Sparklight Internet Reviews 2020 (formerly Cable One)
Pricing & Packages | Modem & Router | Features | Customer Service | Final Recommendation
Sparklight (formerly Cable One Internet) offers cable internet, cable TV, and phone services across 20 US states and focuses solely on broadband services for residential customers and businesses. Their largest coverage areas can be found throughout Idaho, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arizona, with their coverage area expanding rapidly!
Using a hybrid fiber-coaxial network to deliver high-speed internet to residents in areas they cover they offer good plans for competitive prices, even if they are only available to a limited number of states. That being said, some users have found that the amount of data included in their plans is somewhat low when compared to other providers.
Let’s take a closer look into what customers have to say about Sparklight.
Pros:
- High-speed plans
- No contract needed
Cons
- Limited coverage area
- Data Caps
- Unlimited option costs $40 extra per month
Packages and Pricing
While the availability might be lacking because of the infrastructural limitations, those who happen to live in areas where Sparklight is available will be able to enjoy very high download speeds. Sparklight offers five packages, which isn’t a lot compared to other providers, but they do have something for everyone, including:
Lite 15 Plus
This is the basic plan that’s aimed at customers who do not need super high speeds and don’t do data-heavy activities like HD video streaming or online gaming. For $30 a month, you get 15 Mbps download speeds and 1 Mbps upload, with 100 GB of data included in the plan. It’s a good choice for anyone who only checks emails, browses the web, and occasionally watches some standard definition videos.
Starter 100 Plus
For $45 per month, this plan comes with 100 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speed, as well as 300 GB of data included in the plan. This is a good plan for households with a limited number of devices connected simultaneously. Sparklight states this plan can support up to 5 devices at the same time without experiencing performance issues. Note that the $45 price is a limited time offer and only locked in for the first 6 months of service, with the price going $55 after that.
Streamer and Gamer 200 Plus
For $65 per month, this plan gives you 200 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload, and 600 GB of data, which is more than enough for data-heavy activities like HD video streaming and online gaming. The plan can support up to 10 devices, so you can have your consoles, computers, phones, and tablets all connected at the same time without them interfering with one another for bandwidth.
Turbo 300 Plus
With $80 per month, this is among the more expensive Sparklight plan, but the 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload speed, and most importantly, 900 GB of data included in it is worth it. Large households with several HD streaming devices will benefit from this the most.
Giga One Plus
Sparklight also offers a 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) plan for $125 per month, with 1200 GB of data included, as well as an upload speed of 50 Mbps. Users can check whether they live in an area eligible for this newest option and simply order it immediately. If it’s available, it’s best suited for large households with many users and devices connected at the same time or those who operate businesses from home.
The downside? There are data caps to all of these plans, but you can upgrade any Plus plan and have unlimited data for a hefty additional $40 per month. When compared to some other providers who offer unlimited data with their highest tier plans, the combined pricing for this type of option comes off as rather steep.
Network Management and Performance
Sparklight actively manages its broadband network too, by employing the following tools and techniques:
- Limits to the number of sessions a user can have at the same time
- Limits to the bandwidth available for certain usage
- Detection and prevention of spam emails and virus distributions
- Measuring subscriber bandwidth usage and allowance
- Prioritisation of traffic
They do state that all of these techniques are used in a neutral manner – no services or apps are specifically targeted with limitations. Their main priority is ensuring that all the customers have equal access to the network resources – both in speed and bandwidth.
Sparklight also actively monitors their network performance, and according to the latest data gathered between January 2018 and January 2019, they experience heavier loads (prime time) between 8 PM and 11 PM. The speeds, however, are minimally affected when compared to non-prime time. In addition, their tested averages remain above the advertised speeds even during prime time, as you can see in the table below:
| INTERNET PLAN | ADVERTISED DOWNLOAD | TESTED AVERAGE DOWNLOAD | AVERAGE LATENCY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Plus | 100 Mbps | 116 Mbps | 49.5 ms |
| Gamer Plus | 200 Mbps | 218.4 Mbps | 39 ms |
| Giga One Plus | 1000 Mbps | 924 Mbps | 54.4 ms |
Net Neutrality Stance
Sparklight openly supports Net Neutrality, meaning they are fighting for the right to treat all data equally. They will not throttle or slow down data based on website, platform, content, or communication method, thereby helping their customers have a truly open internet and access to all lawful data on equal terms.
