Mediacom Internet Reviews 2023
Packages & Pricing | Modem & Router | Features | Customer Service | Final Recommendation
- Mediacom Review Highlights:
- Mediacom offers 3 plans with internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gig from $24.99/mo
- Mediacom is available in 22 states across the US, with the greatest coverage in Iowa, Illinois, and Georgia
- Current Mediacom offers include in home Wi-Fi, data plans ranging from 200 GB to 6,000 GB, internet security included and more
Mediacom is the fifth largest cable internet provider for residential customers in the US. They offer cable internet services via coaxial cable in 22 US states with most coverage being in Iowa, Georgia, and Illinois. In addition to Internet service, they also have phone and TV service that you can bundle up to save money.
Here’s everything you need to know about Mediacom internet.
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Packages and Pricing
Mediacom offers internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to up to 1 Gbps, and every package comes with in-home Wi-Fi so you can connect all the devices in your home.
Plus, there is a promotional period for the first 12 months of internet service, when the pricing is greatly reduced.
The packages currently available include:
Internet 100 Package
This package, with speeds that support multi-user streaming that will not affect the performance of other activities and devices.
- Available for $24.99 (promo price; the standard rate is $29.99)
- Download Speed: 100 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 10 Mbps
- Data Cap: 350 GB
Internet 300 Package
Great option for larger households with multiple HD streams, gaming, downloads, and lots of devices to connect.
- Available for $44.99 (promo price; the standard rate is $59.99)
- Download Speed: 300 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 20 Mbps
- Data Cap: 1500 GB
Internet 1Gig Package
The top tier package for super users that covers any type of data and bandwidth-heavy online activity you can imagine.
- Available for $54.99 (promo price; the standard rate is $79.99)
- Download Speed: 1000 Mbps
- Upload Speed: 50 Mbps
- Data Cap: 6000 GB
All Mediacom internet packages come with in-home WiFi service, a free security suite – Total Defense Internet Security Suite – that keeps you safe from malicious intent while browsing, and if you order your internet package online, you will save money with free installation.
The downside is that the promotional pricing is only available for customers who have not subscribed to any other Mediacom service in the last three months so it’s not suitable for existing customers. Plus, there are specific credit requirements to be eligible for promotional prices, and as mentioned, the promotional price only lasts for 12 months.
Additional Fees
If you are in the Mediacom service area and are considering ordering their internet package, you should be aware that there will be a few additional fees to pay.
- One-time fees include:
- Activation fee of $10
- Installation fee of $99 (Note: This fee is waived for new customers who order services online)
- Monthly fees include:
- Modem lease fee of $11.50
- Applicable taxes and other fees required by law
- ○ Fees for any optional services or equipment
Data Caps and Overuse Charges
All Mediacom internet packages have soft data caps. A soft data cap means that you will continue to have an internet connection after you use up all your monthly data, but you will have to pay extra.
Mediacom charges $10 per every 50GB used outside of your monthly data allowance.
Note: Their data usage policy is quite strict, and even 1GB outside of the data plan will be billed at the full price for 50GB. If your data cap is set at 400GB and you use 450GB that month, you will pay $10 extra. But if you use 451GB that month, you’ll have to pay $20 extra.
Internet Fair Use Policy
Mediacom actively manages its services when their network is congested and state on their website that they will use tools and techniques allowed by the FCC for network management in times of congestion. Therefore, this might interfere with internet speeds, leading to slower upload and download, increased latency, and a diminished experience. If congestion is particularly bad, users might also experience delays in website response times or issues while playing games.
While current customers are very satisfied with speeds and bandwidth, they do voice their concerns about service stability. The negative feedback that was mentioned the most among their customer base is service blackouts that seem to be more frequent than with other service providers.
Mediacom Modem & Router Review
Mediacom customers can buy or lease Mediacom-issued routers. The current monthly fee for leasing their router is set at $11.50, and while users can also buy a router from them, there’s little information on which routers they sell and at what price. For detailed information on this, you will have to contact them directly.
Users can also opt for their own router, but note that only DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1* are compatible with Mediacom’s technology and will be the only ones that support their internet services. It’s important to be aware that if you have Mediacom’s phone services too, you will need to get a router from them directly otherwise your services won’t connect properly.
*The list of other supported routers is available here.
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Features and Benefits
Mediacom offers several additional services to their internet plan users:
Total Defense Premium Internet Security
The security suite comes free of charge with every Mediacom internet plan and can be installed on up to five devices. The list of supported devices includes computers and laptops, Android tablets, Android phones, and Mac computers. The suite covers security for Android and Mac. For windows, the Total Defense Package includes security AND optimization.
