Gateway Fiber Vs Spectrum: Which ISP Provider is Better?
Looking to kick your current ISP to the curb? If so, Gateway Fiber or Spectrum might be best for you. But which one among Gateway Fiber Vs Spectrum should you trust more for your home?
Having said that, Gateway Fiber offers a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. On the other hand, Spectrum runs of Hybrid-fiber coax (HFC) network. One offers true Gigabit full-duplex bandwidth capacity.
Other combines fiber optic cables and home using coaxial cable lines. However, the maximum speed both offer is almost the same, which is 1GB. The best part is that you get the speeds at nearly the same price.
In a word, they are similar in many ways. But in reality, do both provide what you are paying for? Surely not. One is undoubtedly lagging to some extent. To find your superior one, let’s dig through their speeds, number of plans, price, etc.
Gateway Fiber Internet Review
Gateway Fiber is a Missouri-based internet service provider. It was founded in 2019 in Wright City, MO. CBRE Investment Management which is a global investment management firm, has acquired the company. It now serves around 15 cities in Missouri.
Gateway Fiber has recently expanded its service to Lake Saint Louis, Dardenne Prairie, St. Charles County, St. Charles, and St. Peters, MO. They aim to build a world-class and 100% future-ready fiber optic network.
What does Gateway Fiber offer?
- Fast and 100% reliable fiber-optic network
- Symmetrical speeds
- Powerful WiFi
- No data caps
- No hidden fees
- No contract or early termination fees
- Excellent customer service
- Cheap fiber internet
Any Drawbacks?
- Limited availability
Find out which internet provider is right for you by reading the Optimum Vs Spectrum comparison.
Spectrum Internet Review
Spectrum is an internet service provider belonging to the Charter Communications brand. The brand was first launched in 2014. It provides blazing-fast internet service on a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) network.
The Spectrum covers one-third of the U.S. It serves 44 states nationwide, with excellent coverage in Texas, California, and New York. With over 102 million customers, Spectrum is now the second-largest residential cable provider in the U.S.
What does Spectrum offer?
- Consistent speeds across its footprint
- Unlimited data
- No contracts
- No data caps
- Affordable plan options
- Modem included
- Bundle discounts
- Free access to nationwide WiFi hotspots
Any Drawbacks?
- Increment in monthly price after one year
- Gigabit plans are somewhat pricey
- Slow upload speeds
Want to know which internet provider is right for you? Read our comparison of MetroNet Vs Spectrum to find out!
Gateway Fiber Vs Spectrum: Know The Differences
When the comparison between fiber and cable internet, fiber mostly wins. Is that so in the case of Gateway Fiber and Spectrum? Let’s find out by comparing them side-by-side.
Spectrum Vs Gateway Fiber: Internet Speeds
Without a doubt, Gateway Fiber is a clear winner here. Gateway Fiber claims to deliver optimum speeds using the best fiber cable for the internet. The icing on the cake is they do so. They offer a Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) network.
This means that the internet from the Gateway Fiber server is delivered directly to your home. Besides, their symmetrical upload and download speeds make them more reliable. The best part is that they provide more speed than you pay.
For a 1GB program, you get at least 1GB or more download and upload speeds. Simply put, Gateway fiber is at full speed all the time. Conversely, Spectrum also provides up to 1GB download speeds.
They use the HFC network for delivering wired broadband services. Basically, it’s a fiber-to-the-street which means data on its network travels over fiber lines within your neighbourhood. It is then transferred to your home through coaxial cable lines.
Typically, this limits both your download and upload speeds. They offer download speeds ranging from 300Mbps to 1000Mbps but with upload speeds up to 35Mbps. However, the speeds may vary from the advertised speeds.
Who Wins? – Gateway Fiber
Spectrum Internet vs Gateway Fiber: Plans and Pricing
On gateway fiber or Spectrum, you can get similar speeds for about the same price. So, none of this is exceptional here. Both Spectrum and Gateway Fiber have three plans to offer.
If you consider the starting price, Spectrum Internet edges out Gateway Fiber. The basic plan of Spectrum starts at $49.99/month with download speeds up to 300Mbps. However, the price is valid for 1 year; after that, it’s $74.99/month.
The price after one year is similar to the basic plan of Gateway Fiber, though. However, the basic plan of Gateway Fiber starts at $65/month with 250Mbps download and upload speeds.
On that note, Gateway Fiber wins over Spectrum. Moreover, the Spectrum Internet Ultra costs $69.99/month(1 year) for 500Mbps. This price increased to $94.99/month after one year.
