WOW! Internet – 2024 Company Review

Wide Open West, which refers to itself as WOW!, is an affordable high-speed, broadband internet service provider that operates in 6 U.S. states. The company offers fast internet speeds at unbeatable rates.

Company Overview

In 1996, Wide Open West was founded in Denver, CO. Originally, the internet service provider served customers in metropolitan areas of the Western and Midwestern United States. However, the business has since shifted away from these regions to instead focus on serving the Southeastern states and Michigan. The ISP goes by the name WOW! to avoid confusion about the areas where they operate.

Reliable, speedy home connectivity is a must-have in today’s world. Whether you use your home internet connection for remote work, distance learning, pro-gaming, or streaming your favorite shows, it’s important to select an internet service provider that can live up to your lifestyle. WOW Internet offers a range of versatile cable internet plans that suit the internet usage demands and budget of any home.

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• No annual contracts
• Has some of the fastest upload speeds in the industry

Cons

• Only available in 6 states
• Data caps on most plans
• Monthly fees for modem rental

Available Speeds: 100 to 1200 Mbps
Price Range: $20 to $95 per month
Data Cap: 1.5-3TB (for most plans)
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+

Since 2017, WOW! has provided reliable, high-speed, broadband internet services to homes and businesses.

Competitors of WOW! include:

• Cox
• Xfinity
• Spectrum
• Astound Broadband
• Mediacom Cable

In addition to hybrid fiber-coaxial cable internet and, in some areas, 100% fiber internet, WOW! also sells home phone and mobile phone plans. The company used to offer a traditional cable TV service as well. However, in May 2023, WOW! partnered with YouTube TV to offer internet + YouTube TV packages instead.

Where Is WOW! Available?

WOW! is the 8th largest cable internet company in the United States. They serve more than 1.9 million residential homes and businesses across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Here is a complete list of the cities and regions where WOW Internet is available:

WOW! continues to expand its services. If WOW internet services are not available for your home address currently, you can consider adding your name to their priority list. You can sign up to receive updates and get free professional installation when their footprint expands to your service area. If you are interested, simply fill out the form on the Now Expanding page of the WOW! website.

WOW! Internet

WOW offers affordable hybrid fiber-coaxial cable internet plans. This combination of optical fiber and coaxial cable allows WOW internet services to reach internet speeds that exceed traditional cable internet services with copper internet cable wiring.

In some locations, 100% fiber internet is available. With extremely reliable connections and lightning-fast speeds, fiber is the future of home connectivity. However, WOW’s fiber network is currently very small. The plans, speeds, and prices listed below focus on WOW Internet’s cable internet option.

WOW! Internet Plans & Pricing

WOW allows customers to select from 5 tiers of cable internet plans. There are no annual contracts required. All WOW internet plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee and a free self-install kit. There is a $10 self-installation activation fee that ensures a technician verifies the connection to your home after you install your equipment. Professional installation is available for an extra $99 fee.

Data Caps

WOW Internet used to offer no data caps. However, they have now implemented data caps on internet plans in Augusta, Knoxville, Panama City, Detroit, Mid-Michigan, Newnan, and the Fort Gordon markets. We expect data caps to expand to more locations over time.

Depending on the specific internet plan, data caps range from 1.5 TB – 3 TB (with the exception of unlimited data on the highest-tier 1.2 GB plan.) Most customers will not consume this much data in a month, but it can happen.

Essential 100 – $39.99/mo

Data Cap: 1.5 TB for some customers

Essential 100 is the most economical plan option. Customers get up to 100 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds. This plan costs $19.99 per month. You can bring your own cable modem, or rent one for $14 extra per month. There is a data cap of 1.5 TB.

Internet 200 – $44.99/mo

Data Cap: 1.5 TB for some customers

The Internet 200 plan has 200 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds. It is priced at $29.99 per month. Just like with the 100 Mbps plan, customers can opt to bring their own cable modem or rent one from WOW! for an additional $14 per month. There is also a 1.5 TB data cap for some customers.

