Wave Broadband Internet Review 2020
Pricing & Packages | Modem & Router | Features | Customer Service | Recommendation
Wave Broadband is a mid-sized internet service provider that is currently only available in select areas of Oregon, Washington, and California. They offer copper, cable, and fiber plans, with emphasis on fiber but also have TV and phone services available to bundle and save money.
Pros:
- High download speeds
- No contract required
Cons:
- Data caps on certain plans
- Very limited coverage area
- Extremely limited upload speeds
Packages and Pricing
Note: All of Wave’s pricing varies by region, so potential customers should double-check the actual pricing before choosing their plans.
The following fiber package deals are based on service available in Concord, CA 94520:
High Speed 50
The entry-level fiber plan that’s available for $19.95/month with maximum download speeds of 50Mbps, while the upload speed is limited to 5Mbps. This plan has a data limit of 300GB per month, which is rather low when compared to other providers. Therefore, while the speed allows HD streaming, it’s not recommended as you’ll likely eat through the data really quickly so it’s better for light browsing and checking emails.
High Speed 250
The next tier package is available for a promotional price of $29.95/month. For this, you’ll get 250Mbps download speeds, while upload speeds are limited to 10Mbps. The plan comes with 500GB monthly data, which should be sufficient for HD streaming for smaller households.
High Speed 500
The High Speed 500 package is available for $39.95/month and comes with download speeds of 500Mbps, but strangely the upload speed is limited to 10Mbps in this plan too. That said, it’s a decent plan for HD and 4K streaming and downloads as it comes with 1TB monthly data, which is enough for larger households too.
Gig Plan
The highest tier plan that’s available for $49.95/month with 1GB download speed but you should be aware that you’ll only be able to reach 940Mbps maximum speed, as the rest is reserved for the technology to deliver the speed. This limitation is valid for all providers who offer 1GB plans, not just Wave Broadband, but it’s also interesting that this plan’s upload is also limited to 10Mbps, so that might be a dealbreaker for some.
Even though the plan is advertised as having unlimited data, it actually has a 2TB cap, although for most home uses it’ll be hard to use over this.
It’s important to note that all of the above plans are offered at promotional prices which are only valid during a 3-, 6-, or 12-month period. The length of which you can choose during the online ordering process.
Other Services
Wave Broadband also offers TV and phone options which can be added to the internet service and customers can choose between several equipment options:
- HD Receiver: $11.00/month – With this receiver, you get a HD recorder, interactive on-screen guides, and TV On Demand.
- TiVo Streaming DVR – The TiVo receiver is currently available at no additional charge for the first 12 months of the service. The usual price is $20 per month and is only available for plans with 100Mbps download speeds or higher.
- Universal HDTV Converter: $4.95/month
- TiVo Mini: $10.00/month – This requires TiVo HD-DVR and enables multi-room connectivity to the TiVo DVR for an additional TV.
TV Bundles & Extras
The TV package also has a local TV option including channels such as ABC, FOX, CBS, NBC, and CW. With this option, you also get digital music channels, as well as Wave on Demand and Wave TV on the Go option. The local TV option is available for $25.95 per month.
There are also several expansion packages available, which vary by location. But, as an example, some locations can get 90 extra channels from cable networks like AMC, ESPN, Disney, Bravo, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, FX, USA, TNT, and others. The full expanded content, with all the channels, is available for $72.94 per month and comes with Wave on Demand and Wave on the Go.
After the first 12 months, some options will increase in pricing. STARZ and ENCORE will go back to their regular $12 per month for each, or you can choose to pay $17 per month for both. MOVIEPLEX pricing goes back to $5 per month.
Phone Package
You can get your phone bundled in with your internet for an additional $10 per month otherwise it’s $29.95 per month as a standalone service. The phone option comes with:
- Unlimited nationwide calling, plus international calls to Canada
- Caller ID
- Call Waiting
- Call Forwarding
- FREE Cloud Phone App – The app enables you to route phone calls made to your home phone number to your smartphone or tablet, and receive and make them from there. Works globally, as long as the device you’re routing the calls to has a stable internet connection.
