Is Cox Internet Actually Good?
Cox Communications is among the leading telecommunication companies in the USA, which provides cable television, telephone, and internet services to more than six million individuals from eighteen states. However, is this internet service that they are providing satisfactory or not? While numerous articles provide information about Cox Internet, this article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of this service provider to assist you make an informed decision.
Speeds
As previously noted, the availability of speeds is one of the most crucial metrics one has to consider when assessing an Internet service. In terms of internet download speeds, Cox has packages starting from 50Mbps up to gigabit speeds. Their basic package is 50Mbps downloads, which is okay for simple internet use, emails, and limited streaming in one device. However, for a family with multiple devices or gaming, the 150 Mbps or 300 Mbps option is more suitable.
Cox employs a fiber-coaxial hybrid that integrates both the fiber optic and coaxial connection systems. This makes it possible for them to provide fairly fast internet speeds as compared ‘to providers who use infrastructure such as telephone lines’. Cox has been tested by third-party outlets and has also been proven to deliver internet speeds that are promised to customers without massive losses in speed. This makes them better in this regard than some other cable internet providers that have issues with network congestion when users are most active.
Reliability
That is why when considering the quality of an internet service, apart from speeds, reliability is also a primary factor. Cox has described its service as having an impressive “99.9% reliability to clients.” In reality, Cox Internet like any other Internet Service Provider can be sometimes faced with outages. These are commonly mild and brief and if severe at all, last for less than four hours when present.
To ensure consumers receive cable internet, physical cables must be installed and can be easily disrupted by natural calamities, construction mishaps, etc., resulting in localized disruption. For Cox customers, the frequency and duration of these services depend on where in the coverage map you reside. However, due to Cox’s focus on fixing issues that prevent minor scale outages for an extended period, in essence, for a regular user, the internet service is incredibly reliable.
Network Management
Cox does limit the part of the network and it tends to manage normal user traffic even during peak hours to ensure the availability of reasonable internet connection speed. What this means is that there are subscribers who utilize very high amount of monthly data usage may be exposed to throttling of download speed as compared to the advertised rates. However, such throttling is only reserved for peak hours and not at all times The implications of this approach are discussed below.
Moreover, there is no official policy at Cox that directs the company to block, slow down, or give preference to any particular applications, websites, or services. Their network management is mainly focused on controlling the level of influence of heavy bandwidth users rather than banning the connection or specific content. This makes Cox pale a little better than some other major ISPs when it comes to net neutrality.
Data Caps
However, there is one drawback of Cox the company is very strict about the usage of data and charges extra if the user exceeds the limit set for data usage. Certain specifications apply to Cox Internet service; they include the fact that the firm has a 1TB (1,024GB) usage cap per month for all its internet plans. If you consume even 50GB more than the limit, then you’ll be charged $10 for the next block of 50 GB. It is not very hard for any given family or heavy Internet user or household that watches a lot of HD videos to go over this limit.
That said Cox does present possible ways of raising the data usage cap to 50 GB for $50 a month more or eliminating it for $50 more per month. However, having to pay such expensive tariffs for the use of overage makes their internet service much less affordable for high users of internet data. None of the other fiber or cable providers like Verizon Fios has such severe data limits and charges.
Other Features
On the bright side concerning value, every Cox Internet package comes with Cox Security Suite Plus, a feature that offers protection against threats at no additional fee. This comes in the form of anti-virus, PC monitoring, identity theft, and other related features. Such vendors are available and they offer similar security add-ons at about $5 to $10 for each month.
Further, there is Cox Panoramic WiFi offered as an add-on service at $12 per month for customers. This modem/router combo also assists in achieving maximum coverage in every corner of your home to eliminate dead spots by utilizing mesh technology and optimizing your WiFi according to the structure of your house. It also can effectively control guest access while being used.
Static IPs or VPNs for hosting and other requirements can be availed through Cox Business plans, in case the user requires them. Therefore, it remains apparent that Cox does provide adequate solutions to tech-inclined customers such as work-from-home professionals. However, it is even more costly for customers with lower data usage requirements who only require basic Internet services.
Bundling Options
Cox Communications is a triple-play company and it offers several promotions that can attract customers to subscribe to the internet with Contour TV and home phone. Such bundles can be able to give the subscriber a saving of between $10 – $30 per month compared to subscribing to the internet only. Bundle packages come with bonuses such as free premium channel options in the initial months.
But you also need to bring in factors like equipment rental, DVR service charge, and other service charges which you may not require but will have to pay since they are part of the bundle. Additionally, the promotional rates are only available for 12 to 24 months, meaning that the customer is subjected to much higher rates after the initial promotional period. If you think about package deals, do the bundle math to understand whether those plans make good financial sense in the long run.
Those who do not desire to have cable TV can simply opt for internet with phone service under a Cox double play to get some bundled discount. Overall though, the stand-alone service offering is the primary draw of Cox Internet and remains exclusively so. Promotion bundle products just exist there to attract more switchers during the promotion period.
Customer Satisfaction
When it comes to consumer satisfaction surveys, Cox Communications can indeed be mediocre across the board as a whole. But this is not a standard, depending on the area, ratings are higher on average for Cox West, such as California and Arizona, while some of the southeast regions have lower ratings.
Online reviews are just as varied as those observed in-store from extremely content subscribers shedding light on reliable performance to dissatisfied customers complaining about rude customer service and unexpected fees. Some of this is contingent upon whether fiber internet options are available in your area and can present meaningful competition to incite Cox improvement. In some cases where the choice is limited then services and support may be slightly behind other similar providers.
While some of the concerns cited include poor in-house signals, Cox panoramic WiFi, if installed and configured well, does away with such issues. However, like most cable ISPs, inconsistency in the connection quality, frequent lag, and random technical issues will at one point or the other arise that would need some fixing. This way, technicians are immediately available to address problems and their work does not result in extended issues.
The Bottom Line
In terms of a cable provider, Cox Internet is a relatively faster and more dependable internet solution with few significant cons associated with a limited data allowance. Not quite reaching ‘best’ status or having exemplary customer service, they do not go down the path that some of the other big cable ISPs have in terms of throttling, neutrality, and congestion. In areas where Cox is the main or sole provider of high-speed broadband service, they are a rather sturdy choice to meet most typical subscribers’ requirements.
Ready to upgrade your internet experience? Call us now at +1 844-349-7575 to explore the best Cox Internet plans for your needs!