Connection type
Cable Internet
Cable runs over coaxial DOCSIS infrastructure originally built for TV signal. The result is widely available service with strong download speeds and asymmetric upload. We represent two cable providers — Optimum (NY tri-state, parts of TX and the Southeast) and WOW! (six states across the Southeast and Midwest).
Internet 100
Starting at
$30/mo
Download
100 Mbps
Upload
10 Mbps
Best for
- Single-person homes
- Light streaming
- Budget users
Taxes and fees not included. Pricing and availability vary by address.
Optimum 300
Starting at
$40/mo
With AutoPay enrollment
Download
300 Mbps
Upload
20 Mbps
Best for
- Streaming HD
- Casual gaming
- Single-person homes
Taxes and fees not included. Pricing and availability vary by address.
Internet 300
Starting at
$45/mo
Download
300 Mbps
Upload
30 Mbps
Best for
- Couples
- HD streaming
- Casual gaming
Taxes and fees not included. Pricing and availability vary by address.
Internet 500
Starting at
$55/mo
Download
500 Mbps
Upload
50 Mbps
Best for
- 4-person households
- 4K streaming
- Work from home
Taxes and fees not included. Pricing and availability vary by address.
Optimum 500
Starting at
$60/mo
With AutoPay enrollment
Download
500 Mbps
Upload
20 Mbps
Best for
- Couples
- Work from home
- 4K streaming
Taxes and fees not included. Pricing and availability vary by address.
Internet 1 Gig
Starting at
$75/mo
Download
1 Gig
Upload
50 Mbps
Best for
- Heavy households
- Smart homes
- Multi-device users
Taxes and fees not included. Pricing and availability vary by address.
Optimum 1 Gig
Starting at
$80/mo
With AutoPay enrollment
Download
940 Mbps
Upload
35 Mbps
Best for
- Households of 4+
- Heavy streamers
- Smart homes
Taxes and fees not included. Pricing and availability vary by address.
In context
When cable is the right call (and when fiber would be better)
Cable’s biggest strength is footprint. DOCSIS infrastructure was widely deployed for cable TV decades ago, so cable internet is available at most addresses where wired broadband exists at all. Modern DOCSIS 3.1 supports download speeds up to 1 Gig and beyond on the wire, with carriers actively rolling out DOCSIS 4.0 to push capacity further.
The structural limitation is upload speed. Cable upload runs over a smaller slice of the spectrum than download — typical cable 1 Gig plans deliver 35–50 Mbps upload, not a symmetrical 1 Gig like fiber. For streaming, browsing, and most gaming this asymmetry is invisible. For heavy uploaders (creators, remote workers running large file transfers, anyone running a home server), it becomes a real bottleneck. Both Optimum and WOW! are deploying fiber overlays in select markets to address this; where fiber is available at your address, it’s typically the better choice.
Best fits in our lineup
Providers most worth a closer look here
Common questions
Cable Internet FAQs
Why is my cable upload speed so much slower than my download?
It’s a fundamental property of how DOCSIS cable was designed — most of the spectrum was reserved for downstream signal because cable’s original purpose was TV. Even with modern DOCSIS upgrades, upload typically runs at 1/20th to 1/30th of download speeds. Fiber doesn’t have this asymmetry.
Do Optimum and WOW! have data caps?
No. Both Optimum and WOW! sell unlimited data on every residential plan with no overage fees. This is a deliberate competitive position against carriers that do impose caps.
Is the modem rental worth it or should I buy my own?
For most households, buying a compatible DOCSIS 3.1 modem pays for itself within 12–18 months versus rental fees. The catch is that you’re on the hook for compatibility, firmware, and replacement if it fails. Carrier-provided modems shift that responsibility to the carrier in exchange for the monthly rental.
Wavenet Solutions LLC is an independent authorized dealer. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any internet service provider. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.