EarthLink vs. Spectrum

EarthLink has the nation’s third-largest fiber network by coverage area and is also the largest provider of residential DSL internet by coverage area. Availability for either internet type will still vary by location. Customers with fiber connections can access internet speeds up to 1000 Mbps. EarthLink provides internet service only, with no phone or TV options.

Spectrum is an internet, cable TV, and telephone provider that uses cable connections almost exclusively for residential internet. The company is the second-largest cable provider in the United States by coverage area. Spectrum offers more than two dozen pricing options for high speed internet service, either alone or bundled with TV and/or phone service. Package availability varies by location.

EarthLink vs Spectrum: Extra Fees and Contracts

Installation

Installation charges for EarthLink’s Hyperlink plans—a combined fiber/DSL connection—include a $69.95 fee for professional installation. DSL-only customers typically pay $19.95 for a self-installation kit and modem shipping. All EarthLink installation packages include Wi-Fi service.

Professional installation is a one-time fee of $49.99 with most of its internet-only packages. The installation fee may be reduced or waived with select bundles and packages. To avoid the installation fee, customers may opt for the self-installation option for a one-time Wi-Fi activation charge of $9.99. Households can also rent a Wi-Fi router for a $5 monthly fee from Spectrum.

Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Customers who cancel their service before their contract ends face early termination fees of up to $200. As with all internet providers, local taxes and fees may also apply. EarthLink contracts require that customers use the company-provided modem for a rental fee of $6.95/month. All EarthLink equipment must be returned upon cancellation or the customer will be charged additional fees.

Thus, accounts may be cancelled at any time without penalty. Customers should also expect to pay a one-time $9.99 activation fee. Locally assessed taxes and fees may also apply. Spectrum often offers new customers lower promotional rates for the first 12 months followed by a rate increase of as much as $20 per month when the promotional term ends.

Data Caps

All EarthLink internet plans allow customers to enjoy unlimited downloading, uploading, and streaming. No data caps are placed on user data. This makes EarthLink a suitable choice for households with multiple power-internet users that may stream a lot of games, movies, or television.

Like EarthLink, Spectrum does not limit the amount of data its customers can upload or download. In fact, Spectrum is prohibited from adding data caps to its internet plans by an agreement with the FCC in the wake of a recent merger.