Fees
When compared to other service providers, Sparklight seems to have higher fees, especially when it comes to the amount of data used in each plan. All of their plans have data caps, even the most expensive Giga One Plus plan. While the data caps on most plans are gauged rather well for the average user, they might not be enough for all.
For every additional 100 GB spent after all data has been used, customers will have to pay $10, up to $50 per month. This basically means that after you have used up your data, you can get 500 GB of additional data for $50 each month, which is quite a lot of money considering.
As mentioned, users that need substantially more than that can opt for their Unlimited option, which is available for each Plus plan for an additional $40 per month. Note that even this option comes with a data cap of 5 TB (5000 GB), after which the speeds will be lowered to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload until the end of the cycle. This, however, should be more than enough data for even the most demanding customer.
Installation fees range from $0 to $90, depending on the currently available promotions. All deposits and install fees are determined based on your consumer report, so you will have to authorise them to check your credit score for this.
A fully free installation requires you to be part of the Easy Pay program, which automatically deducts funds from your credit card, savings, or checking account.
Your Modem and Router
To enjoy super fast connection speeds, you will need a DOCSIS 3.0 modem that supports them. For their 1 Gbps plan, it’s best to go for the 32-channel DOCSIS 3.0 modems. You can either lease it directly from Sparklight or buy from a third-party vendor.
The lease price is $10.50 per month. If you decide for a Sparklight modem, you will get Wi-Fi One, which helps you get 100% coverage throughout your home. The important thing here is that Sparklight guarantees good coverage and no connection issues with these options, so if you’re not satisfied with the performance, you can opt out of it.
Note that Wi-Fi speeds will be slower and will not depend on just the Wi-Fi modem, but also the type of device that is being connected. For example, the maximum possible Wi-Fi speed and iPhone 4 support is only 32 Mbps, while the iPhone 6 can support up to 200 Mbps.
Features and Benefits
Sparklight offers several additional benefits internet plan users:
No Contract Required
All Sparklight plans can be used without commitment or contracts, so you can switch easily if you’re not satisfied without having to deal with termination fees.
Wi-Fi One
Sparklight guarantees 100% Wi-Fi coverage of your home, and if you’re not satisfied with coverage, you can opt out of this.
Service Guard
For $5 per month, customers get an inside wiring maintenance plan. Their video, voice, and data lines (basically TV, phone, and internet) are covered with this plan, as well as education about using their equipment. If the issue was caused by the user, however, you can expect to be charged $45 per visit by a Sparklight Technician.
Money-Back Guarantee
All their services can be canceled within the first 30 days, and you are guaranteed to get your money back for all the services, fees, and taxes.
Customer Service
Sparklight tech support is available 24 hours a day, via phone at 855-692-4113 or through email. Their billing support works from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and can be reached at 877-692-2253. You can also contact them via online chat through on their website.
Sparklight has a self-help support section directly on their website, which provides a really decent coverage of the most common issues and questions regarding their services and features. They even have self-help videos.
On the “Internet” section of the support page, you will find troubleshooting guides that help you with anything – from changing your Wi-Fi password to clearing browsing history and solving a slow internet connection. You will also have access to great step-by-step guides about setting up your modem, connection guides, improving Wi-Fi coverage in the home, and others.
As for customer satisfaction, the most voiced concerns of customers is about their tech department being late to scheduled appointments, which is quite inconvenient if you take a day off to wait for them. There were quite a few negative reviews that date back a year ago, but as of 2019, with the new plans, speeds, and pricing, the ratings are mostly positive, and on average, better than other ISPs offering comparable services.
