cable internet rival, Xfinity, includes a 1.2 TB data limit on some of its plans. Similarly, Frontier’s DSL contender is AT&T, and AT&T restricts the data usage on some of its internet protocol broadband (IPBB) plans to 1.5 TB per month. 

Data caps may guarantee equitable usage, but going over the monthly data limit results in a data overage fee, usually $10 for every 50 GB of data. In the case of Frontier and Spectrum, this fee is irrelevant as the plans include unlimited data. 

Perks – Spectrum vs Frontier Internet 

Both Frontier and Spectrum excel at providing their customers with a range of benefits in addition to internet subscriptions. 

Frontier provides malware protection and multi-device security for up to ten computers and devices, making it possible to conduct online banking and browse the web without fear of security breaches.  

Spectrum provides free antivirus software and a modem with every internet package. Another perk of selecting Spectrum as your internet service provider is their nationwide out-of-home hotspot network that allows you to use free and safe internet on the go. 

Installation Options – Spectrum vs Frontier

Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer two options for installation. One is self-installation, offered for free by some ISPs, and the other is professional/ expert installation, which comes with extra charges. 

You can self-install Spectrum Internet, but you will be required to pay $30 for service activation. On the other hand, Spectrum charges $65 for sending a certified technician to set up and activate your internet service. 

Frontier charges up to $100 for expert installation. However, the service is offered for free to its new fiber internet customers. 

TV & Internet Bundles – Spectrum vs Frontier

Frontier bundles include a combination of Internet, TV, and home phone. However, Frontier does not have its own cable TV service, and therefore, it partners with YouTube TV to offer internet and TV streaming packages with up to $120 of savings in the first year. Customers can also opt for Frontier Internet and DISH TV packages for a greater channel count. 

On the other hand, Spectrum bundles help you save money on the internet, TV, home phone, and mobile phone services. Spectrum One and Spectrum One Stream bundles are worth a look. 

Better Option for Gaming – Spectrum or Frontier? 

When it comes to the best internet for gaming, fiber internet is unmatched. Frontier Fiber offers a 17-millisecond latency rate while providing symmetrical upload and download speeds and 99% consistency. 

In comparison, Spectrum provides a 32-millisecond latency rate, and its upload speed maxes out at 35 Mbps. 

When it boils down to Frontier or Spectrum for gaming, Frontier is superior to Spectrum, provided you have access to its fiber service. However, if Frontier Fiber is unavailable, then Spectrum’s cable internet service is better than Frontier’s DSL connection.

Wider Coverage Area – Spectrum or Frontier?   

Spectrum’s coverage area includes 41 states, primarily in the northeast, southeast, midwest, and northwest regions. Its 875,000-mile-long network covers major cities and towns, delivering seamless internet access to millions of U.S. households. 

Fiber-optic internet expansion has remained limited across the country, which is why Frontier’s coverage is limited to 17 states. However, Frontier’s combined fiber-DSL network spans 29 states, including most rural communities. 

There are some states where Spectrum and Frontier both provide internet connections. The following are the states where their coverages overlap. 

Better Customer Service – Spectrum or Frontier?  

Even though excellent customer service is essential to any business’s success, many internet providers need to catch up in this regard. Frontier and Spectrum received fair scores from J.D. Power in their consumer survey. 

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), both providers scored below the industry average in the non-fiber internet service providers category. However, Spectrum is two ranks above Frontier. So, it can be said that Spectrum’s customer service is better than Frontier’s. 

Final Verdict – Is Frontier Better than Spectrum?

Frontier and Spectrum are each other’s fierce competitors, offering numerous features on their month-to-month internet plans. However, the two are poles apart. 

Frontier offers hyperfast symmetrical speeds of up to 5 Gigs on its 17-state fiber-rich network. Whereas, Spectrum delivers gigabit download speeds and boasts maximum coverage and better customer service on its hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network.

If Frontier Fiber is available in your area, then there is no better choice than this. However, if only its DSL internet service is available, then it is best to opt for Spectrum’s affordable and high-speed cable internet service.