Charter Cable Internet Packages

Charter Cable Internet packages are offered with the usual internet extras such as free security for up to three computers, automatic updates, parental controls, and the option of accessing WiFi hotspots. The options for internet are divided into five categories and one can easily upgrade to a faster speed (probably easier than one could downgrade to a less expensive package.) The highest four speeds are offered for the given prices only for the first twelve months when you bundle. Be sure to have details clearly laid out for you before signing on for any package. Failure to understand what you are signing up for could result in unanticipated fees and many have complained that Charter is not very clear about what it charges before you have signed on. The flipside here is that because Charter is such a large company, it is able to provide you for more with less, especially when you bundle.

• Lite-$19.99/month, speeds of 1 Mbps
• Express-$29.99/month, speeds of 12 Mbps
• Plus-$39.99/month, speeds of 18 Mbps
• Max-$54.99/month, speeds of 25 Mbps
• Ultra60-$99.99/month, speeds of 60 Mbps

When investigating Charter cable internet packages be sure to also explore Charter’s bundle options, which include the possibility of customizing your own bundle in order to fit your internet, cable, and telephone needs.

A Word of Caution When Considering Charter

When considering Charter cable internet packages there are certain aspects of Charter as a company that must be taken into account. Poor customer service is a frequent problem with internet providers and Charter is certainly no exception. This bad service may result in slow fixing time, difficulty connecting over the phone, or unfriendly staff. Many complain that their internet connections will be dropped for several minutes at a time, a serious problem for gamers and an annoyance for anyone else. Charter often provides in areas where no other competitions exist. If you do find yourself in a position that Charter is the only provider in your area, the most that you can do to protect yourself is to ensure you completely understand their costs before settling on a package, particularly if you are considering buying a bundle package. Though when laid out on their website the options seem very clear, Charter has a reputation for being confusing as well as deceptive. One user provides a helpful guide on getting exactly what you want from Charter. Again if you find yourself in the position that Charter is your only option for a provider, be sure to be persistent with your complaints to ensure that you get what you want.

System requirements for Charter Cable Internet Packages

Charter provides a chart with which you can determine if you have the proper equipment needed to run their internet services using your Windows or Mac. For example, you will require a certain processor speed, amount of RAM, hard drive space and internet browser. Don’t get too caught up with this jargon, however, as most standard setups will easily meet these requirements. Charter internet most frequently makes use of the asymmetrical cable modem scheme. The asymmetry allows for more brandwidth for downstreaming than upstreaming as the majority of users download significantly more than they upload. One also requires a network interface card, though Charter will provide one if you do not already have it. Charter internet will run with most cable modems and nearly all DOCSIS 2.0 and DOCSIS 3.0 devices. A 3.0 device is required in order to reach the advertised internet speeds but these can be rented from Charter or purchased online.

Conclusion

As the fourth largest internet provider in the United States, Charter is often the sole cable provider in certain areas. The result is that many feel ‘stuck’ with Charter and are unsatisfied with the spotty internet, the poor customer service, and the difficult phone calls. Charter prices are often unclear or deceptive. There are lots of possibilities of attaining more for less if you are willing to do the research and attain absolute clarity on what it is you are getting. The truth is that Charter is not necessarily any ‘worse’ than other possible internet providers and given the breadth of the options they provide it is not farfetched to think that one of the several charter internet cable packages may be the best fit for your needs.