Since its merger with Bright House Networks and Time Warner Cable, Spectrum has been increasingly growing and expanding its operations throughout the country. The company is providing its internet service to millions of customers and has established itself as the second-largest provider in the United States.
Although Spectrum offers multiple services including TV, phone, internet, and business broadband services, it is best known for its cable packages. Unlike other providers, Spectrum uses an extensive cable infrastructure to deliver top-notch services to its clients, which is why Spectrum users do not come across slow internet speeds even during peak hours. In addition to this, to facilitate its clients in the best cost-effective way, Spectrum offers a buy-out option. Potential clients who are stuck in a contract with some other provider can take advantage of this offer when they switch to Spectrum. The company will pay their early termination fee and sign them up for its own services. However, just like any other provider, Spectrum too has some hidden costs, which are not advertised on TV or radio.
To help clear the confusion and avoid surprises, we will gradually walk you through different charges and fees that you might see on your bill.
Spectrum TV Plans and Hidden Costs
Spectrum clearly states the prices for its TV packages. So, if you wish to get only TV without any bundles, you will pay the following prices:
• TV Select: $44.99/month
• TV Silver: $64.99/month
• TV Gold: $84.99/month
These promotional prices are for the first 12 months only. After the one-year time period, the prices will increase. Moreover, the aforementioned prices do not include taxes, which will be added to your final monthly bill.
The bundle prices can increase by $10 to $35 per month after the first 12 months of service. The final amount depends on the service package that you are consuming. TV prices, usually, go up by $25 whereas the phone bill might go up by $10/each month. Another common regulatory cost fee is the Broadcast TV Fee, which sums up to almost $9 per month.
Spectrum Internet Plans and Hidden Costs
When you sign up for the internet-only plans, you will only see the internet price on your bill along with some state and federal taxes. However, if you add TV service to your plan, then you will see TV prices with Broadcast TV Fee and federal taxes. The price of the package depends on Spectrum internet speeds, the greater the speed, the more you pay. You can check that out by clicking here.
Installation Fee
Spectrum charges $49.99 installation fee, which is the same for internet as well as TV service. The main difference lies in the additional activation charges that you have to pay to activate your internet service. The activation charges add up to almost $10, and it is a one-time payment. With TV, you can opt for the self-installation procedure as it helps save money. Spectrum provides a self-installation kit to every customer so that users can easily set up their TV service with any technical assistance.
Equipment Fee
Spectrum charges $11.99 every month for its TV receiver, which includes a built-in DVR system. Bear in mind, you will have to pay $12.99 to $19.99 per month for the DVR service, depending on the number of boxes you avail. Unlike the TV service, the provider does not charge anything for renting out its internet equipment.
Cancellation Fee
Since Spectrum does not require you to sign any contracts, there is no cancellation or early termination fee. So, in case you wish to leave Spectrum for another provider, just cancel the service and return the rented equipment. It is that simple.
Data Overage Fee
Many service providers limit the use of internet service with data caps and they charge an additional fee for the overage data. However, with Spectrum, there is no such thing as an overage data fee because the provider offers unlimited internet service. Users are free to download and stream as much as they like without worrying about any data limits.
Last Words
All the providers charge such additional costs. So, there is no way to avoid these hidden costs. Therefore, the best that you can do is learn about the costs so that you are ready by the end of the month to pay your bills. Budget according to your plan so that your monthly cable bill does not sneak up on you.