Internet 500 – $54.99/mo

WOW customers can get 500 Mbps download speeds and 50 Mbps upload speeds with the Internet 500 plan. It costs $44.99 per month. There is a free 1-year modem rental included, or customers can bring their own compatible modem. With this plan, the data cap is raised to 2.5 TB for some customers.

Internet 1 Gig – $74.99/mo

WOW’s Gig speed plans start at $59.99 per month for 1 Gig download and 50 Mbps upload speeds. The 1 Gig plan includes a free 1-year cable modem rental, or customers can bring their own. There is a 3 TB data cap for some customers.

Internet 1.2 Gig – $94.99/mo

Data Cap: Unlimited (+ free cable modem rental)

The highest tier plan offered by WOW! offers 1.2 Gig speeds for $94.99 per month. This is the only plan with unlimited data and a free cable modem rental.

WOW! offers a variety of internet deals, so keep your eyes out for the latest promotions. Exact rate discounts and term length depend on your location and the plan selected.

Whole Home WiFi – $9.99/mo

WOW Internet’s Whole Home WiFi is a mesh WiFi network that uses multiple eero WiFi devices. Unlike a traditional router, mesh technology works by strategically placing several access points at different spots in your home. These access points communicate and work with each other to deliver seamless coverage throughout every room in your entire home.

This means no more weak spots or dead zones. Reliable internet is accessible from every area in every room, including basements, garages, and even your yard.

WOW’s Whole Home WiFi also includes additional features, like parental controls, data usage monitoring, and wifi issue diagnostics. Customers can also view and manage internet users, as well as share wifi or create guest networks.

Whole-Home WiFi can be added to any internet plan for $9.99 per month. For the Internet 200, Internet 500, and 1G Internet plan with a continuous subscription, the cost is only $5 per month. This price includes two eero WiFi devices.

Some large or unusually structured homes may require more than two devices for complete coverage. Extra devices can be rented for $5.99 per month each.

Whole Home WiFi customers can also add extra security to their home network with an eero Secure or eero Plus plan.

Eero Secure – $2.99/mo

For an additional $2.99 per month, the eero Secure plan includes content filtering, ad/site blocking, tracking prevention, and network use monitoring.

Eero Plus – $9.99/mo

For $9.99 per month, customers can get everything included with the eero Secure plan, plus DDNS and access to 3 top-rated security apps: 1Password, Encrypt.me, and Malwarebytes.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal-funded benefits program that provides cheap or free high speed internet to low-income households. WOW! is officially partnered with the ACP to grant discounted rates to eligible customers.

Qualifying WOW customers can get the 100 Mbps plan for entirely free, including no modem rental fees and unlimited data. Or, they can get $30 off any other WOW internet plan.

To be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity program, one or more members of your household must meet a minimum of one of these requirements:

• Qualifies for the Lifeline benefit, meaning being enrolled in a federal program like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, LIHEAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
• Income is at or less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines
• Takes part in the free and reduced school lunch or breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
• Received a Pell Grant for the current year

If your household qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program, then you can apply through the National Verifier. Once your eligibility is confirmed, give WOW! a call at 888-815-1718 to add your ACP benefit to your current WOW internet plan or sign up for a new plan.

WOW!  TV

WOW! Used to offer traditional cable TV service. However, on May 15, 2023, the company announced a deal with YouTube TV, one of the best TV streaming services. WOW began switching cable customers over to the YouTube TV service and ended their cable TV offering.

WOW Internet + YouTube TV Bundles

WOW offers Internet + YouTube TV packages to new customers. YouTube TV includes access to over 100 live channels with the base plan. Channels include ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, HGTV, TNT, local channels, and more.

When bundling an internet plan with YouTube TV, new customers save $10 on each YouTube TV monthly payment and $10-$25 per month on internet services for the first year.

Internet 100 + YouTube TV – $82.99/mo

This bundle includes 100 Mbps internet speeds and YouTube TV. It costs $82.99 per month. Customers save $20 on internet for their first year and receive a free self-install kit.

Internet 200 + YouTube TV – $107.99/mo

For $107.99 per month, customers can get 200 Mbps download speeds and YouTube TV. Customers can save $20 for their first year and get a free 1-year modem rental.

