WOW! Internet Plans, Pricing, and Availability — 2025
Cable & Fiber | AL, FL, GA, MI, SC, TN | Now Private (DigitalBridge + Crestview) | No Contracts | Score: 7.4 / 10
Check WOW! Internet Availability at Your Address
WOW! Internet (WideOpenWest, Inc.) is a regional cable and fiber internet provider serving select markets across six states in the Midwest and Southeast United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee. WOW! does not currently serve the western United States — Zenorex Inc. includes WOW! as a partner for customers located in or relocating to WOW!’s coverage area. Within those six states, WOW! coverage is market-specific rather than statewide: the company operates in specific cities and metropolitan areas, not entire states.
WOW! offers two distinct internet technologies — HFC cable (DOCSIS 3.1) and fiber (FTTH) — with fiber availability expanding rapidly in newer Greenfield markets like Central Florida, Hernando County (FL), and Greenville County (SC). Which technology serves your address significantly affects your plan options, speeds, and the data cap situation. Fiber plans have no data caps; cable plans have high caps with overage charges.
How to Check Your Address:
- Enter your full street address in the Zenorex availability tool above — ZIP code alone is insufficient since cable and fiber availability within WOW!’s markets varies block by block.
- The tool confirms whether WOW! cable, WOW! fiber, or neither is available at your address, along with current plans and pricing.
- WOW! fiber is expanding rapidly in its Greenfield markets. If a prior check showed only cable, re-checking is worthwhile as fiber deployment reaches new streets.
- All advertised WOW! pricing requires AutoPay and paperless billing enrollment. Prices are higher without both. An optional $5/month price lock fee is available to protect rates from changes.
info WOW! Internet at a Glance
settings_input_antenna Why WOW! Availability Varies by Location
- Overbuild history: WOW! was founded on the overbuild model — entering markets where incumbent cable monopolies (Comcast, Time Warner) charged high prices and delivered poor service. WOW! built competing cable infrastructure in these markets rather than acquiring existing systems. This means WOW! coverage follows specific street-by-street overbuild infrastructure, not telephone franchise territory boundaries.
- Market-specific footprint: WOW! serves 20+ specific markets across six states. Major coverage areas include Detroit metro (Michigan), Central Florida, Charleston/Greenville area (South Carolina), Columbus and Augusta areas (Georgia), and communities in Alabama and Tennessee. The company does not serve entire states — only specific metropolitan and suburban markets.
- Greenfield fiber expansion: WOW!’s current growth strategy is building all-new FTTH fiber networks in markets it did not previously serve — called Greenfield expansion. These new fiber markets (Central Florida, Hernando County FL, Greenville SC, and others) deliver symmetrical fiber speeds to communities that may have had only Comcast or other incumbents before.
- Post-2021 footprint reduction: WOW! sold its Ohio markets (Columbus, Cleveland) to Atlantic Broadband (Breezeline) for $1.13 billion and its Chicago, Evansville, and Anne Arundel County markets to Astound Broadband for $661 million in 2021-2022. These strategic sales concentrated the company in its strongest remaining markets and funded the Greenfield fiber strategy. Former WOW! Ohio customers should check Breezeline or Spectrum as alternatives.
help_outline What to Do If WOW! Is Not Available at Your Address
WOW! Plans and Pricing
WOW! offers two distinct plan families — cable and fiber — with pricing that varies by location.
Internet 300
Ideal for 1-3 devices. Slower upload speeds compared to fiber, but download bandwidth is plenty for daily workflows, standard streaming, and browsing.
- check_circle 300 Mbps Download speed
- check_circle Up to 10-20 Mbps Upload
- check_circle Generous Cable Data Cap
- check_circle Free Wi-Fi Gear (Year 1)
Fiber 500
HighSpeedInternet.com calls this plan ‘hard to beat.’ Symmetrical 500 Mbps download and upload speeds. Ideal for heavy workloads and multiple devices.
- check_circle 500 Mbps Symmetrical speeds
- check_circle Unlimited Data (No Caps)
- check_circle Free Wi-Fi Gear Included
- check_circle Symmetrical FTTH reliability
Fiber 1 Gig
Premium fiber speed tier. Delivers 1,000 Mbps upload and download. Best for smart homes, extensive device ecosystems, and large cloud backups.