The PC version includes malware protection, ID theft protection, and phishing attack protection. It keeps you safe from fraud attempts and malicious websites and alerts you to threats on social networking platforms.
There are installation and user guides for each device on the website, although the images seem to date back to Windows 7 and 8.
Free Netflix for a Year
Mediacom offers free Netflix access for all packages with speeds of 100Mbps or higher. Basically, only their entry package, Internet 60, is excluded from this promotion. There is no additional information on whether this covers all available Netflix subscription models, or just the basic one.
Xtream Wi-Fi 360
The Xtream Wi-Fi 360 service is Mediacom’s Wi-Fi coverage option for large homes. This service is available at no additional charge for the first three months of usage, and after that, it will cost $5 per month.
The service is aimed at customers with homes larger than 1,000 square feet and for residential housing only. Units such as apartments or townhouses are not supported at this time.
Additional Wi-Fi Extenders
You can purchase additional Wi-Fi extenders (up to two) for $2.99 per extender per month.
- One extender covers homes up to 3,000 square feet and provides an excellent signal to outside areas such as patios, porches, or the garage.
- Two extenders help cover homes that are above 3,000 square feet, have multiple floors, and large outside areas.
The extenders boost the signal and bandwidth, but it’s still shared among all devices. If too many devices are connected, you might experience drops in performance.
Mediacom Offers Affordable Internet for Low-Income Families
Mediacom also offers a program for low-income families. Connect2Compete is based on the NSLP program of school lunches. Households with children qualified for reduced school lunches can qualify for this internet package. It costs only $9.95 per month (plus applicable taxes and fees). With this deal, there are no deposits, contracts, installation, or equipment rental fees, and users will get a Wi-Fi modem too.
Customer Service
According to customer reviews, Mediacom Customer Service is subpar when compared with competitor’s customer service.
For one, when you visit their website, there’s no live chat or email option. If you are not an existing customer already, the only way you can reach them is by calling 1-844-987-3260 or going into one of their offices.
One thing that is available to any site visitor is the Mediacom Answer Center. These support pages are a hub where users can find answers to issues with their internet connection, hardware, or bills as well as a few others. There’s also an option to post a new question if you can’t find the answer currently.
That said, the Answer Center already has ample resources that cover basic and advanced issues. Users can find out how to set up their Mediacom ID, check whether they have a commercial modem approved by Mediacom, or find guides on troubleshooting their internet connection.
The website support section also has Troubleshoot, How-To Videos, and Community subcategories for registered users only. In order to access them, you will have to log in to your Mediacom account first. This is rather unusual because most providers don’t put these sorts of resources behind a paywall.
Still, they are fairly quick with their replies on their official Facebook page, and especially quick on their Twitter account so many customers find it better to contact Mediacom via social media.
Ready To Try Mediacom Internet or Want to Learn More?
Ways to Save on Mediacom Internet
Use their phone app
Mediacom has a phone app that makes it easier to have a good overview of your current expenses, data usage, and more. This helps you easily see what is eating your data and potentially stop yourself going over your allowance.
Use your own modem
The simplest way to save is to eliminate the modem rental fee of $11.50 by using your own modem and router. Just make sure it’s DOCSIS 3.0 or DOCSIS 3.1 and approved to work with Mediacom internet services.
Watch for hidden fees and price changes
As soon as you activate a Mediacom service, you are bound by their service commitment agreement. The commitment periods are 1, 2, or 3 years long. This agreement states that Mediacom may change the pricing of the standard rate during your agreement, and in case you cancel your services prematurely, you will have to pay an early termination fee of $120 for one-year agreements and $240 for two and three-year agreements.
Note: You can cancel your agreement within the first 90 days with no cancellation costs.
Don’t downgrade services
If you downgrade your services during agreement periods, you will lose the promo pricing and will have to pay standard rates for the downgraded package. So, make sure you pick the right package to start with as you may end up paying more, not less, when you try to downgrade.
Watch for promo periods
Mediacom offers heavily discounted promotional pricing that lasts for a whole year before the rates increase. Even then, they won’t increase to the standard rate immediately, but will go up by $30 each year until your third year of service when you’ll revert to standard pricing.
Bundle up
Mediacom also offers TV and phone services that you can get for a price that’s close to the standard rate of the included internet service. Their TV options include over 170 local, sports, and music channels, DVR services, free on-demand option, and a TV Everywhere option. Their phone services include unlimited nationwide calling, caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, and international calls.
