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Quantum Fiber vs. WOW Internet Providers Compared

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Quantum Fiber Vs WOW

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Nov. 10, 2023 / Updated Feb. 2, 2026

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Quantum Fiber Vs WOW

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Plans starting at: $45

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: $25

Popular Package: Fiber 5 Gig

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & Cable

Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

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. According to the latest data from June 2025, the Federal Communications Commission states that Quantum Fiber is available to just over 2.3% of U.S. households, making it one of the largest fiber-optic networks in the United States [1]. The service operates in 18 states, as well as a number of cities, with the strongest coverage in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, and Washington [2]. In May 2025, AT&T announced plans to acquire Quantum Fiber's parent company for nearly $6 billion; the transaction is expected to close in 2026 [3]. AT&T has indicated that no immediate changes are planned and will continue to "prioritize putting customers first" following the acquisition. The sale ultimately resulted in Lumen reporting $915 million in losses for Q2 2025, with Lumen attributing losses to the accounting changes, and "not from money actually spent" [4]. Quantum Fiber delivers symmetrical fiber-optic speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 8000 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 [5].

PROS

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 Multi-gig plans not available in all service areas
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

WOW Staff rating

4.0

WOW! delivers fast, reliable internet with attractive pricing

WOW! (WideOpenWest) serves customers in 6 states—Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida [1]—and is the smallest cable internet provider on our list [2]. WOW! serves over 2 million residential, business, and wholesale consumer subscribers, which is still a smaller base compared to industry cable internet giants like Xfinity and Spectrum [3]. Notably,  it serves 470,400 high-speed data subscribers as of December 31, 2024 (down from 490,100 in 2023). But WOW! provides a model of good internet performance, operational success, and general customer satisfaction. In August 2025, WOW! (WideOpenWest) agreed to be acquired by DigitalBridge Group and Crestview Partners in a $1.5 billion transaction valued at $5.20 per share [4]. WOW! uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network, like the biggest national cable providers. WOW! also features very low introductory plan prices, far lower than most cable internet providers. Though prices will rise after the first year, you’ll still pay about $20 less for most WOW! plan speeds than you would with Spectrum or Xfinity.  And WOW! scores above average for customer satisfaction, too.

PROS

Best prices for cable service Good customer satisfaction Gigabit download speeds

Cons

Limited area of coverage Slower upload speeds
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

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—up to 2 Gig, up to 3 Gig, and up to 8 Gig plans—are available in select areas. All plans include free equipment rental during an initial period, unlimited data, and no contracts [7].

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 per month equates 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 introductory rates but dramatically increase rates after promotional periods end.

Fees and the Price-for-Life Guarantee

Quantum Fiber’s "Price for Life" guarantee locks in your plan rate permanently, making it a great 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 200 Mbps plan at $30 per month, that rate remains locked in, even if the same plan later costs new customers $20 more. 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." 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 and regulatory fees may increase over time, beyond 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 at any time without incurring early termination fees.
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

WOW Pricing

4.0

WOW’s prices are so low they’ll WOW you

If there’s any way that WOW! can claim to have truly earned its name, it’s with low pricing. The first-tier plan will give you 300 Mbps download speed for only $25 a month. That's on the very low end of cable ISP pricing. A lightning-fast, 5000 Mbps speed from WOW! will run you $185. This plan comes from their fiber internet offerings. WOW! has no data caps, contracts, or hidden fees. Additionally, they offer a price lock, so your monthly rate won't go up as long as you stay with the same speed plan.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

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 8000 Mbps plan, for instance, you receive 8000 Mbps in both directions. This is valuable for video conferencing, uploading large files, livestreaming, and cloud backups.

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 the advertised levels, but your upload speeds 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 simultaneously, enabling high-bandwidth activities (such as 4K streaming and online gaming) while maintaining 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

WOW Reliability and Performance

4.0

WOW! cable delivers gigabit downloads but asymmetrical upload speeds; fiber offers symmetrical multi-gigabit service

WOW's hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) cable network delivers download speeds comparable to those of national cable providers such as Spectrum and Xfinity. Upload speeds on cable plans are capped at 50 Mbps regardless of download tier. This asymmetrical speed structure is standard for cable internet technology and sufficient for typical household activities, including streaming multiple 4K devices and online gaming.