Internet 500 + YouTube TV – $117.99/mo

This package includes 500 Mbps speed internet, YouTube TV, and a free 1-year modem rental. At $117.99 per month, customers save $15 for the first year.

Internet 1 Gig + YouTube TV – $137.99/mo

Customers can save $25 on internet for their first year when selecting this plan. It costs $137.99 per month. You get super-fast 1 Gig internet speeds, YouTube TV, and a free 1-year modem rental.

Internet 1.2 + YouTube TV – $157.99/mo

For $157.99 per month, customers can choose the fastest internet speed offered by WOW Internet, 1.2 Gigs with YouTube TV. A free 1-year modem rental, unlimited data, and a 30-day money-back guarantee are included.

YouTube TV also comes with unlimited DVR storage, up to 6 individual accounts with separate logins, and the ability to simultaneously stream across 3 devices. There are no contracts, installation costs, or hidden fees.

TV Upgrades and Add-ons

While YouTube TV includes a wide selection of live sports channels, customers can pay extra to get NFL Sunday Ticket to enjoy streaming out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. It costs $174 for the rest of the 2023 season. NFL RedZone is another option that can be added to your NFL Sunday Ticket subscription.

Separately, there is a sports package add-on that includes NFL RedZone, beIn Sports, FOX Soccer Plus, Stadium College Sports, and several other live sports channels for $10.99 per month.

Premium channel add-ons are also available for an additional monthly payment. Channels such as HBO Max, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax, and more can be added individually starting for as low as $1.99 per month. Or, there is an entertainment bundle available for $29.99 that includes HBO Max, Starz, and Showtime all in one place.

YouTube TV also offers a Spanish package that includes telenovelas, live sports channels, and more for $14.99 per month. A separate Spanish-only YouTube TV streaming service plan that includes more than 30 Spanish networks is available for $34.99 per month.

WOW! Home Phone – $9.99/mo

The WOW home phone service includes unlimited local calls, along with a variety of features, such as robocall blocking, caller ID, voicemail, call forwarding, 3-way calling, anonymous call rejection, and more. When switching to a WOW home phone, customers can choose whether to keep their current number or get a new one.

WOW home phone customers also get 100 minutes of free long-distance calling per month. After this, customers will be charged per minute for additional long-distance calls. A Home Phone Plus plan with unlimited international calling is also available.

WOW! Mobile Phone

WOW! offers affordable, reliable mobile phone plans with nationwide coverage. WOW mobile phone services are supported by Reach Mobile, a third-party company that runs on the T-Mobile network.

All WOW mobile phone plans include unlimited talk and text. There are no contracts, and every mobile phone plan includes HD streaming, 24/7 customer support, and a mobile hotspot.

WOW internet customers save $10 per month on their monthly bill for mobile phone services. WOW mobile phone customers can choose whether to keep their current phone number or get a brand new one. WOW! offers 4 mobile phone plans to choose from. Every plan includes up to 6 total lines.

Basic 1 GB – starting at $15/mo

This starter mobile phone plan includes 1 GB of shareable data. For WOW internet customers, it costs $15 per line, per month.

Moderate 3 GB – starting at $25/mo

The Moderate 3 GB mobile phone plan includes 3 GB of shareable data. One line costs $25 per month (including the WOW residential internet customer discount.) Additional lines cost $15 per line, per month.

People’s Choice 8 GB – starting at $35/mo

This popular WOW mobile plan gives you 8 GB of shareable data each month. One line costs $35 per month (for WOW residential internet customers.) Each additional line costs $15 per month.

All-in Unlimited 20 GB – starting at $45/mo

The All-in Unlimited 20 GB plan gives customers 20 GB of data, per mobile phone line. One phone line costs $45 per month (when bundled with WOW internet.) 2 or more phone lines cost $30 each, per month.

WOW! Mobile App

The WOW Mobile app is an easy way for customers to manage their mobile phone services. From the WOW Mobile app, you can manage lines, change plans, view data usage, purchase data top-ups, manage autopay, pay your monthly bill, and turn on roaming and international calling. 24/7 chat support is also available through the mobile app.

