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Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks

Whether you’re researching Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks 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.

Spectrum
Price: $30.00 - $120.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (1738)

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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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Spectrum and Lumos Networks compete directly in approximately 0.72% of their service areas, with Spectrum covering 112,960,683 people nationwide and Lumos Networks serving 1,145,497. Spectrum primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; Lumos Networks specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Spectrum and Lumos Networks's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks | Pros & Cons

Spectrum Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Widespread national availability
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options

Cons:

  • Limited fiber availability
  • Customers report dissatisfaction with pricing
  • Installation fees apply

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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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Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks | Availability

Spectrum and Lumos Networks 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 | Spectrum Available | Lumos Networks Available | No Coverage

Spectrum currently offers internet service in 15,566 cities and 1,287 counties across 42 states, reaching approximately 112,960,683 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TX; and New York, NY. By comparison, Lumos Networks serves 1,145,497 residents in 232 cities and 32 counties in 7 states, with a presence in population centers such as Greensboro, NC; Winston-Salem, NC; and Columbia, SC.

Spectrum has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 16 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Lumos Networks is prominent in the South Atlantic with service to 232 cities and 196 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 19, Lumos Networks 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 Spectrum and Lumos Networks at your location, use our address search tool:

Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks | Speeds & Technology

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

Across their service areas, Spectrum primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 97.2% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 6.8% of their coverage area. Lumos Networks relies on fiber technology, which comprises 99.8% of their network, with DSL available in 8.3% 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 Spectrum's average speed of 1,000 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Lumos Networks delivers faster speeds in 0.23% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.03%, and slower speeds in 99.75%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Spectrum's premium Fiber service reaches 6.8% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Lumos Networks's top-tier Fiber is available to 99.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Spectrum and Lumos Networks, 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.

Spectrum Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Internet Advantage$30.00 ($50.00 after 12 months)100 Mbps10 MbpsCable
Internet Premier$50.00 ($80.00 after 12 months)500 Mbps10 MbpsCable
Internet Gig$70.00 ($100.00 after 12 months)1000 Mbps35 MbpsCable
Internet 2 Gig$90.00 ($120.00 after 12 months)2000 Mbps1000 MbpsCable

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

Spectrum Plans

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

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.

Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Spectrum earns an overall rating of 3.28 / 5 stars from 1738 customer reviews, while Lumos Networks maintains a 4.20 / 5 rating from 25 reviews. Lumos Networks outperforms Spectrum by 0.92 points in overall satisfaction. Spectrum's best-rated service is their offering at 0.00 / 5 stars, compared to Lumos Networks's highest-rated service, cable, at 5.00 / 5 stars.

Spectrum Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.49 of 5 stars

175

Cable

Cable: 3.24 of 5 stars

1455

DSL

DSL: 3.78 of 5 stars

9

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.66 of 5 stars

64

Spectrum has an overall rating of 3.28 out of 5, with a total of 1738 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Spectrum's ratings, their cable service (84% of reviews) averages 3.24 / 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 Spectrum Internet Reviews page.

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.

Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks | 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.

Spectrum Service

Fee

Late Fee

Up to 8.95

Professional Install

65.00

Self-Install Activation

30.00

Optional WiFi Service

10

Lumos Networks Service

Fee

Router (optional)

10

Regulatory fee

0.70

Installation fee

$75

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.

Spectrum vs. Lumos Networks | Top Cities

Spectrum serves 15,566 cities while Lumos Networks is available in 232 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Spectrum Cities

Los Angeles, CA
  • Availability: 90.47%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Dallas, TX
  • Availability: 86.33%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
New York, NY
  • Availability: 28.12%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Riverside, CA
  • Availability: 94.00%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Tampa, FL
  • Availability: 98.36%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Greensboro, NC
  • Spectrum Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Lumos Networks Avg. Speed: 4,972 Mbps
Winston-Salem, NC
  • Spectrum Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Lumos Networks Avg. Speed: 4,990 Mbps
Columbia, SC
  • Spectrum Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Lumos Networks Avg. Speed: 5,000 Mbps
High Point, NC
  • Spectrum Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Lumos Networks Avg. Speed: 4,932 Mbps
Thomasville, NC
  • Spectrum Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Lumos Networks Avg. Speed: 4,994 Mbps

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