When opting for Wave equipment, you can get an eight-hour internal backup battery for your phone but this is only available for corded phones during a power outage. There is also the option to get a 24-hour battery, but you’ll have to pay a $139.99 one-time charge.
Network Management and Performance
Wave Broadband manages its network like many other providers, which includes limiting bandwidth in certain situations. According to Wave Broadband, you must avoid high traffic activities like large file transfers or ‘peer-to-peer applications’. That way you’re not providing a greater ‘burden’ on the network which can mean your services are cut off or restricted.
Wave Broadband also explains that the actual speed may vary and might not always be the highest possible advertised speed. Some factors they mention include the condition of wiring at your location, computer configurations, internet, and network congestion and management. This also includes the time of day when you are using the service.
Fees
- Installation Fee – A one-time fee of $60 but this can sometimes be avoided during promotional periods and, in many cases, by ordering online.
- Internet Infrastructure Fee – The fee is $3.17/month, and is explained as a fee that goes towards infrastructure upkeep and management.
- Interactive Equipment Fee – $2.72/month for the first digital or HD receiver.
- Local TV Stations’ Fee – These vary between $15 – $21.
*Other fees you should be aware of are the Universal Service Fund, E911, and taxes.
Your Modem and Router
Wave Broadband surprisingly offers many options when it comes to modems and routers.
Their most advertised option is the Enhanced Wi-Fi Eero, which according to Wave, will provide the best Wi-Fi coverage and service to users. The option comes with a fully compatible modem, all maintenance and troubleshooting is done by Wave Broadband tech support and it is available for $22.95 per month.
For users who want a more basic option, the Standard Wi-Fi + Modem package is available for $15.00 per month and comes with a modem and Wi-Fi service provided via a single router. This option includes 24/7 support in the event of issues as well.
For users who do not need Wi-Fi, there’s the ‘Modem Only’ option for $13.00 per month that comes with the modem appropriate for your speed package and also includes 24/7 support.
There are also two ‘Use Your Own’ modem options:
The first combines the Enhanced Wi-Fi Eero + Use Your Own Modem, and you’ll pay a rental fee of $9.95 per month for the Eero.
Alternatively, you can also choose to have only your modem, without the Eero, and this option is, of course, free of charge. For a list of supported models, check here.
Features and Benefits
Free Installation for Online Orders
The installation fee is usually $60, but can be waived with the ‘FREEINSTALL’ code during the online purchasing process. Professional installation includes setting up two TV sets on existing outlets, connecting a single computer OR three other devices to the modem.
Service Protection Plan
This is a support option for all Wave services that includes in-home wiring and equipment by a professional technician. This plan also includes customer education and costs $3.99 per month.
Roku Streaming Player
For $5.00 per month, customers can get the Roku 3 player and included motion-sensing remote. This will give you access to over 350 streaming options including TV shows, movies, sports, kids shows, as well as access for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, NHL Game Center, Pandora Radio, and more.
*Note that this doesn’t include a subscription for the services, just easy access to them. Each service might require a separate subscription.
Smart Home from Wave
This is a home control and protection option that enables overview and automation that you get via a Smart Home App on your phone. There are three plans available in the Washington and California areas:
- Control Basic – Costs $29.95 per month and includes image sensors with cameras for visual verification, three-door and window encrypted security sensors, and a touch screen panel.
- Control & Protect – Everything from Control Basic, but with 24/7 professional monitoring. Available for $39.95 per month.
- Control & Protect Premium – For $49.95 per month, includes all of the above plus a 1080p resolution IP camera.
Additional equipment includes:
Customer Service
According to customer reviews, Wave Broadband is a decent service provider that has the occasional outage, but is still more affordable than any other options available, and the bundle deals make them a competitive choice in the areas they are available.
Customer service can be accessed via phone, online, or by visiting one of their 25 local retail locations. For those interested in their services, the new customer number is 1-855-971-1252, while existing customers have their separate line: 1-866-928-3123.
