Optimum 1 Gig Internet Review

1 Gbps Optimum Internet Plan

Starting From

$65/mo

4.5/5

Call to Order

(877) 783-2597

A fast internet connection is necessary for everything, even if you live alone. The average internet speed in America was only 5 Mbps more than a decade ago, but it is not even fast enough for a single person these days. The demand for higher internet speeds has grown as the Internet has become a primary source of productivity and entertainment, as well as the growth of online content, streaming services, and cloud-based applications.

As a result, gigabit connections have become more common, and many Internet service providers (ISPs), including Optimum, offer this speed tier to their customers. Optimum 1 Gig redefines the digital experiences of countless people. But can it be the key that unlocks the full potential of your digital existence? Read this Optimum 1 Gig review to discover if it lives up to its hype.

Table of Contents

What is Optimum 1 Gig?

Optimum, the fourth-largest cable internet provider, is owned by Altice USA. The company offers cable television, internet, and other communication services. Optimum 1 Gig is a high-speed internet plan that is widely available throughout the provider’s national coverage area. Its starting price is just $80. However, unlike most internet providers, Optimum utilizes both cable and fiber networks to deliver this plan to its customers, with availability determined by your address. Optimum 1 Gig internet is primarily accessible to the majority of Optimum customers via cable technology.

While the price of the Optimum 1 Gig internet plan remains the same regardless of the network type, there are notable differences when you opt for this plan via the fiber network. Users can enjoy symmetrical speeds and a more reliable connection. Aside from these differences, most features remain consistent. Optimum is currently offering a limited-time $200 Visa Prepaid Card with this plan. To summarize, this 1 gig Optimum internet plan is an appealing choice for large families and small businesses due to its competitive starting price, reliable network, and incredible perks.

Notable Features of Optimum 1 Gig Internet
Starting Price (without Mobile plans) $80.00/mo.*
Starting Price (with Mobile plans) $65.00/mo.*
Fiber Internet Speed Symmetric (Fiber)
Cable Internet Speed Asymmetric (Cable)
Data Caps None
Contract None
Perks Available
Equipment Included
Self Installation Free on Online Orders
Professional Installation Up to $100.00
Visa Prepaid Card $200.00
Coverage 21 states
*Price with $5 AutoPay & Paperless Bill Discount

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 Pros

  • Reliable network
  • Access to unlimited data
  • Contract-free plan
  • Access to equal upload and download speeds via fiber network
  • No monthly equipment rental fee
  • Includes a $200 Visa Prepaid Card


 Cons

  • Optimum Fiber 1 Gig has limited availability
  • High regular price

Optimum 1 Gig Speed

1 Gig typically means a broadband internet plan with a download speed of 1 gigabit per second, which is equivalent to 1,000 megabits per second. This level of speed is significantly faster than traditional internet plans and is not suitable for most average users. Unlike its name, Optimum 1 Gig does not deliver exactly 1 gigabit speed. Instead, you get 940 Mbps. While this download speed is commonly advertised on Optimum’s website, you have to actively search for the upload speed.

Since Optimum has both cable and fiber footprints, the upload speed of the Optimum 1 Gig internet plan depends on which internet type is available at your address. If Optimum fiber internet is available at your location, you’ll get equal upload and download speeds. Otherwise, the upload speed for the 1 Gig Optimum internet plan is 35 Mbps via cable technology. However, if you are not a professional content creator, this asymmetric internet speed should not be a major concern for most of your online activities.

Since 1 Gbps is a lot of speed, it is only valuable for those who need blazing-fast connection for their daily operations, like professionals working from home, entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, and more.

Data Caps

Optimum’s plans do not have any data restrictions, and this includes the Optimum 1 Gig internet plan. With unlimited data, you can use the internet without any limitations. This means you can simultaneously stream multiple videos, play endless games, download large files, and browse the web without worrying about data consumption. This 1 gig internet plan unleashes the full potential of the internet and ensures that your operations run smoothly without any data usage restrictions.

Exclusive Benefits

Optimum 1 Gig comes with a few exclusive benefits, which make it an attractive choice for high-speed internet. The plan adds immense value to your digital experience.

30-Day Money-Back Promise

Optimum 1 Gig provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a trial period to evaluate its performance.

Free Equipment

Optimum provides all the necessary equipment as part of the plan, without any extra cost. This equipment contains one free Gateway and one free WiFi extender, recommended by your technician, to ensure you get signals at every corner of your home.

Advanced Router 

If you live within Optimum’s fiber network, you will get a Smart WiFi 6 router with Optimum 1 Gig. This router extends the WiFi coverage throughout your home and ensures strong signals for all your devices, no matter where they are located.

$200 Visa Prepaid Card

As a bonus, the plan features a $200 Visa Prepaid Card. You can use this card to offset your monthly Optimum bill during the initial year of service, providing financial relief.

Contract

Contracts can often be confusing and filled with technical terms and hidden fees that are hard to spot. However, with Optimum 1 Gig, you don’t have to worry about any of that. This internet plan is completely contract-free, regardless of the technology available in your area. This means you don’t have to commit to Optimum for a year to get a low promotional price and all the added benefits. Plus, if you have to move homes or wish to switch to a more affordable service, you will not be charged an early termination fee.