Ways to Save on Sparklight
Buy Unlimited
For the data-heaviest users, it’s best to buy the Unlimited data option for an extra $40 per month, which gives you 5TB of data to use at maximum speeds. For those who might go over the data cap but stay below 100GB, paying those additional $10 might be a better option.
New Customer Benefits
If you sign up as a new customer, you can get a data plan at a discounted price and a price lock of 6 months on it.
Buy Your Own Modem
While the lease of $10.50 per month for a modem isn’t a lot, you might want to invest in your own modem if you plan to stay with Sparklight for a longer period of time. Just make sure that you buy a modem that is approved by Sparklight and supports the technology they use to deliver internet services.
Our Recommendation
Sparklight is, as of 2019, a solid option for those looking for high-speed internet at affordable prices, but only if you don’t use too much data. All of their internet plans come with a data cap, which puts them at a disadvantage when compared to other providers who have either higher data caps or unlimited options available.
Unfortunately, it seems that Sparklight isn’t there just yet – even their most expensive plan has a data cap. All their plans can be upgraded to Unlimited for a $40 monthly fee, which is quite a lot when you add it to the base price of the plan. When compared to providers who offer unlimited data with their base price, it’s clear that Sparklight is one of the more expensive options currently available.
Still, for those who do not use HD and 4K resolution video streaming services and watch TV shows on their 4K TVs all day, they are a solid choice. Their download speeds are high, with upload speeds being a bit more limited, but still acceptable for the average user, and their latency and ping will make them a good choice for those who enjoy online gaming.
Jonathan Wilson - June 11, 2019 @ 03:54
I was very impressed with the service I received from Sparklight. I never thought a cable company would impress me! They sent a tech out on a Saturday when I could actually be there! He had to come back on Monday but figured out a way that I wouldn’t have to leave work! That makes him a godsend in my book. Also, the internet speeds ACTUALLY test as advertised. Which I never thought I’d see.
I was very impressed with the service I received from Sparklight. I never thought a cable company would impress me! They sent a tech out on a Saturday when I could actually be there! He had to come back on Monday but figured out a way that I wouldn&#
John Rawson - July 7, 2019 @ 16:36
First time I looked at sparklight’s web site, I tried to look at their packages. No luck! It is a broken link. I take this as an indication of their customer service. There are so many free Wi-Fi locations, I will cancel my account on Monday.
First time I looked at sparklight’s web site, I tried to look at their packages. No luck! It is a broken link. I take this as an indication of their customer service. There are so many free Wi-Fi locations, I will cancel my account on Monday.
Ben - July 17, 2019 @ 10:07
Unfortunately CableOne/Sparklight is usually in areas without any real competition so they can get by with the $40 unlimited (*after 5TB of usage you might be slowed down) surcharge. Comcast is also exploring this around their footprint where there aren’t other gigabit options. For me it was a no brainer opting for Sparklight as the only other high speed options are either also capped, or are under 50Mb. I’d definitely prefer a higher upstream speed on the gigabit option, but considering my other options I’m happy with my 165/month bill. (that can’t be a good thing.)
Unfortunately CableOne/Sparklight is usually in areas without any real competition so they can get by with the $40 unlimited (*after 5TB of usage you might be slowed down) surcharge. Comcast is also exploring this around their footprint where there
sandy gomez - July 21, 2019 @ 22:28
My hubby took a box in the office in show low the lady at the deck was very rude and we will not ever take one in again we will just go with someone else. and the cable boxes are crap.
Gwendolyn Porter - July 24, 2019 @ 01:48
I had trouble with making a change to my service. I requested and was told the technician would arrive the next day between 8-12. No one arrived. I called and was told someone would come that afternoon which did happen. The technician’s name is Andrew Neal and he has been to my home for services before. He is really knowledgeable and always display excellent customer service. He understands what is being requested and completes the work while always being courteous and professional. He is the best technician who has provided service since I have been with Cable One which has been many years. Andrew deserves to be the in a position to teach and to train other technicians.