You can get the same speed with Gateway Fiber Internet for less than $75/month. Similarly, the Spectrum Internet Gig plan with download speeds up to 1Gb costs $90 for 1st year. After one year, it increases to $114.99/month.
For the same speed, Gateway fiber costs around $90/month. The price of each Gateway fiber plan is way lesser than Spectrum. All in all, Gateway Fiber offers more whiz for less bang.
Who Wins? – Gateway Fiber
Comparing Gateway Fiber internet plans and pricing
Gateway Fiber Internet Packages
| Internet Plans | Maximum Download and Upload Speeds | Price per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 250Mbps | 250Mbps / 250Mbps | $65/month |
| 500Mbps | 500Mbps / 500Mbps | $75/month |
| 1 GIG | 1Gbps / 1Gbps | $90/month |
Spectrum Internet Packages
| Internet Plans | Maximum Download and Upload Speeds | Promotional price for 1 year | Standard price after 1 year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet | 300Mbps / 10Mbps | $49.99/month | $74.99/month |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | 500Mbps / 500Mbps | $69.99/month | $94.99/month |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | 1Gbps / 35Mbps | $89.99/month | $114.99/month |
Gateway Fiber Vs Spectrum: Coverage
Which among Gateway Fiber and Spectrum can provide you with the most coverage? There are around 15 cities in Missouri covered by Gateway Fiber Map. Conversely, Spectrum Internet offers internet service across 44 states.
Evidently, Spectrum has more overage than Gateway Fiber. It offers cable internet service to over 102 million people. This makes Spectrum the 2nd largest residential cable provider in the U.S. by coverage area.
Despite the large coverage area, there is less overlap between the Gateway Fiber and Spectrum footprint than you might think. This means you will likely find Gateway Fiber and Spectrum available at different addresses.
For instance, there are only 2 plans available in Missouri from Charter Spectrum. You can connect to it via Cable. Needless to say, Gateway Fiber provides the best service wherever available. It offers fiber internet services to its service footprint.
Search with “best fiber in my area” to get the Gateway fiber service in your area. On the other hand, Spectrum fails to offer equal maximum service to all 44 states. Still, it covers more areas than Gateway fiber.
Who Wins? – Spectrum Internet
Want to know which internet provider is right for you? Read our comparison of MetroNet Vs CenturyLink to find out!
Spectrum Vs Gateway Fiber: Customer Service
Since Gateway Fiber is Missouri-based, it is more likely to deliver better customer solutions than Spectrum. They offer to talk to a real-life human based in Missouri. You can get their service from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
On the other hand, Spectrum’s customer service needs to work. Customer service can never be outstanding when it comes to internet service. Spectrum is no exception. Customers claim it to be slower than what it promises.
According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, Spectrum scored 63 out of 100. It is considered below average. All things considered, Gateway outperforms Spectrum in terms of customer dealing.
Who Wins? – Gateway Fiber
Gateway Fiber Vs Spectrum: Data Caps
This is where the compatibility between Spectrum and Gateway Fiber is visible. None of Spectrum and Gateway fiber has data caps. So, you can browse, Zoom, Stream, and download as much as possible.
Who Wins? – Both
Spectrum Vs Gateway Fiber: Installation Fee
Neither provider gives a rainy day when it comes to dealing with installation fees. One has no installation fee, while the other allows you to skip the fee. Gateway Fiber is the one that charges no fees for installation.
When you compare fiber internet plans, getting one with no installation fees is hard. Luckily with each Gateway fiber plan, you get free installation. On the other hand, Spectrum charges $50 for in-home, professional installation.
This cost can go up to $200 for the fastest internet plans. However, you can reduce the fee by using a self-install kit. You still need $10 to plug everything in yourself using self-install equipment. So for free installation, Gateway Fiber wins here.
Who Wins? – Gateway Fiber
Final Verdict: Which is Better?
In point of fact, it’s a close call between Gateway Fiber vs Spectrum. Yet, Gateway fiber apparently earns the crown mainly for its high, symmetrical speeds and low price. But, Spectrum cannot be overlooked.
It’s a bargain because Spectrum has a little larger footprint than Gateway Fiber. Also, the internet plans have many benefits like a free modem and antivirus software, advanced WiFi, and an Unlimited mobile line.
Gateway fiber offers much faster service with symmetrical and reliable speeds. It is surely a good deal if you are lucky to have Gateway fiber in your city. Overall, we give the edge to Gateway fiber between the two.
