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Quantum Fiber vs. Optimum Internet Providers Compared

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Quantum Fiber Vs Optimum

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Nov. 10, 2023 / Updated Oct. 19, 2025

You are currently comparing:

Quantum Fiber Vs Optimum

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Plans starting at: $30

Popular Package: Up to 8Gbps

Download speeds up to: 8 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Plans starting at: $40

Popular Package: 1 Gig Fiber Internet

Download speeds up to: 1 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & Cable

Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Staff rating

4.3

Quantum Fiber brings superior internet speeds and reliability at an appealing price.

Quantum Fiber is a fiber-optic network under the parent company Lumen Technologies, which also operates CenturyLink’s DSL-based service. The most recent data from the Federal Communications Commission states Quantum Fiber is available to approximately 2% of U.S. households, making it one of the largest fiber-optic networks in the United States [1]. The service operates primarily in 16 states, as well as a number of cities, with the strongest coverage in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington [4]. In May 2025, AT&T announced plans to acquire Quantum Fiber's parent operations for nearly $6 billion—the transaction is expected to close in 2026 [5]. AT&T has indicated no immediate changes are planned, and they will continue to "prioritize putting customers first" following the acquisition. Quantum Fiber delivers symmetrical fiber-optic speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 8,000 Mbps in select markets, with no data caps or contract requirements. The service stands out for its price-for-life guarantee, which locks in your monthly rate permanently—a significant advantage in an industry where 63% of customers reported price increases in the past year [6].

PROS

Blazing-fast, symmetrical fiber speeds No data caps or contracts Price-for-life guarantee Competitive cost-per-megabit value

Cons

Limited availability Some connections may be only FTTC Fiber buildout takes time Multi-gig plans not available in all service areas
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Staff rating

3.5

Optimum features good speeds but poor customer satisfaction scores

Optimum is a major national cable internet provider. Most of Optimum’s 4.3 million subscribers receive cable internet service. But the ISP is also adding some all-fiber connections in select markets. Optimum is the internet brand name of Altice USA, which rolled the company formerly called Suddenlink into the Optimum brand in 2022 [1]. Altice/Optimum is the 6th-largest ISP in the nation [2]. Optimum seems to check off all the right boxes for many of its offerings. You will have no data caps and no required contracts with Optimum internet plans. You will also get free equipment rental included with your monthly plan price. And Optimum’s prices are good (at least while the promotions last). So why are Optimum’s national customer satisfaction scores so low? We’ll check into that as we give you an overview of what to expect from an Optimum internet connection.

PROS

Gigabit download speeds No data caps or contracts 2-year price guarantee

Cons

Poor customer satisfaction scores Slower upload speeds for cable than all-fiber Price hikes after promo rates
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Pricing

4.5

Great prices and a Price-for-Life Guarantee.

Quantum Fiber offers straightforward pricing that includes an autopay discount. Monthly costs are approximately $5 higher if you don't enroll in automatic payments. In most markets, the two primary plans available are the 500 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig) tiers. Multi-gigabit options—including 2 Gig, 3 Gig, and 8 Gig plans—are available in select areas. A handful of markets, including Ocala and Orlando, Florida, as well as Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, offer a budget-friendly 200 Mbps plan for $45 monthly [7].
PlanDownload SpeedUpload SpeedMonthly Price
Up to 200 Mbps200 Mbps200 Mbps$30-$45*
Up to 500 Mbps500 Mbps500 Mbps$50
Up to 940 Mbps940 Mbps940 Mbps$75
Up to 2 Gbps2,000 Mbps2,000 Mbps$95
Up to 3 Gbps3,000 Mbps3,000 Mbps$100
Up to 8 Gbps8,000 Mbps3,000 Mbps**$165
*Pricing varies by market **Note: The 8 Gig plan offers asymmetrical speeds with upload capped at 3,000 Mbps  All plans include free equipment rental during an initial period, unlimited data, and no contracts [2].

Value Analysis

When evaluating internet plans, the cost per megabit provides insight into true value. Quantum Fiber's entry-level 500 Mbps plan at $50 monthly translates to 10 cents per Mbps—a competitive rate for fiber service. This pricing structure positions Quantum Fiber favorably against cable providers that may advertise lower starting prices but dramatically increase rates after promotional periods expire.

