Article Summary
Spectrum is one of the largest cable TV and internet providers in the country. Frontier, on the other hand, is one of the largest DSL internet providers in the country. The comparison of the two companies is, at its heart, a comparison between cable internet and DSL internet.
See how these two internet service providers compare in categories like speed, cost, availability, customer reviews, and more.
Spectrum vs Frontier
Spectrum vs Frontier: Internet Speeds
Winner: Spectrum
Both Spectrum and Frontier offer gigabit internet (1,000Mbps), via fiber connections, but availability is limited.
When comparing these two internet providers you have to think of their primary connection types. Spectrum, being one of the biggest cable companies in the world, primarily offers cable internet. Meanwhile Frontier's main internet connection is DSL.
Although adequate speeds for average internet users can be reached via DSL connection, cable speeds are generally much faster and more consistent. Frontier isn't exactly a slouch when it comes to internet speeds, but Spectrum takes this category via its superior connection.
Cost, Data and Value for Money
Winner: Frontier
Monthly Cost
Frontier and their DSL internet speeds might be lagging but that does mean that their internet plans are generally more budget friendly than most cable internet plans. This generalization applies to a cost comparison between Frontier and Spectrum.
Spectrum isn't exactly cheap and this is very noticeable when you put their plans up against Frontier's plans. It is important to note, however, that for plans that are comparable to each other, there is very little difference in prices.
Installation and Other Fees
Both Spectrum and Frontier charge installation fees. The good news is that like many internet companies both often offer deals that waive the installation fees. Anyone purchasing internet service from either company should check to see if their new plan could possibly include a free installation deal.
Frontier also offers self installation options for anyone wishing to avoid professional installation fees.
Data Allowance
Neither Frontier or Spectrum have data caps. This means that no matter how your household uses data, you will not have to worry about seeing extra charges. Clearly, neither company has the edge when it comes to data allowances but remember that most internet users who don't have to worry about data caps might want to take advantage with higher speeds. Spectrum's plans might seem a bit more desirable.
Deals
Both Spectrum and Frontier offer deals throughout the year. New customers can take advantage of introductory rates offered by both internet providers. Frontier's introductory are locked in at 2 years, while Spectrum's are locked in at 1 year.
As stated above, new customers can often take advantage of deals towards installation and either company may also offer breaks on the price of equipment.
Availability: Spectrum vs Frontier
Winner: Frontier
By land, Frontier is available to much more of the country than Spectrum. This is due in large part to its historically strong presence in rural areas and its relatively recent expansion to more metropolitan areas.
Spectrum does have a strong presence in highly populated areas of the country, but they aren't quite as spread out as Frontier is.
Customer Reviews: Spectrum vs Frontier
Winner: Spectrum
Neither Spectrum nor Frontier excels in customer satisfaction, but big internet providers generally don't. Frontier seems to get a bit more negative reviews than Spectrum.
Common complaints about Frontier include spotty internet service, problems with billing, and poor technical and customer support.
Bundle Packages: Spectrum vs Frontier
Winner: Spectrum
Bundles are available from both Spectrum and Frontier who both offer TV and phone services on top of their internet services. Availability for certain bundles depends on locations. Where fiber isn't available from Frontier, TV included in bundles might be provided by Dish Network.
Spectrum is one of the largest cable TV providers in the country. Its bundles benefit from the inclusion of its cable TV packages. Bundle options are seemingly endless with several customizations available.
Winner: Spectrum vs Frontier
A lot of this comparison comes down to which type of internet connection is better. One could argue that Spectrum vs Frontier is essentially cable vs DSL. While Frontier plans are appealing to those on a budget, the speeds and bundles you can get with Spectrum just seem much more superior.
Additionally, Frontier suffers from exceptionally poor customer reviews in an industry that is already notorious for bad reviews. To stand out among a crowd that is already maligned does not look good.
Still, when comparing internet providers its important to factor in your specific needs. Take a look at Spectrum's and Frontier's plans to see which provider fits your life better.
Spectrum Internet Plans
|
#1
|
Spectrum
Internet Advantage
$40/mo
($30 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Spectrum
Internet Premier
$50/mo
($40 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Spectrum
Internet Advantage + Spectrum Unlimited Plus
$50/mo
($30 plan + $20 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
Spectrum
Internet Premier + Spectrum Unlimited Plus
$60/mo
($40 plan + $20 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#5
|
Spectrum
Internet Gig
$70/mo
($60 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
Frontier Internet Plans
|
#1
|
Frontier
Fiber 500 Internet
$29.99/mo
with AutoPay
|
|
#2
|
Frontier
Fiber 1 Gig Internet
$49.99/mo
with AutoPay
|
|
#3
|
Frontier
Fiber 2 Gig Internet
$64.99/mo
with AutoPay
|
|
#4
|
Frontier
Fiber 5 Gig Internet
$89.99/mo
with AutoPay for 12 months
|
|
#5
|
Frontier
Fiber 7 Gig Internet
$109.99/mo
Available in select locations
|
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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