Installation

Optimum 1 Gig offers customers two installation options: Professional installation or self-installation. While it may be convenient to have an expert handle everything, many people find it to be an expensive option, with a one-time fee that varies based on location, ranging from $100.00 to $200.00 (premium installation fee for fiber service in Sapphire, North Carolina). Additionally, scheduling an appointment can be challenging for many users, making self-installation a more attractive option.

Optimum’s self-installation process is free and allows users to manage the installation process without adjusting their schedule to match the technician’s availability. This option saves both time and money, enabling users to take control of the installation process without any additional fees.

Additional Costs

Although Optimum 1 Gig includes free self-installation and equipment, the provider does not eliminate other additional charges. For instance, there is a $10 penalty on late payment. You can avoid this by paying your bill on time. Additionally, if a payment check is returned, there is a $20 fee associated with it.

In case of service restoration due to non-payment, the charges vary depending on the number of products you have with Optimum. The service restoration fee for one to two products is $10, while it costs up to $15 for three products. By learning about these additional costs, you can efficiently manage your subscription and prevent unforeseen expenses.

Additional Charges
Late Payment Fee $10.00
Returned check fee $20.00
Service Restoration 1 – 2 products: $10.00
3 products: $15.00

Optimum 1 Gig Price after 12 Months

Optimum offers 1 Gig Internet at a promotional discounted rate of $80 for the first year, after which your monthly bill will rise by $25. This increase will occur for both cable and fiber Optimum 1 Gig plans. However, the post-promotional rate adjustment in the 13th month is not the final price.

Over time, the cost may change further, eventually reaching a standard rate of $139.99 per month. Therefore, you should know about all the potential adjustments in the pricing structure beyond the initial promotional period when considering Optimum 1 Gig for your home or business.

Optimum 1 Gig Internet Availability

Optimum initially delivered services to the New York Tri-State area. However, since its merger with Suddenlink, its coverage area has expanded significantly to include urban areas in the following 21 states. If you live within Optimum’s coverage area, you can get Optimum 1 Gig. However, you will likely access this service via cable network since it is more widely available.

States with Coverage 
Arizona Louisiana Oklahoma
Arkansas Mississippi Nevada
California Missouri New Jersey
Connecticut Nevada New York
Idaho New Mexico Pennsylvania
Kansas North Carolina Texas
Kentucky Ohio West Virginia

Optimum 1 Gig Internet vs Competitors

Due to the increasing demand for faster speeds, numerous internet providers offer a 1 gigabit speed tier. Few of these providers, such as Spectrum, Cox, AT&T, and Frontier, have coverage areas that often overlap with Optimum. So, how does Optimum 1 Gig compare with these options? Optimum 1 Gig may not have the cheapest or the highest starting price among these options, but the provider simplifies things by offering free equipment.

Moreover, while its download speed matches other 1 Gig alternatives, its upload speed depends on the type of internet service available. Additionally, the terms of service also vary significantly. Here is a table providing a brief comparison of the 1 Gig Optimum internet plan with these well-known options to help you gain a clearer understanding.

1 Gig Plans Starting Price Internet Type Internet Speed Coverage
Optimum 1 Gig $80.00/mo. without Mobile Plans Cable, Fiber Depends on the internet type 21 states
AT&T Fiber 1000 $80.00/mo. + taxes without wireless service Fiber Symmetric 21 states
Spectrum Internet Gig $89.99/mo. for 12 mos. Cable Asymmetric 41 states
Frontier Fiber 1 Gig $59.99/mo. Fiber Symmetric 25 states
Cox Go Super Fast $69.99/mo. without Mobile plans Cable Asymmetric 19 states
*Listed starting prices are with Auto Pay & Paperless Billing discounts.

Is Optimum 1 Gig Worth it?

In conclusion, Optimum 1 Gig is an excellent option for people and small businesses with high-bandwidth requirements. It provides extremely fast internet speeds without data limits or contracts, making it perfect for those who rely on the internet for everything. Furthermore, it comes with free equipment and a 30-day trial period so you can test its performance.

However, it is necessary to be aware of the price hike after the initial promotional period, which may not align with everyone’s budget. If you prioritize speed and performance and don’t mind the high price increases down the line, Optimum 1 Gig can undoubtedly be a valuable choice that allows you to experience the full potential of the digital world.

FAQs

Yes, Optimum offers 1 Gig Internet via both fiber and cable technologies.

Optimum 1 Gig internet is available throughout the provider’s 21-state coverage area. However, it is more widely accessible via Optimum’s cable network.

Optimum 1 Gig costs $80 for the first year of service. The provider reduces this price by $15 if you bundle this plan with select Mobile packages. However, the price of this plan increases by $25 starting from the 13th month.

The upload speed of Optimum 1 Gig depends on the type of network available at your location. It will be the same as the download speed if you live within Optimum’s fiber network, but it is limited to 35 Mbps if you get this plan via cable technology.

A 1 Gig internet connection is so fast that it may be unnecessary for most users.

Optimum offers this plan via both cable and fiber technology.

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