Fees and the Price-for-Life Guarantee

Quantum Fiber’s price-for-life guarantee permanently locks in your plan rate—a fantastic deal. Unlike most cable internet providers that raise prices after the promotional period of one or two years, Quantum Fiber maintains your original rate indefinitely. If you sign up for the 500 Mbps plan at $50 a month, that rate remains frozen even if the same plan later costs new customers $65 [2]. This guarantee applies specifically to your base service rate. Three potential cost increases are still possible:
  1. Equipment rental fees: Quantum Fiber provides free equipment during an "initial period," but this timeframe is not clearly defined. After this period ends, rental fees may apply. You can drop these fees altogether by using your own compatible router.
  2. Installation costs: Professional installation is currently free, though Quantum Fiber states this "could change in the future," and additional products or services might incur extra installation costs.
  3. Taxes and miscellaneous fees: Local and state taxes or regulatory fees may increase over time, independent of Quantum Fiber's control.

No Data Caps or Contracts

All Quantum Fiber plans include unlimited data, allowing unrestricted internet use within the acceptable use policy without overage fees or speed throttling. The absence of contracts means you can cancel or modify service anytime without early termination fees.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Pricing

3.0

Good initial prices followed by price hikes

Cable internet is the chief type of connection that Optimum provides its customers. Because of improvements to cable internet technology, you can get gigabit download speeds from many cable internet companies like Optimum. You just won’t get the same upload speeds from cable as you will from an all-fiber connection [3]. Whether you get the usual cable service or all-fiber, you will get good prices from Optimum, and those prices will be locked for 2 years. Here’s an example. You’ll pay $40/month for Optimum’s first tier plan, which is up to 300. That is a good price for these speeds. The catch is that after those two years, standard prices will take effect, which will spike your bill higher. That may be why Optimum is seeing year-over-year declines in its cable customers [4]. The price hikes may be pushing people to other options at the end of their two-year promotion.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Reliability and Performance

4.5

Symmetrical upload and download speeds and superior reliability during peak usage times.

Quantum Fiber utilizes fiber-optic technology, which provides two key advantages over cable and DSL: symmetrical upload and download speeds, and superior reliability during peak usage times. Symmetrical speeds mean your upload capacity matches your download speed. On the 500 Mbps plan, for instance, you receive 500 Mbps in both directions. This proves valuable for video conferencing, uploading large files, livestreaming, and cloud backups—activities that require only modest upload speeds (typically 10 Mbps or less) but benefit from having bandwidth headroom available.

Fiber-to-the-Home vs. Fiber-to-the-Curb

In most installations, Quantum Fiber deploys Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), where fiber-optic cable runs directly to your residence. This provides the fastest possible speeds with full symmetrical performance. However, in some cases, Quantum Fiber may install Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC), where the final connection to your home uses coaxial cable. Even a short coaxial cable segment will reduce upload speeds compared to pure fiber. If you receive an FTTC connection, your download speeds may remain at advertised levels, but uploads will be slower than the symmetrical speeds typical of FTTH. Before installation, confirm which connection type your location will receive.

Performance Capacity

A gigabit fiber plan from Quantum Fiber supports about 10 devices at once, engaging in high-bandwidth activities (like 4K streaming and online gaming) while maintaining a smooth performance. The combination of low latency, high bandwidth, and consistent speeds makes fiber particularly well-suited for households with multiple heavy internet users.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Reliability and Performance

4.0

Cable and fiber both provide fast download speeds, but cable's upload speeds are slower

With hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) technology, Optimum gives its cable customers gigabit download speeds but much slower upload speeds. That’s typical for cable internet service. Optimum is comparable to other major cable internet providers such as Spectrum and Xfinity, offering upload speeds at a maximum of around 35-50 Mbps. Optimum differs from the cable internet competition because it is also launching into the all-fiber internet market. Optimum’s current fiber internet customer base is small but has doubled in the last couple of years from around 100,000 to over 200,000 subscribers [4]. By 2025, Optimum plans to create over 6.5 million fiber passings [5]. Fiber internet’s most striking advantage over cable internet is that fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds. This is a game-changer for online gaming, videoconferencing, and large homes with multiple devices. When Altice merged Suddenlink under the Optimum brand, the company had two distinct “footprints” left from where the old Optimum and Suddenlink coverage had existed. Suddenlink’s coverage area had been primarily in the South and West. Optimum was strong in the Northeast, and particularly in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Now, the fiber buildout is fastest in that tristate area [1]. Your chances of getting fiber internet from Optimum in the next year or two will be better if you live in the tri-state area.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0