Online inquiries are done via an online form and unfortunately there are no email or chat options available. The form can be accessed here, but existing customers can contact support via their own website login at wavehome.com.
There’s also a large troubleshooting portal where users can find answers for any service they need. The internet section is divided into several categories, including general issues, connection troubleshooting, wireless issues, network setup, and more.
Ways to Save on Wave Broadband
TV and Phone Bundle Options
Combining internet services, TV, and phone can save up to $30 per month or even more during the first 12 months of a promotional period.
Bring Your Own Modem
Instead of paying a rental fee for Wave Broadband’s modems, choose your own and save over $20 per month.
Order during promotional periods
Wave Broadband often has promotional periods for online orders, so it’s best to wait for these offers as you can get a price lock up to 12 months and save over $50 per month this way.
Our Recommendation
Wave Broadband is a solid option if you’re in a service area where fiber plans are available. The speeds are good, even though upload speeds are limited but the data caps can be an issue for power users. If you need a lot, the highest tier plan is more affordable than others and comes with a very high data cap which shouldn’t cause you a problem. The bundle deals are a great way to get all services at reasonable rates, and the no-contract deal makes them a solid choice as there are no worries about early termination fees when you want to switch to a new provider.
Tomas Leiva - December 1, 2019 @ 21:05
We have tried wave internet for one week and are extremely disappointed. My 2 girls watch Netflix and my wife is a student, and she needs reliability for quizzes containing time limits. The uploading icon appears over and over, even though we called customer service and the technician. We were just on the phone trying to cancel over an hour trying to cancel and they never answered us. We are still trying to cancel!!!!!
We have tried wave internet for one week and are extremely disappointed. My 2 girls watch Netflix and my wife is a student, and she needs reliability for quizzes containing time limits. The uploading icon appears over and over, even though we called
HK - April 28, 2020 @ 18:12
The speeds and service are fine, but the customer service is TERRIBLE. I had problems from the beginning, and had to fight them tooth and nail for everything that I had been promised, from the amount of my bill to the return of my modem when I moved. I am being forced to drive over thirty minutes one way to return this stupid thing, and customer service wouldn’t budge. I can’t go into a building, we are in the middle of a freaking pandemic.
The speeds and service are fine, but the customer service is TERRIBLE. I had problems from the beginning, and had to fight them tooth and nail for everything that I had been promised, from the amount of my bill to the return of my modem when I moved.
AH - May 22, 2020 @ 18:18
Incredibly unhappy with Wave. I heard nothing but positive reviews about them and was happy to move into a building that has Wave as an option. After 2 weeks with the service, it has been a huge headache. It started with only getting 1/10th of the internet speed I was supposed to be getting and have been paying for, resulting in a technician to come out. While the speed was improved, within hours, I lost all internet connection and a technician could not come back out until 12-4pm the following day. Myself and my boyfriend lost nearly an entire day of work with no other options. Another tech came, did not even come into the apartment, and did something (who knows, he couldn’t explain it) and again within hours, the internet dropped again. I have been on 25-40min wait times every time to speak with someone and have received disrespectful and unhelpful service, a lack of timely resolution for an on-going problem, a non-existent system to expedite the same ongoing problem, blame shifting to my brand new equipment that worked great until Wave’s tech came out the first time, and an abrupt conversation end when their representative decided he no longer wanted to discuss the problem. I still do not have internet and we both are losing another day of work. If I want to receive my credit for loss of service and, who knows if I’d be credited for the lack of internet speed I’d been paying for, I have to call back again and wait on hold for another 25-40mins. My last call was today, May 22, 2020 at 10:02am PST with nearly 30 minutes of wait time. This call was by far the worst representative. We will be cancelling.
Incredibly unhappy with Wave. I heard nothing but positive reviews about them and was happy to move into a building that has Wave as an option. After 2 weeks with the service, it has been a huge headache. It started with only getting 1/10th of the in
Peter Kalugin - May 31, 2020 @ 21:28
Wow, I pay over $100 for the first month and sure there’s an awesome discount after wards, but dang! They don’t like to pick up the phone for tech support and the WiFi is 7/10 always iffy. What’s the point in me spending another payment if their WiFi doesn’t even work? I heard such great things and honestly I’d like to see it to believe it.