WOW Mobile customers can download the app for free on any of their Android or iOS devices through Google Play or the Apple App Store. Then, simply log in using your WOW! Mobile account information to access the app’s full features.

How To Sign Up for WOW! Internet

The best way to sign up for WOW Internet is by visiting the WOW! website. From here, you can select your area to browse plan availability and current prices. When selecting a WOW internet plan, you will be prompted to type in your home address. From there, you can choose an internet package or bundle, add-ons, and any additional WOW services you want to purchase. You can also choose whether you want to self-install your services or opt for professional installation.

A technician will visit your home to complete any outside work that needs to be done to prepare your home for WOW internet services. Then, they will drop off your self-install kit. You do not need to be home when the technician visits. He or she will leave your self-install kit at the front door, or another location you have designated, and send you a text or email alert notifying you that it has been delivered.

If you are wondering how to self-install WOW internet, the process is simple. Easy, comprehensive instructions will be included with your self-install kit. A technician will verify that everything is working properly outside your home before you begin the self-installation process. If you need support while self-installing your equipment, you can contact a WOW! Representative through the live chat option on the website or by phone at 1-866-496-9669.

You can also schedule a professional installation appointment. This can be done when signing up, or if you decide you need additional help getting set up. Professional installation costs $99, and a technician will connect all of the equipment inside your home.

How To Contact WOW Support

If you require assistance with your WOW services or have questions, there are many ways to get the help you need.

Many questions can be answered by visiting one of the Support pages on the WOW! website. If you can’t find answers to your questions there or require technical assistance, then you can contact a WOW! customer service employee directly.

Representatives can help with billing, connection issues, and technical support. They are available 7 days a week from 7:00 AM – 11:45 PM ET.

You can also speak to an employee over the phone by dialing 1-866-496-9669. Representatives are available for troubleshooting connection issues and technical problems 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For billing and general inquiries, representatives are available to speak 7 days a week from 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM ET.

How To Cancel WOW!

If you need to cancel your WOW Internet services for any reason, you are free to do so at any time. Since there are no contracts required, you will not be charged any cancellation fees.

To cancel, you must speak with a WOW customer service employee, either by calling them at 1-866-496-9669 or using the Live Chat feature on the website.

When you cancel your WOW internet services, a representative will give you instructions for returning your equipment. Usually, you will need to drop off equipment at an office location or arrange a time for equipment to be picked up from your home.

If you are considering canceling your WOW internet services because you are moving to a new home address, then you may want to look into options for transferring your services. You can type in your new address on the WOW website to find out if services are available in your new area. Then, give WOW a call at 1-866-496-9669 to let them know you are moving and set up a transfer.

Is WOW Internet Right for Me?

WOW is a leading internet provider and a great choice if the company offers services in your area. The company’s affordable internet plans should be a good match for the needs of your household.

While WOW! may not be the most widely-known name in the cable internet industry, the company is known for its fast internet speeds at the right prices. WOW internet plans are an especially great option for budget-conscious households that don’t want to sacrifice speed or reliability for cheapness. With no contract requirements, high data caps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, WOW! grants its customers plenty of freedom and flexibility.

It would be nice if WOW had a larger footprint in the U.S. While WOW Internet is growing, geographical reach is still pretty limited. If you live in one of the 6 states where WOW Internet is available, the company is definitely worth considering.

If you are in the market for an internet provider, then you should first check to see if fiber internet is available for your home address. Fiber offers blazing-fast speeds and unparalleled reliability. It’s not available everywhere yet, but fiber internet providers are rapidly expanding their networks every day. It’s worth looking into fiber internet options for your location from WOW! or another company that offers fiber, like AT&T, Verizon Fios, Xfinity, or Astound Broadband.

If fiber hasn’t come to your service area, then a cable internet plan from WOW! may be the best choice for your address. With internet speeds that surpass 1 Gbps and competitive monthly rates, WOW Internet ranks as one of the best internet providers.

Finding an internet service provider that meets your internet usage demands at a budget-friendly price isn’t easy. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you with our fiber and cable internet company reviews. Take some time to read through our other in-depth articles to compare ISPs that are available in your area before settling on the right choice for your household.