Get free use of a  360 Wi-Fi mesh router or use your own router

Quantum Fiber provides its 360 Wi-Fi equipment at no additional cost during an initial period. This system includes a SmartNID ONT device and up to four mesh Wi-Fi pods. The number of Wi-Fi pods will be determined by your installation technician based on your home's size. Most equipment has Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, but Wi-Fi 7 is available in select areas. The mesh network architecture offers better coverage than traditional single-router setups. This is beneficial for larger homes or properties with thick walls that impede wireless signals. The 360 Wi-Fi system creates whole-home connectivity by placing pods throughout your space, eliminating dead zones and ensuring seamless handoff as you move between areas. This setup supports the high device counts and bandwidth demands typical of modern households.

Professional Installation

Quantum Fiber currently provides free professional installation. The company has noted this "could change in the future," and customers requiring additional products or services may incur extra installation costs. Professional installation ensures proper fiber-optic connection, optimal equipment placement for your home's layout, and immediate resolution of any technical issues. The installation process:
  • Running fiber-optic cable to your home (FTTH) or to the curb (FTTC)
  • Installing the SmartNID ONT
  • Positioning mesh Wi-Fi pods throughout the home
  • Testing connection speeds and performance
  • Explaining system features and troubleshooting resources
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0

No equipment rental fees, free installation with Optimum plans

Optimum will provide your modem/router as part of your monthly plan fee, with no extra rental charge. If you have a compatible cable plan, you may even get a Wi-Fi 6 router, which will give you higher speeds for multiple devices than Wi-Fi 5. Fiber internet plans from Optimum will often include the Wi-Fi 6 gateway as well. If you would rather use your own modem and router, Optimum will allow it. Just be sure to check for compatibility with their specs. Standard installation is free with Optimum plans.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Experience & Support

4.0

Quantum Fiber ratings often skewed by CenturyLink

According to the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, Quantum Fiber scored 71 out of 100 points—a 7% decline from the previous year. This places Quantum Fiber four points below the fiber industry average of 75 [3]. The 2025 ACSI data also indicated overall fiber provider scores decreased by 1% year-over-year across the industry [3]. The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study did not differentiate between Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink DSL, instead reporting combined results for Lumen Technologies. In the West, where Quantum Fiber has its strongest presence, Lumen Technologies ranked last with a score of 511 out of 1,000. This combined scoring methodology means CenturyLink's lower-performing DSL service likely impacted the overall rating. If you compare fiber and DSL services within the Lumen portfolio, the ACSI shows Quantum Fiber's fiber service scores 16 points higher than CenturyLink's DSL offerings [3]. This gap showcases that fiber customers report better experiences than DSL subscribers. The 7% satisfaction decline and below-average ACSI score suggest Quantum Fiber has customer experience downfalls regardless of its technical advantages. Issues affecting its customer experience ratings likely include installation delays, equipment problems, billing discrepancies, and customer service responsiveness. Despite the below-average satisfaction scores, Quantum Fiber remains a strong technical choice where available. The combination of fast symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, no contracts, competitive pricing, and the price-for-life guarantee creates genuine value.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Experience & Support

3.0

Optimum customer satisfaction: the big question mark

With so many seemingly good points to its service and pricing, why has Optimum’s customer satisfaction scored significantly below average according to J.D. Power? [6] A random sampling of online user reviews seems to indicate two major complaints. The first is outages and failure of technical response. The second is a more general dissatisfaction with the phone system, being transferred around to different departments, and getting contradictory responses from different phone reps when trying to solve billing issues. Because this is a fairly even distribution of complaints, it’s likely that Optimum is just not quick enough in responding to customer concerns, whether they be technical or billing-related. We can’t know the reason for this dysfunction. Often, these kinds of responsiveness issues happen when companies are understaffed or have high staff turnover in their customer service. But until Optimum gets better ratings, we have to give them only 3 stars for customer satisfaction.  
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber FAQ's

Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink both belong to Lumen Technologies and offer essentially identical services. Quantum Fiber specializes in fiber-optic internet, while CenturyLink provides DSL. Both deliver the same speeds and costs for fiber plans, though any Price for Life guarantee might be affected if your plan's branding changes.
Quantum Fiber is available in 16 states across the U.S., including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington. To find out if Quantum Fiber is available at your address, enter your zip code here or call 1-833-440-3174.
Yes, both CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber allow you to connect multiple users and devices simultaneously. Whether it's for work, school, or entertainment purposes, you can connect and use multiple devices on the same internet connection. Fiber will give you higher speeds than DSL that may work better for multiple devices.
Yes, Quantum Fiber provides Wi-Fi service. With Wi-Fi, you can enjoy wireless connectivity in your home, allowing you to connect your devices without the need for wired connections. The maximum internet speed available for Wi-Fi may vary depending on your location and your internet plan.
Quantum Fiber's benefits include matching upload and download speeds up to multi-gigabit levels, no data caps, and month-to-month service with no long-term commitments required. Additionally, setup and modem costs are included in your plan at no additional fee.
Yes, Quantum Fiber is excellent for gaming. Its symmetrical speeds and fiber-optic connection deliver low latency and stability for competitive online play. The unlimited data means you won't hit caps during gaming sessions or large game updates.
Plans start at $[prov-lopr nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] for [prov-loprsp nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] Mbps and go all the way up to $[prov-hipr nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] for speeds of [prov-hiprsp nation="yes" provider="quantum-fiber"] Mbps.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit OptimumSavings.com.
No, Optimum does not impose data caps on any of its internet plans. You will have unlimited data on both cable internet and fiber internet plans from Optimum.
Optimum offers a free internet speed upgrade service to loyal customers, providing faster speeds and better value without changing the current price.
Optimum provides two options for renting a modem: one includes tech support and equipment replacement, while the other option is for purchasing a compatible modem.
To explore different speed options for your Optimum Internet service, you can enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com to see what plans are available in your area.
Optimum offers savings on monthly bills through their Internet + Mobile Savings program, allowing customers to save up to $30/month by combining Optimum Internet and Optimum Mobile services.
Only Optimum Mobile and Optimum Internet customers are eligible for the Internet + Mobile Savings program offered by Optimum.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Accolades

Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Accolades

Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Up To 8GbpsFiber InternetUp to 8,000 Mbps Only $165
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 3GbpsFiber InternetUp to 3,000 Mbps Only $100
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 940MbpsFiber InternetUp to 940 Mbps Only $75
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 500MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 200MbpsFiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
$200 Optimum Prepaid Mastercard! Free installation!
1 Gig Fiber InternetFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $80
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
$50 Optimum Prepaid Mastercard! Free installation!
500 Mbps Fiber InternetCable InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $60
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Free Installation!
300 Mbps Fiber InternetCable InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $40
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356

