Spectrum is continuously evolving the connectivity experience to exceed the needs of the modern customer, whether inside the home or on the go. By combining Spectrum Internet®, Advanced WiFi and Mobile into a single, high-value offering, Spectrum has created a new category of connectivity.
We talked to Rich DiGeronimo, Charter’s President, Product and Technology, to better understand how the convergence of Spectrum’s products delivers a fast, reliable, secure and superior connectivity experience.
Q: Tell us about Spectrum’s converged connectivity offering.
Our high-value Spectrum One bundle combines three products: Spectrum Internet, Spectrum Advanced WiFi, and Spectrum Mobile, 1 which includes nationwide 5G access. This triple threat enables what we call “Gig-Powered Wireless,” and it’s how we are delivering the future of connectivity to our customers.
The Spectrum One offering is unmatched in the marketplace and offers a solution for customers who need continuous connectivity and want great value. With Spectrum One, customers access the best available connection – whether via cellular service or our extensive WiFi network – that seamlessly delivers uninterrupted browsing and streaming, wherever their day may take them.
We’ve recently taken this offer a step further by introducing Spectrum One Stream, which integrates Spectrum One with Spectrum TV and the Xumo Stream Box, our new streaming device that leverages the power of the top-rated Spectrum TV App. We already have more than 1 million Xumo devices deployed across our service area, and feedback from our customers has been very positive. The device has addressed a real pain point for customers by bringing all of the top streaming apps and live TV together in one platform with award-winning voice search. This is streaming simplified.
Q: How do customers benefit from bundling Spectrum Internet and Advanced WiFi with Spectrum Mobile?
There are many reasons why Spectrum is the nation’s fastest growing mobile provider2, and value is certainly a key factor. By bundling our products, customers can save money and gain access to innovative features like Spectrum Speed Boost, which automatically increases speeds for Spectrum Mobile customers when connected to Advanced WiFi. In fact, Spectrum Mobile delivers the nation’s fastest overall wireless speeds when combined with WiFi3. In fact, more than 85% of Spectrum Mobile customers’ activity occurs over WiFi, and time spent on a 5G cellular network is actually the slowest level of service.
Q: How does Spectrum Security Shield ensure a safe connection for Spectrum customers?
Cybersecurity threats are increasingly sophisticated, underscoring the need for a secure connection and reinforcing our efforts to protect customers’ networks from bad actors. Spectrum Advanced WiFi offers Security Shield, which leverages machine learning to prevent unauthorized access to private networks, blocking over 1 billion threats per year4.
In addition, when customers connect to any of our Spectrum WiFi access points while on the go, they can rest assured that Security Shield protects their data as they browse.
Q: What is cell phone internet service and how does it compare to Spectrum’s connectivity offerings?
Cell phone internet service, also called “fixed wireless access,” is internet delivered over a mobile network using cell towers and over-the-air radio frequencies like a cell phone. Unlike Spectrum Internet, cell phone internet connections are prone to interference from distance and obstructions between customers and cell towers, like walls. Performance can also be impacted by the number of people on the cellular network at a given time, particularly during peak use hours of 7-11 p.m.5 , which can materially degrade the service – for example, causing throttling and buffering of streaming services.
Spectrum’s fiber-rich network delivers the fastest speeds in more neighborhoods than any other provider in our service area6. In fact, Spectrum has significantly faster and more reliable speeds than T-Mobile and Verizon cell phone internet at peak use hours7, so streaming your favorite team during a big game or having every family member on their device simultaneously is supported.
At the same time, we’re investing heavily in our network to roll out even more speed, with symmetrical and multi-gig speeds launching across our service area over the coming years.
Q: As Spectrum continues to evolve its network, what can users do with this high-speed internet?
Consider the Apple Vision Pro, which has more pixels than a 4K television for each eye. Our network can handle the data these devices require. Beyond virtual reality, the growing IoT ecosystem is another use case, driving innovation in smart homes, healthcare and automotive that require a seamless, secure, fast and reliable connection. By constantly evolving our network, we are ensuring our ability to set the pace with the connectivity demands of today and tomorrow.
1Spectrum Internet required. Auto-pay required. For Unlimited/Unlimited Plus, speeds are reduced after 30/50 GB of usage per line. Restrictions apply. For details, refer to Spectrum.com/policies/mobile-terms.
2Based on Q4 2023 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.
3“Fastest wireless speeds” based on analysis by Spectrum of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data for overall Mobile WiFi and Cellular performance for Q4 2023 in Spectrum’s cable footprint. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
4Based on number of online threats blocked by Advanced WiFi using secure browsing, secure traffic, smart device protection, and outbound DoS prevention.
5T-Mobile: “During congestion, Home Internet customers may notice speeds lower than other customers and further reduction if using >1.2TB/mo., due to data prioritization.” Verizon: “On certain plans, we may prioritize your 5G and 4G LTE data behind other traffic. If the cell site you are connected to begins experiencing high demand during the duration of your session, your 5G and 4G LTE data speeds may be slower than the other traffic’s.”
6Based on Internet speeds offered Charter’s footprint according to FCC Form 477.
7Based on Ookla Speedtest data comparing Consistency scores.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
