Spectrum vs TDS Internet

Spectrum is one of the largest Internet providers in the U.S., offering service across 42 states. On a cable connection, Spectrum offers fast download speeds up to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary). Packaging TV and phone services with Spectrum’s Internet plans will provide extra savings by setting you up with Peacock Premium for free.

TDS is among the top DSL providers in the U.S. covering 24 states, although most of its coverage is in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Minnesota. Between the three connection types that TDS offers, you have multiple high-speed Internet plans to choose from. The connection types available will depend on your location.

Spectrum and TDS have similar pricing for their Internet plans. While Spectrum’s lowest-priced Internet-only plan of $50 per month for 12 months is more expensive than TDS’s cheapest Internet-only plan of $29.95 per month, the former’s gigabit plan is more expensive.

Spectrum offers fast download speeds on all of its plans without a contact or data caps. Its Internet services are available in many states, making it one of the most widespread Internet providers. Spectrum has TV and phone services that you can package, so you can get everything you need from one provider. It also has a lot of promotions for new customers, but it doesn’t offer promotions to existing customers.

Although TDS does have fiber and cable plans available, most of its coverage will be its DSL plans, which are decent and have affordable pricing. TDS does require a contract and has data caps on its DSL plans. However, contracts protect the customers by locking in deals for the entire contract length. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.

Spectrum vs. TDS: Packages Compared

Spectrum offers both TV and phone services in addition to the Internet. You can bundle your Internet with either TV or all three services to enjoy monthly savings.

TDS also offers phone and TV services. Bundle pricing will vary depending on Internet speeds and how many channels you want to include with your TV services.

Spectrum vs TDS: Extra Fees and Contracts

Spectrum doesn’t require contracts for its Internet service, so it doesn’t charge early termination fees (ETFs). TDS does require a contract and has early termination fees. However, the fee isn’t a flat fee but a prorated balance of your account.

Installation

Spectrum has two options for installation: professional and self-install, both of which come with a fee. TDS offers free self-installation and professional installation for a fee.

Data cap

All of Spectrum’s Internet plans offer unlimited data. TDS offers unlimited data on its fiber and cable Internet plans. For its DSL plans, the data cap is 250 GB with overage charges up to $60 or 1 TB of data used past the limit.

Spectrum vs. TDS: Customer Satisfaction

Spectrum has good customer service ratings based on our customer survey, and TDS has similar levels of feedback. That said, TDS doesn’t serve nearly as many customers as Spectrum to get robust feedback.

Both providers have long wait times, although TDS wait times seem to be longer. Spectrum is dedicated to helping its customers once you’ve made it through the wait. TDS will be happy to help you as long as you’re a current customer. If you don’t have a current account and you ask about any extra fees, expect no responses.