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(877) 783-2597Sometimes, you might find yourself with more than one option for internet service. Choosing the right one can be a bit tough. You need something reliable for your home. When you have options like Spectrum vs HTC, it is a good idea to compare them to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Spectrum covers a larger area, while HTC is specific to Horry, Georgetown, and Marion counties in South Carolina. If you live in these countries, you might want to compare both. But if you are not from these areas, your choice might lean towards Spectrum.
Continue reading to learn about the differences between these internet providers and see which one suits your needs best.
Spectrum is the brand name of Charter Communications, a company that has been in the telecommunications business since 1993. In 2014, Charter rebranded its residential internet services under the Spectrum name. This move aimed to enhance quality and value for its customers. Spectrum uses a network of hybrid fiber-coaxial cables, allowing for high-speed internet with download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary).
Covering 41 states and serving over 32 million homes in the US, Spectrum is the second-largest cable internet provider in the country. The company offers a variety of internet plans to suit different needs and budgets, ranging from 300 Mbps to 1 Gig. All Spectrum Internet plans come with unlimited data, a free modem, free antivirus software, and no contracts. It also offers bundle deals with TV and phone services, as well as a $30 discount through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
HTC (Horry Telephone Cooperative) has been in the industry since 1952 when it started as a telephone cooperative. Over time, HTC has expanded its services to include cable TV, wireless, and internet. The company uses cable and fiber internet technology to provide high-speed internet. HTC provides fiber internet in most of its service areas and cable internet in areas that still need an upgrade.
HTC’s network covers three counties (Horry, Georgetown, and Marion) and reaches more than 100,000 homes in South Carolina. To cater to diverse customer needs and financial considerations, HTC offers three internet packages with speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. Additionally, HTC presents attractive bundle options that include TV and phone services.
The table below shows typical differences between HTC and Spectrum Internet.
| Features | Spectrum | HTC |
| Internet Plans | 3 | 3 |
| Price Range | $49.99 – $79.99/mo. | $49.95 – $74.95/mo. |
| Download Speed | 300 – 1,000 Mbps | 500 – 1,000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 10 – 35 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps |
| Data Caps | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Internet Type | Hybrid fiber-coaxial cable | Cable, Fiber |
| Contracts | Not required | Required for perks* |
| Availability | 41 states | 3 counties |
| Bundle Deals | Yes | Yes |
Spectrum offers three different internet plans 300 Mbps – 500 Mbps – 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig). The prices range from $49.99 up to $79.99 a month. None of Spectrum’s Internet plans come with a data cap, so you do not have to keep a tab on your data consumption and worry about paying an overage fee. However, Spectrum’s upload speeds are much lower than its download speeds, ranging from 10 to 35 Mbps because of the coaxial cable technology.
The table below summarizes all the Spectrum Internet plans:
| Spectrum Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
| Internet | $49.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| Internet Gig | $79.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
Spectrum’s lowest tier (300 Mbps) offers relatively high performance. Most small-to-medium-sized families are satisfied with this plan.
HTC provides three internet packages with speeds from 500 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps and monthly prices between $49.95 and $74.95. Each cable internet option from HTC features an upload speed of 20 Mbps. However, HTC’s fiber internet plans offer a higher upload speed of up to 500 Mbps. In some regions, HTC is transitioning from cable to fiber, so the type of connection (cable or fiber) for a plan is confirmed only upon inquiry.
Comparatively, HTC’s pricing is more affordable than Spectrum’s, both during the initial 12 months and afterward. The fees include both a cable modem and router, whereas Spectrum only provides a free cable modem. Additionally, HTC offers an option to waive installation fees for those who choose an annual contract over a no-contract plan.
The table below summarizes all the HTC internet plans:
| HTC Internet Plans | |||
| Plan | Starting Price | Internet Speed | Internet Type |
| Tier 1 | $49.95/month | 500 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| Tier 2 | $59.95/month | 750 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
| Tier 3 | $74.95/month | 1,000 Mbps | Cable, Fiber |
If you are looking for more than just an internet service, then you should consider bundle deals that combine two or more services (TV, home phone, or more). Bundle deals can save you money, simplify your billing, and offer you more features and benefits. HTC and Spectrum both offer cost-effective bundles. Let’s compare them and see which one suits your needs better.