I had trouble with making a change to my service. I requested and was told the technician would arrive the next day between 8-12. No one arrived. I called and was told someone would come that afternoon which did happen. The technician’s nam
Chantae capell - August 4, 2019 @ 21:03
We are very upset. Cant even watch anything with out it buffering and freezing all the time. Not impressed
Warren - August 11, 2019 @ 18:05
upgraded to the 200 package, supposed to get guaranteed great internet. BULL, our speed has been fluctuating from 200+ to in the 60’s. Called and then they sent a tech on Thursday 8/1/19, he checked everything and said the problem was on the pole and would request a bucket truck and it would be same day or next. Come Monday 8/5 no better service, went to the local office and they said “it’s been fixed” told them no it hasn’t so she said they would send someone again. On Wednesday my wife called me and said do you know we have an appointment with Sparklight tomorrow (8/8) between 8-12? I said NO. Well they showed up and said the guy was here on the pole Thursday, I told him no he wasn’t and he said he could only go by what his computer showed him. He checked and replaced a cable from pole down, after checking with his meter he said “I know the guy wasn’t here. and that it wasn’t the first time he said he fixed something and didn’t”, and that he would get him back out here. He showed up while we were at work, but still no better. Called once again on Friday 9/9, the girl on the phone was very nice and said she was still showing issues with the service and set up an appointment for 8/12. My modem has also been replaced 3X. Unfortunately this is the only service in this area. The tech who came the first time was great , but obviously there is a bigger issue that needs addressed.
upgraded to the 200 package, supposed to get guaranteed great internet. BULL, our speed has been fluctuating from 200+ to in the 60’s. Called and then they sent a tech on Thursday 8/1/19, he checked everything and said the problem was on the po
Crystal - August 21, 2019 @ 02:26
Terrible service, freezes all the time cant even watch youtube or Netflix. Worst company ever. Never get sparklight, stupid name for a company anyways.
Nicole Finney - August 29, 2019 @ 17:44
I had a technician Jose in the Sherman Texas area he was so professional and helpful and patient with me!!! Great service!!!
Jeanette Parker - September 10, 2019 @ 14:36
They have the monopoly in this area. Most people and businesses have no choice and have to use them. Also they are a terrible company to work for. A privileged few in management have the power to set up certain employees for failure.
Lauren King - September 10, 2019 @ 21:14
I would highly discourage anyone from using the new “Sparklight” service. We’ve had cable one for years with no issue and now, all of a sudden, they changed their name and we’re getting bills for all sorts of random and unknown things. Yes, I called customer service and she was as clueless as I was as to most of these charges. She even had the nerve to blame “the system needed to update my payment and that’s why she couldn’t see it when I first called.” Note: this was a payment I made a week ago, so either their system sucks horribly, or she has no idea how to do her job.
Also, be aware of your disconnects… now they make you pay not only your past due amount, even if it’s only $9.00, but they will charge you $100 for a modem anytime they disconnect you. And they will literally disconnect you for $9.00.
They send incorrect bills in the mail apparently. I was told to “ignore” my bills that were sent to me because the “system” is more updated.
This place is a joke.
I would highly discourage anyone from using the new “Sparklight” service. We’ve had cable one for years with no issue and now, all of a sudden, they changed their name and we’re getting bills for all sorts of random and unkn
D. McCaskill - September 10, 2019 @ 23:57
Horrible service. Servicemen had to come out on three different occasions. Each service tech didnot know what they were coming for. Internet modem was upgraded and was worse. Internet service dropped while on computer and multiple times on phone. Worse service ever. Looking for another provider. I would not recommend their service to anyone! Very disappointed. Was suppose to come between 8-5, did not show up until after 7 pm.
