WOW Internet Review: Plans, Pricing, Speed and Availability

WOW Internet Review: Affordable Cable Internet with Straightforward Terms

WideOpenWest, operating as WOW Internet, is a cable internet service provider delivering competitively priced plans and customer-friendly service agreements to nearly half a million subscribers. Known for its value, WOW offers a range of internet plans over a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, making it a strong contender in the cable internet market. While primarily a cable provider, WOW continues to expand its fiber footprint, recently completing an all-fiber network in Spring Hill, Florida, and offering symmetrical fiber speeds in select Florida locations.

WOW Internet Plans and Pricing Details

WOW Internet presents four distinct internet plans, all delivered through a hybrid fiber-coaxial connection. This technology results in faster download speeds compared to upload speeds, a typical characteristic of cable internet, unlike symmetrical fiber connections.

Note: Prices below reflect a $10 discount for enrolling in autopay. Monthly costs are higher without autopay.

The Internet 1 Gig plan stands out with a cost of just 6 cents per Mbps, offering the best value among WOW’s speed tiers. Common to all plans are straightforward terms, including unlimited data, no equipment fees, no contracts, and no hidden charges. These features enhance the appeal of WOW internet service.

The entry-level plan provides download speeds of 300Mbps and 20Mbps for uploads. Stepping up, the 600Mbps plan, along with the 1,000Mbps and 1,200Mbps plans, offers up to 50Mbps upload speeds. In comparison, major cable competitors like Spectrum and Xfinity often provide similar download speeds but lag in upload speeds, typically around 20Mbps and peaking at 35-40Mbps for gigabit plans.

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WOW Internet strikes a balance by offering a suitable selection of plans without overwhelming customers. More importantly, their pricing remains highly competitive, often more affordable than larger cable providers such as Xfinity, Spectrum, and Cox, and presenting better value than services from AT&T, Verizon, and Frontier.

While WOW doesn’t offer initial promotional pricing, the listed prices already incorporate a $10 autopay discount. Price increases are not expected after the first year, but WOW retains the right to adjust pricing. For price stability, WOW offers a “price lock” option for an additional $10 per month, guaranteeing consistent pricing.

WOW Internet Availability: Service Area

Currently, WOW home internet service covers 19 markets within six states across the United States. These states include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Key cities within the WOW coverage map are:

• Dothan, Alabama
• Huntsville, Alabama
• Montgomery, Alabama
• St. Petersburg, Florida
• Augusta, Georgia
• Columbus, Georgia
• Detroit, Michigan
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Greenville, South Carolina
• Knoxville, Tennessee

Furthermore, residents in Longwood, Sanlando Springs, Lake Mary, Winter Springs, and Spring Hill in Central Florida can access WOW’s fiber internet plans, providing full-fiber connectivity.

Understanding WOW Internet Speed and Performance

As mentioned, WOW internet plans feature asymmetrical download and upload speeds. In practical terms, this means the connection might not be optimal for heavy uploading activities, especially compared to a fiber-to-the-home setup. Upload speed is crucial for tasks like sending large files, video conferencing, and online collaboration, relevant for remote work and learning.

However, WOW Internet provides superior upload speeds compared to many other cable internet providers. For instance, their Internet 600 plan offers up to 50Mbps upload. In contrast, Spectrum’s comparable 500Mbps plan typically caps upload speeds at 20Mbps.

Importantly, WOW’s most basic plan starts with download speeds of 300Mbps. This exceeds the introductory plan speeds of many ISPs and surpasses the FCC’s broadband benchmark of 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload.

Moreover, upgrading to the Internet 600 plan, effectively doubling the speed, is available for a modest additional cost of $15 per month.

WOW Internet Service Terms and Conditions

WOW Internet distinguishes itself with no contracts, attractive pricing, and a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Examining the service terms reveals further details.

Limited Additional Fees

In most areas, WOW Internet includes modem rental in the monthly service fee. Customers can use their own compatible modem, with DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1 recommended.

For whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, a mesh router rental, specifically two Eero mesh devices, is available for an extra $10 monthly. However, purchasing an Eero system outright might be more economical in the long run, as a two-piece Eero system can be purchased for around $110.

Professional installation is priced at $99, but this fee can be waived with self-installation. A $10 self-activation fee applies to self-installation, though WOW sometimes waives this during promotional periods.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Details

The 30-day money-back guarantee is a valuable, customer-centric feature offered by WOW, particularly since there are no long-term contracts or substantial cancellation penalties.

The guarantee excludes reimbursement for taxes, prior fees, or equipment charges. Furthermore, to be eligible, customers cannot re-establish WOW Internet service within 180 days of cancellation.

Special Offers and Promotions

WOW Internet occasionally offers promotions, such as a $300 Visa Prepaid Reward Card for new subscribers to the 1.2 gigabit tier. Additionally, their refer-a-friend program provides a $100 Visa Reward Card to both the referrer and the referred new customer, with a limit of five referrals per year, potentially totaling $500 in rewards.

Unlimited Data Policy

All WOW plans include unlimited data, eliminating concerns about data overage charges, providing customers with worry-free internet usage.

Customer Satisfaction with WOW Internet: Comparison to Competitors

In the 2024 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for ISPs, WOW Internet’s individual score was not separately listed due to its market share. ISPs generally rank lower in ACSI ratings.

Similarly, WOW was not featured in J.D. Power’s 2024 survey. However, in the prior year’s study, WOW scored 694 out of 1,000 in the North Central region, slightly below the regional average of 701 but ahead of cable competitors like Spectrum (691), Cox (677), and Mediacom (662).

Online discussions on platforms like Reddit present varied feedback. Some users report issues with WOW’s modem and router equipment and service outages, while others describe their service experience as generally reliable and satisfactory.

Final Verdict on WOW Internet Service

WOW Internet stands out with its remarkably affordable home internet plans among cable providers. Key advantages include customer-friendly policies like a money-back guarantee and the absence of data caps and contracts. While its service area is limited, WOW Internet is a compelling option for users seeking value and straightforward terms if available in their location.

Frequently Asked Questions about WOW Internet