Our Recommendation – Mediacom Internet
Mediacom is a fairly decent cable option, with reasonable bandwidth and great speeds. Plus, and even their data caps are fairly consistent in the current market. BUT your bills could skyrocket quickly if you’re not careful.
On top of this, if you have service issues, customer service isn’t great and Mediacom internet packages are chock full of hidden fees that prospective customers have to watch out for. While the one-time installation fee is nullified when you sign up for their services online, the activation fee stays – no exceptions.
Their prices are on par with competitor pricing, but the fact that there are no price locks for the service agreement period make the deal barely acceptable. If they decide to change the price, you’re stuck with them until the end of your agreement period unless you’re also willing to pay either the $120 or $240 early termination fee.
That said, if you’re in the area and opt for a single year at a promotional price you’re less locked in and more likely to enjoy affordable internet with fast downloads and decent HD streaming quality with Mediacom.
Is Mediacom Right For You?
Prime Internet 100 *Promotional Discounts: Mediacom provides new customers promotional discounts for a period of years that are applied to the standard rate. Standard rates change from time to time and can be found at https://mediacomcable.com/rate-card/. When promotional discounts no longer apply, or if any service in a promotional package is canceled, each continuing service will be billed at standard rates and charges in effect at that time and are subject to all applicable periodic increases or additions. Autopay & Paperless Billing Credit: A monthly billing credit of $10 for 12 mo. will apply if enrolled in both autopay and paperless billing and enrollment is not canceled during the 12 mos. Prime Internet 100 Package: Includes Internet 100 and WiFi360pro Prime. Advertised monthly price includes a $10/mo. promotional discount for 12 mos. The advertised monthly price is $10 more if you do not enroll in autopay and paperless billing and does not include the following charges (which may increase from time to time): one-time standard installation fee ($109.99, more if special work needed); a one-time $10 activation fee; other one-time fees that may apply because of options you select; monthly modem rental fee, currently $14.00; taxes and other amounts required by law; or fees for optional services or equipment. †Internet Usage Allowance Overages, Speeds & Network Reliability: During and after a promotional period, a surcharge will apply if Internet usage exceeds the applicable usage allowance threshold. Currently, the following monthly usage allowance threshold applies: Internet 100 (300GB). The surcharge is $10 for every increment of 50 gigabytes above the threshold. The applicable threshold and surcharge may change from time to time. Download and upload speeds may vary due to several factors, see https:// mediacomcable.com/openinternet. Any statement about Internet service reliability is based on 2023 Mediacom Executive Summary Reliability Report WiFi360Pro Prime: Includes 1 eero Wi-Fi unit and eero secure service. Number of eero devices needed for optimal results depends on residence size, number of connected computers/devices, overall network usage and other factors. If needed, additional eero devices may be rented (currently, at $6/month each). Use of eero products and services requires the eero app and a smartphone or other mobile device. eero is independent of Mediacom and requires you to create an account with eero through its app, provide eero certain information (such as your name, email address and phone number) and agree to its separate service terms. See eero.com/legal for details. Mediacom reserves the right to change or substitute eero or any other component in WiFi360pro Prime. Offer & Package Availability: Offers and packages may be changed or terminated at any time without notice, may not be available in all areas, cannot be combined with any other offer, are not transferable and are void where prohibited. Available only to residential customers who have not received any offered service within prior 90 days and meet other applicable requirements. Customer must agree to all applicable subscriber terms and policies. See https://mediacomcable.com/legal/ for details. Other terms and conditions may apply. CA Consumers: Visit mediacomcable.com/legal/privacy-policy to read our Privacy Policy.