- check_circle 1,000 Mbps Symmetrical speeds
- check_circle Unlimited Data (No Caps)
- check_circle Free Wi-Fi Gear Included
- check_circle Symmetrical FTTH reliability
Cable Upload Speeds vs. Greenfield Fiber
WOW! operates two distinct network topologies. While HFC cable uses DOCSIS 3.1 to support download speeds up to 2 Gbps, upload speeds on cable are asymmetric and limited to approximately 50 Mbps. HighSpeedInternet.com notes that WOW!’s cable upload speeds up to 50 Mbps actually beat the average upload speed of 40.43 Mbps in Michigan.
Where available in Greenfield markets, WOW! Fiber provides dedicated FTTH connections with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. Symmetrical upload is the superior choice for heavy video uploads, streaming, and large-scale backups.
WOW! Cable Internet Plans
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Promo Price (AutoPay + Paperless) | Price After 12 Months | Data Cap | Contract | Wi-Fi Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOW! Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | Up to 10-20 Mbps | ~$25/mo. | Standard rate applies | High cap ($10/50GB overage up to $50) | None | Free first year; lease fee after |
| WOW! Internet 600 | 600 Mbps | Up to 50 Mbps | ~$45/mo. | Standard rate applies | High cap ($10/50GB overage up to $50) | None | Free first year; lease fee after |
| WOW! Internet 1 Gig | 1,000 Mbps | Up to 50 Mbps | ~$65/mo. | Standard rate applies | High cap ($10/50GB overage up to $50) | None | Free first year; lease fee after |
| WOW! Internet 2 Gig | 2,000 Mbps | Up to 50 Mbps | ~$80/mo. | Standard rate applies | High cap ($10/50GB overage up to $50) | None | Free first year; lease fee after |
WOW! Fiber Plans (Greenfield Markets Only)
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Promo Price (AutoPay + Paperless) | Price After 12 Months | Data Cap | Contract | Wi-Fi Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WOW! Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps (symmetrical) | ~$25/mo. | Flat rate (stable) | Unlimited | None | Free Wi-Fi gear included; fiber terminal included |
| WOW! Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | ~$35/mo. | Stable pricing | Unlimited | None | Free Wi-Fi gear included |
| WOW! Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | ~$45-$50/mo. | Stable pricing | Unlimited | None | Free Wi-Fi gear included; HighSpeedInternet.com: ‘hard to beat’ |
| WOW! Fiber 1 Gig | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | ~$80/mo. | Stable pricing | Unlimited | None | Free Wi-Fi gear included |
| WOW! Fiber 2 Gig | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | ~$100/mo. | Stable pricing | Unlimited | None | Free Wi-Fi gear + one Wi-Fi Access Point included |
| WOW! Fiber 5 Gig | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | ~$130-$150/mo. | Stable pricing | Unlimited | None | Free Wi-Fi gear included; maximum speeds require compatible wired equipment |
WOW! Price Lock & Equipment Costs
lock The WOW! Optional $5/Month Price Lock Fee
WOW!’s price lock option is highly unusual. Without paying the optional **$5/month price lock fee**, WOW! reserves the right to change your rate at any time. If you choose to pay the optional $5/month price lock fee:
- Your plan’s base rate is locked — WOW! cannot change the rate of your current package.
- The $5/month fee itself applies for as long as you keep the lock active.
- Over 12 months, the price lock costs $60 — less than a typical post-promotional rate increase.
- For cable plan customers: Cable plans transition from the 12-month promotional price to the standard (higher) rate at month 13. The price lock does not prevent this promotional-to-standard transition — it locks the rate you are currently on. This means the price lock is most valuable once you are on the standard rate, protecting it from further changes.
Equipment Leases & BYOD Options
| Equipment | First Year Cost | Cost After Year 1 | BYOD Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Gateway (Cable Plans) | Free | May incur monthly rental fee — verify at wowway.com | Yes — compatible BYOD modem saves rental fee after year 1 |
| ONT + Wi-Fi AP (Fiber Plans) | Free | Included (AP may have ongoing terms) | ONT required; own router can connect to ONT; cannot replace ONT |
| Premium Wi-Fi Package (Mesh Router) | $9.99/mo. | $9.99/mo. | Use own mesh system connected to ONT/Gateway to avoid the fee |
Installation & Setup Details
Self-Installation
A low $10 activation fee applies. WOW! ships the equipment directly to your address. Most customers can self-install cable service successfully. Fiber self-install is available at addresses with existing fiber infrastructure.
