Optimum Celebrates 500,000 Fiber Internet Customers
Is the company's fiber internet worth the $40 monthly price tag?
Dec 5, 2024 | Share 
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Optimum has persuaded over half a million customers to try its fiber internet service. That’s about 17% of all customers who could get the service, according to a press release from the company.
The cheapest fiber plan from Optimum costs $40 per month, with speeds up to 300Mbps. But if you have a lot to spend—and need a truly incredible amount of bandwidth—you can pay $280 monthly for speeds up to 8,000Mbps.
| Plan | Monthly starting price | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps Fiber Internet | 40.00/mo.* | 300Mbps |
| 1 Gig Fiber Internet | 50.00/mo.† | 1,000Mbps |
| 2 Gig Fiber Internet | 75.00/mo.‡ | 2,000Mbps |
| 5 Gig Fiber Internet | 100.00/mo.‡ | 5,000Mbps |
| 8 Gig Fiber Internet | 280.00/mo.‡ | 8,000Mbps |
Data as of 9/16/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See disclaimers.
What are the real costs for Optimum Fiber?
If your home has never had fiber internet from Optimum, you’ll pay $100 to have a technician set it up. But if the home is already connected to fiber, there’s no activation charge to worry about.
Optimum doesn’t charge fiber customers to rent its Wi-Fi router, but you can add Wi-Fi extender pods for $3 per month each if you need them. Prices increase by $15 per month annually until you reach prevailing pricing.
Add-ons from Optimum Fiber
You can bundle TV, internet security, and mobile phone services with Optimum. You’ll choose TV and security services during online checkout, and you can research Optimum Mobile at Optimum Mobile. Mobile phone services are billed separately from internet and TV, but you can get discounts if you bundle.
Where can you get Optimum fiber internet?
Areas such as New York’s Long Island and Montclair and West Orange in New Jersey are some of the latest to get access to Optimum fiber. The service is most widely available in the Northeast, but the company also has some fiber customers in Texas and North Carolina, according to the broadband availability map published by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Optimum also offers cable internet across 21 states, with speeds and prices similar to what you would pay for fiber.
How can you sign up for fiber internet from Optimum?
The best way to sign up is to learn about Optimum plans and pricing. Then, visit the company site and enter your address.
If you can’t get fiber yet, you can sign up to be notified when it becomes available.
Who are Optimum’s competitors?
Optimum competes with 5G home internet providers such as Verizon, AT&T Air, and T-Mobile, as well as DSL providers such as CenturyLink and Frontier.
You may also have a choice of fiber internet from Verizon Fios or AT&T if you’re in the Optimum footprint, or you could go with a cable internet provider like Spectrum.
Is fiber internet from Optimum a good deal? My take
I’m not surprised that 500,000 customers have signed up for fiber internet from Optimum. It’s fast, reliable, and hassle-free. I am a little surprised that 2.4 million customers who could get the service have chosen not to, but I understand why they might be hesitant.
Optimum used to have huge price hikes after a few months of service, earning it a poor customer service reputation. That’s changing, though. You still have a $15 monthly increase after one year and again after two years, but your final price in year three is still just $60 per month. That’s in line with what we recommend for the average family (and less than average).
As always, read your broadband nutrition labels before you enter any payment information, and keep an eye on your monthly bills. But since there are no cancellation fees or equipment charges, I say it makes sense to try Optimum Fiber.
Disclaimers
*w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Terms apply.
† w/ Auto Pay, Paperless Bill & Unlimited Mobile plan. Wired connection up to 940 Mbps. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Max auto renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $16.99/mo). Price sbjct to change. Terms apply.
‡ w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Max auto renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $16.99/mo). Price sbjct to change. Terms apply.
Author - Chili Palmer
Chili Palmer covers home tech services, with a special focus on understanding what families need and how they can stay connected on a budget. She handles internet access and affordability, breaking news, mobile services, and consumer trends. Previously writing under the name Rebecca Palmer, Chili’s work as a writer, reporter, and editor has appeared in a wide range of news, consumer tech, and business publications.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
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