Quantum Fiber Customers Review

4.5
Pricing
4.5
4.5
Reliability & Performance
4.5
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.3
Overall Rating
4.3
molly w
1.3
from Park City, UT on October 2025
I’ve been paying for internet service that rarely works, and it’s been an incredibly frustrating experience. I’ve had technicians scheduled to come out four times in the last couple of months — with one complete no-show — and every visit has been a failed attempt to fix the issue. Each appointment required me to take time off work, and the problem still isn’t resolved. To make things worse, calling to schedule service takes anywhere from 2–4 hours on the phone, only to be met with long holds or confusing automated messages. Today I tried calling during their listed business hours, and the recording told me to call back during business hours! I’ve been patient, but this level of service is completely unacceptable — especially for what they charge. I just want reliable internet that actually works.
Russell Berkley
1.0
from Littleton, CO on August 2025
PSA. Do not work with Quantum Fiber it it is an option near you. I currently have CenturyLink ($65 for gigabit). I'm moving now, and I'm being forced to Quantum Fiber (Same company) instead. They jacked up their prices nearly 100% to $55 plus equipment rental for 500 down. It gets worse. I bite the bullet and get it because it's still cheaper than comcast bs. I schedule the install a week out before I'm officially moving (I work from home, internet is vital). 24 hours before the appointment they delay it with no explanation. 3 days later and 3 times contacting them, I have not been given a reschedule or explanation for the delay. This is the scummiest company I've ever encountered and it's not a contest. It has taken me hours to get to the point where one of their reps will actually cancel the account. It's all, 'oh would you like $25 bucks and no information'
Billie T
1.3
from Hooper, UT on August 2025
If I could give 0 stars I would, they “chose” my backyard to install the main box in, destroyed a main sprinkler line, played the “blame game” about who broke it so nobody ever reimbursed us for fixing it, they are CONSTANTLY demanding access to my backyard to get to the box. My husband let one of their salesman talk him into getting their service (he didn’t realize they are directly tied to Century Link, so the box in the backyard IS there’s), the salesman outright lied to my husband stating that “no they wouldn’t need access to our backyard for installation and that the box isn’t “theirs” when in fact it is and the install went not only to that box, but they had to bury a line across my entire back yard, drill holes in my house, and had no regard to the plants they were stepping all over in my flowerbed while doing the work. I am currently looking for a different provider so I can cancel them and ship their stuff back. The service goes down no less than 3 times a day, the speed is worse than slow, their IT services provide nothing but excuses. We have had them less than a month and I refuse to stay, I guess you get what you pay for, although the price is low the quality is lower than low. If you are considering Quantum Fiber all I can say is RUN don’t walk away from them and go with absolutely any other provider.
Clark E
1.0
from Loveland, CO on August 2025
Worst service ever. Their installation is a joke. They have no regard for a neighborhood,. They just barge in, take over, ruin yards, install overhead lines with no care, concern or common sense. Based on other reviews of how good their service is, and previous CenturyLink experience, I would never do business with Quantum.
Finn G
1.3
from Arvada, CO on July 2025
Worse than Comcast and that's hard to do, we do not think there is much (Dumpy Trump) worse than this corp. Everything goes pretty much as expected until your hardware fails. then watch out. They will play every game in the book from no shows, but I knocked but no one answered, its a no show, CYA to get this. 19+ days no internet, finally the dog rats out the clown coming up the drive, and Quantum tell me I have to go to the house where their equipment is, and make an appointment with that homeowner for Quantum to appear for repair, I do not work for them also I have not the slightest idea which house (over there) he talking about, I do not know those folks. Also I do not make up this service persons schedule, I do not know his supervisor WHAT THE HELL????? Why can't he do this, because he F---- lazy and stupid. We quite, took shit off the wall and sent back, never to trust this crap corp again. Now we are back with Comcast and hating every minute of it. A city the size of Denver and the best they can offer are the two crappiest providers on the planet. We have tried there are just no good options. But Quantum is the worst.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

Optimum Customers Review

3.0
Pricing
3.0
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
3.0
Customer Experience & Support
3.0
3.5
Overall Rating
3.5
Brett Mcivor
1.0
on October 2025
Slow always buffering Went up to $77
Jeff Rawls
1.3
from Bellaire, TX on October 2025
Optimum is the worse I've ever dealt with, they increase your pricing and refuse to cancel service until you pay the amount that you never agreed on to begin with. Getting their equipment back to them and counting on them to stop billing will not happen. Stay away from this Company!
Helen Harvey
1.5
from Ruston, LA on October 2025
I am very unhappy with this company lately the service is terrible
Catherine Pape
2.0
from Watertown, CT on August 2025
Last dec.switched to fiber and was told there was no price increase. Went from under 200 to 282. Also they keep charging me for three tvs and I only have 2. Will not give me credit or change my bill.
Robert P
1.3
from Watertown, CT on August 2025
This is the worst internet company that I have rented from. The price points are at best on par with their competitors, and at worst, grossly overcharged. But the most significant concern with Optimum is their piss-poor customer service. If you ever have an issue with coverage or billing, prepare to navigate a Kafkaesque labyrinth of sleepy phone representatives, with the personalities of a baked potato from Applebees and the reasoning capabilities of a beta Chatbot. Optimum served its purpose... for one year. When I moved, I temporarily disconnected my Wifi service, intending to renew it in the new location. The company rep assured me that I could keep the same equipment and plan in the next apartment... only to get there and have Optimum tell me that I needed to upgrade to fiber. Well, not wanting to deal with the 100 dollar install fee and 20 dollar monthly price hike, I decided to switch to Verizon (a great decision by the way—I cut my bill in half, and could install the wifi gateway myself). A new Odyssey of phone calls with Optimum's "retention" team began. Let me save you the trouble: they will offer you competitive counteroffers, gift cards, credits, and other perks, but read the fine print, because the good stuff expires long before the price lock that they promise. At one point, I nearly thought they wouldn't actually let me leave. In short, it's a load of dug, and this is the type of company that needs to swindle and lie in order to stay afloat. Please, save yourself the money and gray hairs. Look elsewhere.
Call today & find the best Optimum internet deals
1-833-337-0356