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Lumos Networks vs. WOW

Whether you’re researching Lumos Networks vs. WOW internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Lumos Networks
Price: $40.00 - $250.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (25)

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WOW
Price: $42.95 - $96.95 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Lumos Networks and WOW compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Lumos Networks covering 1,145,497 people nationwide and WOW serving 691,287. Lumos Networks primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; WOW specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Lumos Networks and WOW's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Lumos Networks vs. WOW | Pros & Cons

Lumos Networks Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Highly rated by customers

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Installation fees apply
  • Contracts required for best pricing

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WOW Logo

Pros:

  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • No contracts required
  • Primarily fiber-based network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited download speeds
  • Limited fiber availability

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Lumos Networks vs. WOW | Availability

Lumos Networks and WOW have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | Lumos Networks Available | WOW Available | No Coverage

Lumos Networks currently offers internet service in 232 cities and 32 counties across 7 states, reaching approximately 1,145,497 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Greensboro, NC; Winston-Salem, NC; and Columbia, SC. By comparison, WOW serves 691,287 residents in 146 cities and 11 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Spokane, WA; Spokane Valley, WA; and Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Lumos Networks has particularly strong coverage the South Atlantic, where they serve 232 cities and 196 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 19 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

WOW is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 24, WOW focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Lumos Networks and WOW at your location, use our address search tool:

Lumos Networks vs. WOW | Speeds & Technology

Lumos Networks and WOW utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Lumos Networks primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 99.8% of their customers. They also offer DSL to 8.3% of their coverage area. WOW relies on fiber technology, which comprises 1.1% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 99.7% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Lumos Networks offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,249 Mbps compared to WOW's average speed of 41 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Lumos Networks delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Lumos Networks's premium Fiber service reaches 99.8% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, WOW's top-tier Fiber is available to 1.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Lumos Networks vs. WOW | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Lumos Networks and WOW, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. We've included both promotional and standard rates for each provider to give you a complete picture of what you'll pay over time. Plan availability and exact pricing may vary by location.

Lumos Networks Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
200 Mbps$40.00 ($50.00 after 12 months)200 Mbps200 MbpsFiber
500 Mbps$50.00 ($60.00 after 12 months)500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
1 Gig$80.00 ($90.00 after 12 months)1000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
2 Gig$110.00 ($120.00 after 12 months)2000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber
5 Gig$180.00 ($190.00 after 12 months)5000 Mbps5000 MbpsFiber
8 Gig$240.00 ($250.00 after 12 months)8000 Mbps8000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Lumos Networks Plans

WOW Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Starter$42.9530 Mbps30 MbpsFixed Wireless
Bronze$53.9530 Mbps30 MbpsFixed Wireless
Silver$75.9530 Mbps30 MbpsFixed Wireless
Silver (Hope)$79.95250 Mbps250 MbpsFiber
Gold (Hope)$89.95500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
Gold$96.9530 Mbps30 MbpsFixed Wireless

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

WOW Plans

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Lumos Networks vs. WOW | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Lumos Networks and WOW based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Lumos Networks earns an overall rating of 4.20 / 5 stars from 25 customer reviews, while WOW maintains a 0.00 / 5 rating from 0 reviews. WOW outperforms Lumos Networks by 0.00 points in overall satisfaction. Lumos Networks's best-rated service is their cable offering at 5.00 / 5 stars, compared to WOW's highest-rated service, , at 0.00 / 5 stars.

Lumos Networks Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 4.17 of 5 stars

23

Cable

Cable: 5.00 of 5 stars

1

DSL

DSL: 4.00 of 5 stars

1

Lumos Networks has an overall rating of 4.20 out of 5, with a total of 25 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Lumos Networks's ratings, their fiber service (92% of reviews) averages 4.17 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Lumos Networks Internet Reviews page.

WOW Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

WOW has an overall rating of 0.00 out of 5, with a total of 0 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into WOW's ratings, their service (0% of reviews) averages 0.00 / 5 stars, their overall company rating. This suggests that , an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our WOW Internet Reviews page.

Lumos Networks vs. WOW | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

Lumos Networks Service

Fee

Router (optional)

10

Regulatory fee

0.70

Installation fee

$75

WOW Service

Fee

Not Provided by WOW

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Lumos Networks vs. WOW | Top Cities

Lumos Networks serves 232 cities while WOW is available in 146 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Lumos Networks Cities

Greensboro, NC
  • Availability: 39.33%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 4,972 Mbps
Winston-Salem, NC
  • Availability: 23.44%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 4,990 Mbps
Columbia, SC
  • Availability: 15.93%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 5,000 Mbps
High Point, NC
  • Availability: 93.01%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 4,932 Mbps
Virginia Beach, VA
  • Availability: 4.11%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 3,729 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Lumos Networks and WOW don't compete in any cities.InfoWe still compare these non-competing providers because many of our users are researching internet options for different locations—whether for an upcoming move, a second home purchase, or simply to understand regional differences in internet service. This comparison helps you evaluate both providers based on the same criteria, giving you valuable insight regardless of where you currently live.

WOW Cities

Spokane, WA
  • Availability: 83.07%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 31 Mbps
Spokane Valley, WA
  • Availability: 98.45%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 30 Mbps
Coeur d'Alene, ID
  • Availability: 76.90%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 30 Mbps
Post Falls, ID
  • Availability: 99.40%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 30 Mbps
Greenacres, WA
  • Availability: 99.88%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 30 Mbps