Wow, I pay over $100 for the first month and sure there’s an awesome discount after wards, but dang! They don’t like to pick up the phone for tech support and the WiFi is 7/10 always iffy. What’s the point in me spending another payment if thei
Sharon Cross - June 3, 2020 @ 21:06
I have had an issue with ABC going black firebrr! Tried to cal WAVE many tes, coukdn’t get through! Tried sending email, no response! Told one of their service people working in my neoghborhood, nothing!!!!!!!!
Rj Perkins - June 18, 2020 @ 08:41
Wave has become unreliable on a consistent basis. Regularly will have a service interruption, leaving no phone, tv or internet for hours at a time. Today is 4th time in 2 weeks. The online reporting does not record reported problems.
Kale Walter - July 17, 2020 @ 17:37
I can’t ever get through to talk to a customer support rep. I just get put on hold or told that no one is available. Wave is a joke when it comes to customer service. Yes, they are cheaper than some other providers, but you pay for it in frustration and bad service many times over. If you are wise you’ll stay away from their poor service.
I can’t ever get through to talk to a customer support rep. I just get put on hold or told that no one is available. Wave is a joke when it comes to customer service. Yes, they are cheaper than some other providers, but you pay for it in frustr
C D - July 25, 2020 @ 06:09
Wave does not care about their existing customers. Their only focus is on trying to lure in new ones. They are running commercials on tv that they are donating $100k to Feeding America. What they aren’t saying is that they are hiking existing customer’s bills while offering great deals to new customers only. So they aren’t actually donating, their existing customers are. When I signed up for my service, my install date was 2 weeks out. In that time a tech was supposed to come check the lines to be prepared for my install date. That visit was never made. When my install date came the tech couldn’t find the lines or a connection box, dug up my yard, called out another tech, scratched their heads and then proceeded to run a cable across my yard, over the roof of the house next door and hook up to their cable to run to my house until they could figure out a fix. Pirated cable is illegal!!! Luckily that house is a rental and just happened to be empty at the time. The promos that they offered in a year ago are now gone, my bill went up $70/month and a lot of programming was dropped because I would have to pay extra. My plan has a data cap. They are now offering the same deal with a locked in price for 2 years and unlimited data. But they won’t give that to me because they don’t give a crap once you’re already a customer. They claim they are a “customer first enterprise”…uh, wow, sure. Thumbs down on the customer service and the installation wasn’t top notch either.
Wave does not care about their existing customers. Their only focus is on trying to lure in new ones. They are running commercials on tv that they are donating $100k to Feeding America. What they aren’t saying is that they are hiking existing custo
C K - July 27, 2020 @ 22:07
Customer service is horrible. Can’t get solid answers to fix issues. Working from home and having to take time off because of constant connectivity issues. Sounds like customer care has no idea about their own products. Asked for a modem with multiple ethernet cords to self diagnose problems and the answer that we received was “only if the tech has one on the truck”. Then when we asked them to make sure that they do for some reason they couldn’t put it in the notes for the tech? Horrible.
Customer service is horrible. Can’t get solid answers to fix issues. Working from home and having to take time off because of constant connectivity issues. Sounds like customer care has no idea about their own products. Asked for a modem with m
VL - July 29, 2020 @ 01:21
2 hours later, I’m still on hold waiting to talk to a customer service representative to cancel my service. Please fix your customer service system—- the representatives are nice, it’s not their fault you suck, WaveG.
Andrew Konstantaras - July 31, 2020 @ 20:48
Network is extremely unreliable and I just waited 55 minutes on hold to get tech support and they did not know that our entire condo building (100+ units) was down and the best they can do is send someone out next week. Not the first time we have had problems. If you have another alternative, take it.
Network is extremely unreliable and I just waited 55 minutes on hold to get tech support and they did not know that our entire condo building (100+ units) was down and the best they can do is send someone out next week. Not the first time we have had