Is Cox Internet Unlimited Data?
In a world where many of our activities take place online – be it work communication or entertainment, it is rather important to have an endless high-speed internet connection. Cox Communications provides internet services to its customers in 18 states with different packages available. Indeed, many ask - does Cox offer genuinely unlimited internet connection? Well, let me explain it more in detail.
The Short Answer
In this case, the short answer to the question as to whether Cox provides unlimited home internet data is negative. It should be noted that all Cox internet services packages are offered with a monthly usage allowance of 1TB (1,024GB). If you go beyond that amount of data usage within a billing cycle, you might experience additional charges or limited internet speed.
Data Usage and the Fine Print
In their legal information section, Cox states that the data usage limit on all the internet packages is 1TB which is renewed every month. They do point out that fewer than 2% of customers use more than 250 minutes per month on average.
This means that the usage is based on both the downloads you make and the uploads you do as well. Thus, watching movies and TV shows online, gaming, video conferencing, and regular internet surfing add up to your monthly data consumption.
If you were to exceed 1TB in a month, here is what happens:
- The first two times you cross the 1TB mark, Cox is likely to send a message to let you know that you’re using too much bandwidth. They do not impose penalties or additional charges for exceeding a particular bundle or package limit.
- The third time you go over 1TB of data usage, Cox will begin charging you $10 for each 50GB block of data up to $100 per month.
- Cox also has the right to move you to a “Flex Starter” plan which offers generally lower download/upload speeds if you go over 1TB four times in 12 months.
Unlimited Data Options
In the current world, finding a genuine unlimited home internet data plan is a challenge. Almost every top internet service provider has shifted from offering truly unlimited data to tiered plans. However, Cox does offer a few ways to get unlimited data:
Gigablast Internet
However, Cox’s fastest internet plan known as Gigablast has unrestricted internet usage. The download speed can go up to 940Mbps, and the upload speed up to 35Mbps, making it capable of handling the most demanding data connection tasks.
Since speed and data are inseparable for such applications as 4K streaming, gaming, and managing a smart home, Cox correlates the top speeds with unlimited data. Just note that Gigablast is usually around $69.99-$99.99 monthly depending on your location and the current offers.
Data Usage Plan
However, this can be availed as an add-on to other Internet service provider packages such as the Preferred 150 or Ultimate 500 for an extra $50 monthly charge. This can be done for free without having to switch to the more expensive Gigablast plan.
If the Cox customer resides in an area covered by Gigablast internet or if the internet usage exceeds 1TB regularly, then the Data Usage Plan can come in handy to avoid overuse fees. If you just sometimes go over the limit, the convenience of knowing your internet won’t suddenly slow down might be worth $50 to you.
Ways of Reducing Data Consumption
If unlimited data isn't practical for your home, there are steps you can take to curb your usage and avoid exceeding 1TB each month: If unlimited data isn't practical for your home, there are steps you can take to curb your usage and avoid exceeding 1TB each month:
- It is located in the customer self-care section of Cox’s website and it lets you check your usage meter easily. This helps check for patterns of heavy usage.
- On the Cox app, you should set data usage notifications and alerts at 75% of the limit, 90% of the limit, 100% of the limit, and 115% of the limit.
- If possible, watch videos in standard definition rather than high definition because standard definition consumes less bandwidth. SD can use up to 1-2 GB/hour while HD can use up to 3-7 GB/hour.
- Avoid downloading large files, such as movies and music, or triggering automatic photo synchronization during use.
- Where possible, connect smart home devices such as cameras, thermostats, and speakers to a cellular or Ethernet solution rather than WiFi. This makes sure that their use does not feature on your home data meter.
The Bottom Line
For Cox Home Internet, the plans do not come with limits on the amount of data that can be used. Data usage is limited to 1TB per package, and going over this limit may incur additional charges or a decrease in internet speed. For additional monthly fees, the company can upgrade the internet service to Gigablast or opt for a Data Usage Plan that also offers unlimited data. Lacking the option of unlimited data, tracking usage, and being more judicious about streaming, downloading, and connected devices can prevent an unpleasant surprise.
Ready to upgrade your internet experience? Call us now at +1 844-349-7575 to explore the best Cox Internet plans for your needs!