Prime Internet 300 *Promotional Discounts: Mediacom provides new customers promotional discounts for a period of years that are applied to the standard rate. Standard rates change from time to time and can be found at https://mediacomcable.com/rate-card/. When promotional discounts no longer apply, or if any service in a promotional package is canceled, each continuing service will be billed at standard rates and charges in effect at that time and are subject to all applicable periodic increases or additions. Autopay & Paperless Billing Credit: A monthly billing credit of $10 for 12 mo. will apply if enrolled in both autopay and paperless billing and enrollment is not canceled during the 12 mos. Prime Internet 300 Package: Includes Internet 300 and WiFi360pro Prime. Advertised monthly price includes a $55/mo. promotional discount for 12 mos. If you choose to keep the package, monthly promotional discounts of $25 and $5 will apply to the then-current standard rate in years 2 and 3, respectively. The advertised monthly price is $10 more if you do not enroll in autopay and paperless billing and does not include the following charges (which may increase from time to time): one-time standard installation fee ($109.99, more if special work needed); a one-time $10 activation fee; other one-time fees that may apply because of options you select; monthly modem rental fee, currently $14.00; taxes and other amounts required by law; or fees for optional services or equipment. †Internet Usage Allowance Overages, Speeds & Network Reliability: During and after a promotional period, a surcharge will apply if Internet usage exceeds the applicable usage allowance threshold. Currently, the following monthly usage allowance threshold applies: Internet 300 (1,500 GB). The surcharge is $10 for every increment of 50 gigabytes above the threshold. The applicable threshold and surcharge may change from time to time. Download and upload speeds may vary due to several factors, see https:// mediacomcable.com/openinternet. Any statement about Internet service reliability is based on 2023 Mediacom Executive Summary Reliability Report WiFi360Pro Prime: Includes 1 eero Wi-Fi unit and eero secure service. Number of eero devices needed for optimal results depends on residence size, number of connected computers/devices, overall network usage and other factors. If needed, additional eero devices may be rented (currently, at $6/month each). Use of eero products and services requires the eero app and a smartphone or other mobile device. eero is independent of Mediacom and requires you to create an account with eero through its app, provide eero certain information (such as your name, email address and phone number) and agree to its separate service terms. See eero.com/legal for details. Mediacom reserves the right to change or substitute eero or any other component in WiFi360pro Prime. Offer & Package Availability: Offers and packages may be changed or terminated at any time without notice, may not be available in all areas, cannot be combined with any other offer, are not transferable and are void where prohibited. Available only to residential customers who have not received any offered service within prior 90 days and meet other applicable requirements. Customer must agree to all applicable subscriber terms and policies. See https://mediacomcable.com/legal/ for details. Other terms and conditions may apply. CA Consumers: Visit mediacomcable.com/legal/privacy-policy to read our Privacy Policy.
Prime Internet 1 GIG *Promotional Discounts: Mediacom provides new customers promotional discounts for a period of years that are applied to the standard rate. Standard rates change from time to time and can be found at https://mediacomcable.com/rate-card/. When promotional discounts no longer apply, or if any service in a promotional package is canceled, each continuing service will be billed at standard rates and charges in effect at that time and are subject to all applicable periodic increases or additions. Autopay & Paperless Billing Credit: A monthly billing credit of $10 for 12 mo. will apply if enrolled in both autopay and paperless billing and enrollment is not canceled during the 12 mos. Prime Internet 1 GIG Package: Includes Internet 1 Gig and WiFi360pro Prime. Advertised monthly price includes a $55/mo. promotional discount for 12 mos. If you choose to keep the package, monthly promotional discounts of $35 and $10 will apply to the then-current standard rate in years 2 and 3, respectively. The advertised monthly price is $10 more if you do not enroll in autopay and paperless billing and does not include the following charges (which may increase from time to time): one-time standard installation fee ($109.99, more if special work needed); a one-time $10 activation fee; other one-time fees that may apply because of options you select; monthly modem rental fee, currently $14.00; taxes and other amounts required by law; or fees for optional services or equipment. †Internet Usage Allowance Overages, Speeds & Network Reliability: During and after a promotional period, a surcharge will apply if Internet usage exceeds the applicable usage allowance threshold. Currently, the following monthly usage allowance threshold applies: 1 GIG Internet (3,000 GB). The surcharge is $10 for every increment of 50 gigabytes above the threshold. The applicable threshold and surcharge may change from time to time. Download and upload speeds may vary due to several factors, see https:// mediacomcable.com/openinternet. Any statement about Internet service reliability is based on 2023 Mediacom Executive Summary Reliability Report WiFi360Pro Prime: Includes 1 eero Wi-Fi unit and eero secure service. Number of eero devices needed for optimal results depends on residence size, number of connected computers/devices, overall network usage and other factors. If needed, additional eero devices may be rented (currently, at $6/month each). Use of eero products and services requires the eero app and a smartphone or other mobile device. eero is independent of Mediacom and requires you to create an account with eero through its app, provide eero certain information (such as your name, email address and phone number) and agree to its separate service terms. See eero.com/legal for details. Mediacom reserves the right to change or substitute eero or any other component in WiFi360pro Prime. Offer & Package Availability: Offers and packages may be changed or terminated at any time without notice, may not be available in all areas, cannot be combined with any other offer, are not transferable and are void where prohibited. Available only to residential customers who have not received any offered service within prior 90 days and meet other applicable requirements. Customer must agree to all applicable subscriber terms and policies. See https://mediacomcable.com/legal/ for details. Other terms and conditions may apply. CA Consumers: Visit mediacomcable.com/legal/privacy-policy to read our Privacy Policy.