Starting with Spectrum, they have multiple bundle options. Spectrum ups the game with its Spectrum One deal. It is a sort of all-in-one package where you get internet with a free advanced WiFi system and an unlimited mobile service for $49.99 a month (for 12 months).
The deals get sweeter when you upgrade to the Spectrum One Stream bundles. For as low as $109.98 per month, you can enjoy three free services for the price of two. Basically, when you add a Spectrum TV package to the Spectrum One bundle, you get a free Xumo Stream Box for 12 months.
| Spectrum Bundle Deals | Starting Price | Services |
| Spectrum One | $49.99/mo. | Internet + WiFi + Mobile |
| Spectrum One Stream | $109.98/mo. | Internet + WiFi + Mobile + Xumo Stream Box (with Spectrum TV) |
Other than that, you can pick and choose the services to create customized bundle deals, such as Spectrum Internet and TV bundles, or Spectrum Internet, TV, and Voice bundles for savings of up to $10 per month.
HTC is more flexible and customizable in bundling options. You can create your own bundle by choosing from different internet, TV, and phone plans, and get discounts based on the number of services you combine. You can also add optional features, such as DVR storage, premium channels, and unlimited long-distance calling, for an extra fee.
The more services you add, the more you save. For example, if you bundle internet and TV, you can save $10 a month. Plus, you can get free equipment and promotional discounts on each service included in the bundle for up to 12 months.
If you are a gamer, you do not want to deal with lag, buffering, or disconnects when you are playing online games. That is why you need to choose an internet service provider that can deliver the best performance for gaming.
But how do you know which one is better: HTC or Spectrum? If HTC’s fiber internet is available, it’s the best choice for gaming. If not, Spectrum is an excellent alternative, offering reliable speed and performance.
HTC provides fiber internet with download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps and upload speeds of 500 Mbps. If fiber isn’t available, HTC’s cable internet offers 20 Mbps of upload speed, which is slower than Spectrum (up to 35 Mbps), making it a less preferred choice for gaming.
Both these providers guarantee ultra-low latency, and should not cause any noticeable delay or lag in your gaming. However, HTC’s latency might be slightly lower than Spectrum’s, if you are using their fiber-optic internet network.
Data caps can be a problem for gamers, as online games can consume a lot of data. Fortunately, neither HTC nor Spectrum have data caps on their internet plans. So you can game as much as you want without worrying about any limits or data overage fees.
Spectrum has a larger and more widespread internet network compared to HTC’s regional footprint.
HTC is a local provider focusing on the northeastern corner of South Carolina. It covers Horry, Georgetown, and Marion counties, and serves major cities like Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Georgetown, as well as smaller towns and rural communities. HTC has a loyal customer base in these areas, but it does not offer services in other parts of the state or the country.
Spectrum is a national company serving 41 states, including most of South Carolina. It offers coverage in at least 146 cities within the state, including zip codes where HTC is available.
You want a provider that can handle your issues and queries promptly and professionally.
It is difficult to compare Spectrum and HTC directly, as they have different customer bases and markets. However, we can look at some indicators of customer satisfaction, such as ratings, reviews, and surveys.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is a survey that gives scores to providers. Spectrum scored 64 out of 100 in 2023, which is a little lower than the industry average of 66. HTC is not in the ACSI survey, so we do not have more data to evaluate. However, in Google reviews, HTC has an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on eight locations from Little River to Georgetown. Moreover, it is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited company with an A+ rating. This suggests that HTC has decent customer service and can effectively manage its small customer base.
Your location and needs matter when you pick HTC or Spectrum Internet.
Spectrum, with its vast coverage spanning 41 states and internet plans with up to 1,000 Mbps of speed, is a good choice for people who are not in HTC’s internet service areas. HTC is a small and local provider and deeply rooted in three counties in South Carolina. It has cheaper plans and nice bundles for its customers. However, it cannot meet the reliability, perks, and fame of Spectrum Internet
In short, Spectrum is the best choice for people who want fast internet across the nation. But if you live in HTC service areas, the provider is a cheaper alternative for fiber-fast connectivity.
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