WOW's cable plans provide adequate performance for households with average internet usage patterns. The highest tier plan offers top speeds on cable, supporting simultaneous streaming, video conferencing, and gaming across multiple devices. However, the 50 Mbps upload limitation presents constraints for specific use cases. Users who regularly upload large files (such as video content creators), operate cloud-based backup systems, or require symmetrical bandwidth for enterprise-grade applications will experience performance bottlenecks with cable service.

In select Greenfield expansion markets, WOW offers all-fiber service with symmetrical speeds up to 5,000 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. Fiber service is currently available within 5.7% of WOW's total coverage footprint [8], concentrated in newer markets including Central Florida, Hernando County (Florida), Greenville County (South Carolina), and select areas in Michigan and Alabama [9]. The symmetrical nature of fiber service eliminates the upload speed constraints present in cable plans, making fiber suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications, heavy content creation, and households with 10+ simultaneous high-bandwidth users.

Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

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 internet provider 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

WOW Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0

Equipment rental fees are optional, self-installation is free for WOW!

All WOW! plans come with a free self-installation kit. If, for any reason, you’re not comfortable with self-installation, you can get pro installation for $50. WOW! now offers a free WiFi modem with your plan. You also have the option to supply your own equipment--just make sure you check with WOW! to be sure your router has compatible specs.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Quantum Fiber Experience & Support

4.0

Quantum Fiber ratings often skewed by CenturyLink

According to the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report comparing internet providers, 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 that overall fiber provider scores decreased by 1% year-over-year across the industry [8]. 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. 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. Reddit backs this up, with some users frustrated with Quantum Fiber's reliability: "The speed is great, consistent 550mbps up and down, but it is so unreliable" [9]. Other subscribers report a more positive experience, but do note that they are utilizing their own equipment instead of the Quantum Fiber-supplied equipment: "Love [Quantum Fiber], just get your own wifi equipment" [10]. 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

WOW Experience & Support

4.0

WOW! maintains above-average customer satisfaction despite declining subscriber base

WOW scored 733 out of 1,000 in J.D. Power's North Central region study [10] and outperformed larger ISPs including Cox in the 2023 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study [11]. This positions WOW above the cable industry average of 68 out of 100 on the ACSI scale [12], though below top fiber providers like AT&T Fiber (80) and Verizon Fios (77) [13].

Despite these satisfaction ratings, WOW's subscriber base declined 5% year-over-year from 490,100 to 470,400 as of December 2024, with revenue decreasing 8.1% to $630.9 million. These declines reflect competitive pressure from expanding fiber networks and 5G wireless alternatives rather than service quality issues.

WOW provides 24/7 telephone support and online chat daily from 7:00 AM to 11:45 PM EST [14], plus an online account management portal, and has been named a "Best & Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation" 12 times, including 8 consecutive years as of 2025.

Ultimately, WOW's regional focus enables more personalized service than national cable giants.

Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

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

WOW FAQ's

WOW! does not provide a static IP address for your home internet account. But WOW! does offer home business accounts that can provide you with a static IP address.
WOW! offers security on a network level, which means you don’t have to manage it yourself. Network Security helps guard your internet connection against phishing, viruses and malware.
WOW! Internet and WOW! Whole-Home Wi-Fi can be self-installed.
Yes, you can. As long as a technician has completed the outside installation or there is an existing WOW! connection, you will be able to install and activate service using your own modem.
Take our internet speed test to find your actual upload and download speed.
The eero devices that support your Whole-Home Wi-Fi provide up to 1500 square feet of coverage per device.
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

Quantum Fiber Accolades

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

WOW Accolades

Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
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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 $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Up To 1Gbps Fiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $45
*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 $70
*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

WOW Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Visa $300 Rewards Card
Fiber 5 GigFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $185
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Visa $300 Rewards Card
Fiber 3 GigFiber InternetUp to 3,000 Mbps Only $100
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Internet 1 GigCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Internet 600Cable InternetUp to 600 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Internet 300Cable InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $25
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259