Professional Installation
$99-$100 when a technician visit is required. New fiber connections requiring ONT installation always require a professional technician visit.
60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
WOW! offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on select plans — one of the most generous trial periods of any major ISP. Customers who are unsatisfied within 60 days receive a full refund.
Why Choose WOW! Internet?
What Is WOW! Internet?
WOW! (WideOpenWest, Inc.) is one of America’s independent regional broadband providers, delivering cable and fiber internet, home phone, and mobile services to residential and business customers across six states. Since December 31, 2025, WOW! has been 100% privately owned by affiliated investment funds of DigitalBridge Group and Crestview Partners, following a $1.5 billion all-cash take-private transaction. WOW! was previously publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol WOW until the transaction closed at year-end 2025.
WOW!’s defining business model was built on competition: the company entered cable TV and internet markets where incumbent operators held monopoly positions, offered better pricing and service, and built its customer base by being the challenger. This competitive DNA is reflected in WOW!’s no-contract approach, competitive pricing, generous data caps, and its earned reputation as a customer-friendly alternative to the large national cable ISPs. Named Best Internet Service Provider 2024 by U.S. News & World Report, WOW! has consistently earned recognition for value and customer experience.
WOW! Company Overview & TV Exit
WideOpenWest, Inc. operates as WOW! Internet, passing nearly 2 million residential and business locations across 20+ markets in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The company operates a broadband-first strategy, having exited cable TV service in 2026 to focus exclusively on internet, phone, and mobile services.
5 Gbps Symmetrical
Select addresses in Greenfield markets can access up to 5 Gbps speeds on WOW! Fiber, powered by modern XGS-PON technology.
No Contracts
Cancel at any time without early termination fees (ETFs) on standard plans. Pay-as-you-go month-to-month flexibility.
WOW! History & Ownership
Founding & Knology Acquisition
Founded in 1996 in Denver, CO, on the overbuild cable model. Acquired Ameritech New Media cable systems in 2001, scaling in Ohio and Michigan. Acquired Knology in 2012 for $1.5B, expanding into the Southeast.
NYSE IPO & Market Divestitures
Went public on the NYSE in 2017, raising $401M. Sells Ohio markets to Atlantic Broadband (Breezeline) for $1.13B and Chicago/Evansville/Maryland markets to Astound Broadband for $661M in 2021-2022 to fund fiber Greenfield strategy.
Take-Private & Cable TV Exit
DigitalBridge and Crestview complete take-private acquisition on December 31, 2025 ($1.5B enterprise value), delisting WOW! from the NYSE. Exited cable TV service in 2026 to focus on broadband-first fiber expansion.
Pros & Cons Overview
- Extremely competitive cable entry rates (~$25/mo. for Internet 300).
- No annual contracts required on standard plans.
- Symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps in Greenfield fiber markets.
- No data caps on any fiber plan.
- U.S. News & World Report named WOW! Best ISP of 2024.
- Free Wi-Fi equipment for the first year on new activations.
- 60-day money-back guarantee — one of the most generous in the market.
- YouTube TV bundle saves $10/month on streaming TV for the first year.
- WOW! Mobile bundle saves $10/month on your internet statement.
- DigitalBridge investment backing secures capital for Greenfield builds.
- Below-average customer satisfaction ratings in independent surveys (the primary negative data point).
- Optional $5/month price lock fee required to prevent rate changes.
- Cable plans have data caps with overage charges ($10/50GB up to $50).
- Post-promotional rate increases on cable plans can be significant after month 12.
- Equipment lease fees may apply after the first year.
- No proprietary cable TV service (exited in 2026; streaming TV only).
- Cable upload speeds are asymmetric and ceiling at 50 Mbps.
- Fiber plans are limited only to newer Greenfield expansion markets.
- No coverage in the Western United States.
WOW! Is a Strong Choice If…
- You reside in a WOW! Greenfield fiber market (Central FL, Hernando County, Greenville SC, Headland AL) and want symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps.