Horrible service. Servicemen had to come out on three different occasions. Each service tech didnot know what they were coming for. Internet modem was upgraded and was worse. Internet service dropped while on computer and multiple times on phone. Wor
Tory - September 24, 2019 @ 02:18
Can’t believe how terrible Sparklight is. CableOne was great. I tried their Cable tv and it was CRAP! Picture is blurry and size looks terrible on my tv(yes I know how to adjust it). Service dude came out and watched my wife move a china hutch, big dresser and rocking chair by herself and would help. Did an absolute terrible job installing cable. Also told my wife we should have went with someone else for TV services because they keep loosing channels and their options get worse. He told us to keep streaming services instead. I’m getting grumpy again writing this so I’ll just say stay away.
Can’t believe how terrible Sparklight is. CableOne was great. I tried their Cable tv and it was CRAP! Picture is blurry and size looks terrible on my tv(yes I know how to adjust it). Service dude came out and watched my wife move a china hutch, big
Consumer - September 30, 2019 @ 19:24
As you know Cable ONE changed their name looks like they changed a whole lot more than that ,they can change your information without even asking. And billing if you don’t make your payment by the due date you will be sent to a collection agency immediately. Their service sucks as soon as they switched internet speeds diminished to that of dial-up thoroughly disappointed I’ve had cable one internet ten years never had a problem prices went up service went down overall customer service and satisfaction there is none with them so if you like high prices and lack of services this is who you need to be with
As you know Cable ONE changed their name looks like they changed a whole lot more than that ,they can change your information without even asking. And billing if you don’t make your payment by the due date you will be sent to a collection agenc
Jeremiah - September 30, 2019 @ 23:01
My installer came back to fix a problem after he missed it earlier. Very courteous and professional . He figured out the issue and fixed it right away. I’ll give his name if asked. Great customer service in Columbus MS!
Dickie Gerig - October 11, 2019 @ 17:03
Consumer: Our home is in Sherman, Texas. My husband and I tried to replace our router to speed up our internet service. After we talked to a technician on the phone, she scheduled an appoint for us for the next day as she did not think it was the router. Brandon, the technician that came to help us discovered that it was not the router but that the cable needed to be replaced from the street. He accomplished this in a reasonable amount of time with little disruption of our internet service. He was very competent, courteous and patient. We are pleased with Sparklight and their service.
Consumer: Our home is in Sherman, Texas. My husband and I tried to replace our router to speed up our internet service. After we talked to a technician on the phone, she scheduled an appoint for us for the next day as she did not think it was the
M Lluellyn - October 11, 2019 @ 20:48
i am so unhappy with Sparklight that I would like to cancel my services but don’t know who is the least of several evils that I would use. I was s CableOne customer for over 13 years and have been relatively happy but this new company stinks. They don’t even apologize for the stations just not being available or their pictures to dissolve into bar section off and you can’t even figure what you are watching. Their suggestion so to wait for 20 minutes. Not Acceptable!
i am so unhappy with Sparklight that I would like to cancel my services but don’t know who is the least of several evils that I would use. I was s CableOne customer for over 13 years and have been relatively happy but this new company stinks. T
Chance - October 28, 2019 @ 04:22
Internet is super spotty. Buffering ALL the time. Spend more time waiting to watch stuff then actually enjoying content. Would really like to why the service is so terrible for the price.
David L Wren - December 30, 2019 @ 02:10
if you got what you paid for then it would be a great company, unfortunately they falsely advertise. pay for 200mbps and you might get 2mbps. When you call customer service doesn’t do anything about the speed and they charge you extra to send a technician out, even if they know there is a problem affecting the whole area you live in.
if you got what you paid for then it would be a great company, unfortunately they falsely advertise. pay for 200mbps and you might get 2mbps. When you call customer service doesn’t do anything about the speed and they charge you extra to send
G Dave - February 14, 2020 @ 18:18
Have been waiting 5 weeks for a refund on my deposit, reply from customer service is always ” check will be mailed before end of the week ” .