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
Haru Lindsey
1.3
from Las Vegas, NV on February 2026
I went from Cox to Quantum Fiber. I work from home, and kept having intermittent internet. so I upgraded, which made it worse. Tech support was no help so they sent a tech to my home 5 days later! The tech arrived agitated, he verbally assaulted me for not answering my door fast enough (within 2 minutes of his ringing my doorbell). I reported the incident and requested another tech. That was a week ago. They keep postponing my appointment. I have no clue if or when someone will be here but my entire office is shut down because no one can log into my server remotely. With all of the down time, it is costing my company and employees a lot of money. Very bad for business!
Vic
1.3
from Sanibel, FL on January 2026
House was renovated and the Inet line was cut. In my 1st calls to QF, they said they could not repair it because I was on pause, and they could not take me off of pause; I had to do it over their internet -- which of course was not possible since their line was cut. They also said they could not update my phone for the same reason. After a day of calls, I reached someone who could make these changes and schedule a repair for the next day. The repair person came out and said they could not fix a 2nd floor connection unless I provided a ladder, but that if I rented a ladder, they would be back the next day (Saturday). They did not return Saturday, and their phone line said the order was written but not entered. He promised Monday. Same story Monday, and they promised Tuesday, but they sent me an email with a schedule for that Friday. I told them that if they could not fix it by Tuesday AM, I was switching providers. I called Tuesday and canceled. They gave me an argument, but finally said I could cancel as of the end of the month -- no refund. I fought them back to a partial month but got no credit for the time they could not make it work.
Eileen T
1.5
from Portland, OR on December 2025
If I could give them a zero rating I would. I was forced over to them from Century Link where I never had issues. Now it's nothing but issues. They keep directing me to use the app to do what I need to do and it never works so innevitably have to call support or chat and then they try to get me to solve myself using the app that I already told them doesn't work. Its been a horrible transition. Use someone else if you can.
Leeann H
1.0
from Apple Valley, UT on November 2025
I called to schedule an installation. The customer service was awful, AWFUL. I talked to two reps because the first phone call kept disconnecting. She called back twice, but eventually we couldn't hear each other, so I called in again and got a different rep. The first one was difficult to understand, and apparently, she had difficulty understanding me. She asked me three times if I was a current customer. Each time I said, no, but then a minute later she would ask me again. She got my email wrong three times. She asked me a question, but I didn't realize it was a question, so I didn't say anything but waited for her to continue. After a minute of no one talking, I asked, "Are you still there?" She replied, "Yes, ma'am, are you a current customer with us?" The second rep was easier to understand. But it still took over two hours. And when the whole ordeal was finally over, the rep transferred me to someone who then tried to sell me a home security system. I eventually had to hang up on that rep because he wouldn't take no for an answer, even after hearing it six times! I called an hour later and cancelled the installation. I then found another company with much faster speeds, less expensive, and I was able to sign up in five minutes on the website. I told my husband that I would rather have a tooth pulled than go through that whole Quantum Fiber sign-up mess again!
Cam B
1.0
from Portland, OR on November 2025
HORRIBLE reliability and jitter. Worst of any internet provider I've ever seen. If you need to present over Zoom or Team, AVOID THIS PROVIDER AT ALL COSTS. It will hurt your career!
Call today & find the best Quantum Fiber internet deals
1-833-440-3323

WOW Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
ROMARIO M
1.3
on January 2026
SU INTERNET SE CAE LA VELOCIDAD CONSTANTEMENTE, DURANTE CUALQUIER HORARIO, NO SE CUMPLE LO QUE DICE QUE GARANTIZA EL 70% DE LA VELOCIDAD Y EL APLICATIVO DGO IIGUAL DE TERRIBLE, EMPRESAS DE MAL SERVICIO. PESIMO
Ann Enghardt
4.0
from Warren, MI on August 2025
I pay $64 for internet per month. I would like the $30/month plan.
Vickie Eller
2.5
from Charlotte, MI on April 2025
Prices go up every month started at 50 then it went to 64.99 now it's at 83.99 I need different internet in my area
Jocelyn Peck
3.3
from Atlanta, GA on March 2022
Sonia Fry
2.8
from Warren, MI on January 2022
Call today & find the best WOW internet deals
1-833-864-0259