- You want a competitive alternative to Comcast or Spectrum with no annual contracts.
- You want maximum budget flexibility with no-contract, month-to-month plans.
- You want to save on mobile or streaming TV by bundling.
WOW! May Not Be the Right Fit If…
- You reside in the Western United States (WOW! is completely unavailable there).
- You want a single-provider cable TV + internet bundle (WOW! exited cable TV in 2026).
- You are concerned about below-average customer satisfaction ratings.
- You want unlimited data on a cable plan without overage risks.
WOW! Service Areas & Availability
WOW! operates in select markets across six states. Fiber is expanding in Greenfield markets.
WOW! State-by-State Coverage Matrix
| State | Available | Technology | Key Markets | Fiber Status | Primary Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | Yes — select markets | Cable primary + Fiber | Detroit metropolitan area and surrounding communities | East Central Michigan is a Greenfield fiber expansion area | Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum |
| Alabama | Yes — select markets | Cable + Fiber | Auburn, Dothan, Headland, Huntsville, Montgomery Valley | Headland is an all-fiber Greenfield expansion market | AT&T, Spectrum, Comcast |
| Florida | Yes — select markets | Cable + Fiber | Central Florida, Panama City, Pinellas County, Hernando County | Central Florida and Hernando County are major Greenfield all-fiber expansions | Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum |
| Georgia | Yes — select markets | Cable + Fiber | Augusta, Columbus, Fort Eisenhower, Newnan | Cable primary; fiber expanding in select communities | Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum |
| South Carolina | Yes — select markets | Cable + Fiber | Charleston metro area, Greenville County | Greenville County is one of WOW!’s newest Greenfield all-fiber markets | AT&T, Spectrum |
| Tennessee | Yes — select markets | Cable primary | Knoxville and select Tennessee markets | Cable primary; limited fiber expansion announced | Comcast, AT&T, Spectrum |
| Western US States | No — not served | N/A | None — zero coverage in Western states | N/A | AT&T Fiber, Frontier, EarthLink, Ziply Fiber, Kinetic, Brightspeed, Optimum |
Broadband Expansion & Greenfield Builds
WOW! is actively deploying new Greenfield all-fiber networks. Under private ownership by DigitalBridge (managing $108 billion of digital infrastructure assets) and Crestview Partners, the company is free from public quarterly performance pressures, allowing aggressive capital allocation to FTTH expansions.
WOW! passed over 100,000 new homes in Greenfield markets like Central Florida, Hernando County, and Greenville County as of Q3 2025, on track toward its multi-year expansion target of 400,000 additional homes.
Zenorex Provider Comparison Matrix
Compare WOW! against key competitors.
| Feature | WOW! Cable | WOW! Fiber | Comcast/Xfinity | AT&T Fiber | Spectrum Cable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Download Speed | 2,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | Up to 50 Mbps | Symmetrical | 35-50 Mbps | Symmetrical | 35-50 Mbps |
| Latency | 10-25 ms | 5-15 ms | 15-30 ms | 10-20 ms | 15-30 ms |
| Data Cap | High Cap ($10/50GB overage) | Unlimited | None on unlimited plans | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Equipment Fee | Free Year 1; lease after | Included free | ~$14-$15/mo lease | Included free | Included free |
WOW! Connection Technologies Explained
WOW! HFC Cable (DOCSIS 3.1)
Fiber runs to neighborhood nodes, then coaxial copper cable connects from the node to the home. DOCSIS 3.1 supports up to 2 Gbps download, but upload speeds are limited to approximately 50 Mbps. Neighborhood nodes are shared among nearby households, causing potential peak-hour slowdowns. Cable plans carry high data caps with overage charges.
WOW! Greenfield Fiber (FTTH)
Pure glass fiber running directly to an ONT at your home. Delivers symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. Dedicated fiber connections per home prevent peak-hour neighborhood congestion. All fiber plans are contract-free with unlimited data.
WOW! Support Channels & Contacts
| Contact Channel | Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| General Customer Support | 1-866-496-9669 (Toll-Free Customer Care) | Account management, billing, tech support |
| Online Portal | wowway.com/login | Setting up AutoPay, paperless billing, configuring price locks |
Ready to Connect with WOW! Internet?
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