Still no check !
ED ROGERS - May 20, 2020 @ 02:29
my internet has been garbage for over 3 months. i was screaming along with a non supported modem . them boom it goes to heck . 3 months later no end is in sight. their person is suggesting im just lying about this and holds the opinion people just lie about stuff. i was told by his subordinate i should never expect the service i had before the problems because my computer is always downloading. its a gamer 16 gigs of ram a 3.4 i7 intel processor with 2 terrabytes of harddrive space. it was screaming till this and ive spent 300 on a tech to go thru the computer and prove its not the computer. if you have a choice pick another service. some of the online techs are insulting some have hung up on me . its an experiment in terror. a customer should not have to expereience this.
my internet has been garbage for over 3 months. i was screaming along with a non supported modem . them boom it goes to heck . 3 months later no end is in sight. their person is suggesting im just lying about this and holds the opinion people just li
Jack - May 21, 2020 @ 04:10
Technichian is great, customer service is fine but the signal after 10pm becomes progressively worse. Changed the modem out 3 times to no avail. All I get now is buffering and then after 1am nothing at all. Cable One was so much better. Thinking about Hughes Net. Can’t understand what’s going on but maybe there’s too much traffic with everyone home.
Technichian is great, customer service is fine but the signal after 10pm becomes progressively worse. Changed the modem out 3 times to no avail. All I get now is buffering and then after 1am nothing at all. Cable One was so much better. Thinking abo
Erika - July 14, 2020 @ 18:58
Called to set up the internet was told there was no need for them to come inside the house. Then the technician tells me he cant get our internet working, since he now has to run new cable through out the house & unfortunately they are not allowed to come inside the house due to COVID. They could have told me this when I first called & paid. Now I had to call to get a refund, what a waste of time!
Called to set up the internet was told there was no need for them to come inside the house. Then the technician tells me he cant get our internet working, since he now has to run new cable through out the house & unfortunately they are not allowe
Dylan LaValley - August 21, 2020 @ 13:06
We have purchase a new build and the company won’t allow their employees in the house to install anything. Doesn’t matter if you have no cable run to the inside of the house. They make you hire a 3rd party vendor to run the cable in your house then charge you to install and turn it on regardless. I explained we can remain in our car and remain distant and let them do their job. It’s no different than going to the grocery store or the gas station. This is our first experience with the company and it was very displeasing. Poor poor customer service. Definitely would never recommend this to anyone if you can go with someone else definitely do so!
We have purchase a new build and the company won’t allow their employees in the house to install anything. Doesn’t matter if you have no cable run to the inside of the house. They make you hire a 3rd party vendor to run the cable in your house th
Kathy Plautz - October 6, 2020 @ 21:48
Ashton called and came over within minutes to get us set up. He was quick and professional the entire time. We are new to the area so had questions that he answered with ease. Thankfully ours was a easy set up and we were online in minutes. I must say so far this has been a good company.
Ashton called and came over within minutes to get us set up. He was quick and professional the entire time. We are new to the area so had questions that he answered with ease. Thankfully ours was a easy set up and we were online in minutes. I mus
DudeFromCorpus - October 16, 2020 @ 03:52
My internet is CONSTANTLY throttled – even before hitting my “data limit”. I subscribe the the 300 plus internet plan and even if my download speed is above 200 mbps (rare, avg is like 50s/60s) my upload speed rarely exeeds 2 mbps. I’m paying about $97/month for just internet and can’t even competitively game online. I’m always hardwired in and have to turn off the wifi just to reduce latency (but it never goes away). I can’t wait to move back to the city and get back to att or spectrum. This is why Sparklight only signs up for rural areas – they can’t compete when there is literally ANYBODY else.
My internet is CONSTANTLY throttled – even before hitting my “data limit”. I subscribe the the 300 plus internet plan and even if my download speed is above 200 mbps (rare, avg is like 50s/60s) my upload speed rarely exeeds 2 mbps.