These days, it's essential to have reliable, high-speed home internet. But if you live in a rural or suburban area, finding the right provider can be challenging. Sparklight is a cable internet company that specializes in serving these often underserved regions.
Sparklight offers internet speeds of up to 1 Gig, with no contracts or data caps. The company also provides TV and home phone options.
As one of the best cable internet providers, competitors of Sparklight include:
Sparklight: Company Overview
Sparklight is the residential internet service branch of Cable One, a reputable company that has been around since 1986. The company is BBB-accredited with an A+ rating.
Pros
- Generous upload speeds
- No contracts or data caps
- Available in rural areas
Cons
- Prices increase after 1 year
- Bundles are not cheaper than standalone plans
- Expensive fees
Highlights
Available Speeds: 100 Mbps-1000 Mbps
Price Range: $55-$85
Data Cap: None
Contract Required: No
BBB Rating: A+
Originally established as a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company, Cable One became an independent entity in 2015. In 2019, Cable One rebranded its residential services as Sparklight. Today, Sparklight serves over a million customers across 19 states.
Sparklight is primarily a cable internet company – however, like many of the top internet providers, the company has begun rolling out fiber internet in limited areas. The company has invested over $1.3 billion to develop fiber infrastructure capable of speeds up to 10 Gigs. In addition to broadband internet, Sparklight provides TV and home phone services.
Is Sparklight Worth It?
Sparklight offers straightforward internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gig. All plans include unlimited data, so there’s no need to worry about hitting monthly limits. This makes Sparklight an attractive option, particularly in the rural and suburban areas it covers.
Compared to rivals like Cox Internet, Sparklight's speeds are consistent and generous on the upload side. For example, Sparklight's entry-level plan provides 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds, while Cox's 100 Mbps plan only provides 5 Mbps upload speeds.
One downside to Sparklight is that rates increase after the first year. However, unlike many internet providers, there are no annual contracts. So, if rates get too expensive, you are free to cancel at any time with no penalty fees.
Where Is Sparklight Available?
Sparklight is available in 19 states across the nation:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Tennessee
- Texas
Sparklight Internet
Sparklight's main offering is cable internet plans, all of which come with unlimited data and no contracts. Specific pricing can vary depending on your location. The prices below are based on Boise, ID.
| Plan Name | Price (Introductory) | Price (Standard) | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Latency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect Internet 100 | $39.95/mo | $55/mo | 120 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 29 ms | Light usage, HD streaming, basic online gaming |
| Freedom Connect 300 | $44.95/mo | $60/mo | 350 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 29 ms | Streaming, gaming, smart home devices |
| Freedom Connect 600 | $54.95/mo | $70/mo | 700 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 29 ms | Remote work, heavy users, 4K streaming |
| Freedom Connect Gig | $69.95/mo | $85/mo | 1000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 29 ms | Large households, media professionals |
| Pay-As-You-Go | $35/30 days | $35/30 days | 50 Mbps | N/A | N/A | Temporary service, travelers |
Connect Internet 100 – $55/mo.
Sparklight's entry-level plan is priced at $55 per month, with an introductory rate of $39.95 for the first year. On average, it delivers download speeds of 120 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps, with a latency of 29 ms.
This plan is perfect for light internet usage, such as browsing the web, sending emails, and social media use, on multiple devices. It can handle HD streaming on two to three devices, online gaming with minimal lag on one or two devices, and smooth video conferencing on a handful of devices.
Freedom Connect 300 – $60/mo.
One step up is Freedom Connect 300, which costs $60 per month ($44.95 for the first year.) It offers typical download speeds of 350 Mbps, with the same upload speed and latency as the previous-tier plan.
With this plan, you can stream multiple HD or 4K videos on two to three devices and game online from several devices. It's also a good choice if you need faster uploads and downloads for large files or more bandwidth for smart home devices.
Freedom Connect 600 – $70/mo.
Freedom Connect 600 is available for $70 per month ($54.95 during the introductory period of one year.) This plan delivers average download speeds of 700 Mbps, upload speeds of 30 Mbps, and a latency of 29 ms.
This plan is a great choice for remote working or learning since it can comfortably support frequent video calling and file sharing. It can also handle multiple heavy-internet users, 4K video streaming on several devices, and large-scale smart home integrations.
Freedom Connect Gig – $85/mo.
Freedom Connect Gig is Sparklight’s top-tier plan, priced at $85 per month with an introductory rate of $69.95. It provides near-instant download speeds of 1000 Mbps, upload speeds of 50 Mbps, and the same latency as the last plan.
This plan is the best fit for large households with multiple users and devices. It ensures smooth 4K/8K streaming, online gaming, and other internet-intensive activities for many users. It’s also ideal for creative professionals who regularly upload and download large media files.
Pay-As-You-Go Internet – $35/mo.
In addition to its Freedom Connect plans, Sparklight offers a prepaid internet service. For $35, you get 30 days of internet with download speeds up to 50 Mbps and unlimited data. Since billing isn’t recurring, it’s a flexible option that might be nice for traveling or when you need temporary internet service.
Equipment
Sparklight gives you the flexibility to either bring your own modem and router or rent the equipment. For $12.50 per month, you can get Wall-to-Wall WiFi, which includes a modem and a WiFi mesh network that uses eero Pro 6E equipment to provide full home coverage for up to 2,000 square feet.
| Equipment/Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Wall-to-Wall WiFi | $12.50/mo |
| Wall-to-Wall WiFi (BYO) | $8/mo |
| Additional Access Points | $8/mo each |
| Professional Installation | $30 |
| Self-Installation | $9.95 |
| Equipment Deposit | $25 |
If you prefer to use your own modem but still want the benefits of Wall-to-Wall WiFi, the cost drops to $8 per month. Additional access points for even broader coverage are also available for an extra $8 per month each.
With Wall-to-Wall WiFi, you also get access to a mobile app that offers a range of features. You can check your network speed, monitor activity and data usage, see which devices are connected, create profiles, set up a guest network, and troubleshoot any issues – all from your mobile device.
Installation
Sparklight charges a $30 activation fee for professional installation, but in some areas, you might have the option to save by choosing self-installation. The activation fee for self-installation is lowered to $9.95. You'll find out if self-installation is available for you during checkout.
In addition to the installation cost, there's also a mandatory $25 equipment deposit fee. So, on top of your monthly subscription, you will be paying a one-time total charge of $34.95 if you choose self-installation or $55 for professional installation.
Other Services
In addition to internet plans, Sparklight also sells TV and home phone services.
TV
Sparklight TV is not traditional cable television. Instead, it's a TV over-the-internet service. You don't need any cable boxes or cords to connect. All you need is the Sparklight TV app and a compatible device.
Supported devices include:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV
- Apple iPhones and iPads
- Android Phones and Tablets
- Nvidia Shield
- Sony & Sharp Smart TVs
You can also watch directly from your internet browser on your PC or laptop.
You are not required to have Sparklight Internet to get Sparklight TV. However, if you do not subscribe to internet services, then you will have to pay a $10.50 per month Sparklight TV modem lease.
Sparklight offers two TV plans to choose from to cater to different budgets and viewing preferences. Both plans include 200 hours of Cloud DVR storage, Video on Demand, TV Everywhere, and the ability to stream on up to 6 devices at once.
Economy TV Plus – $54/mo.
This budget TV plan includes up to 20 channels, such as local news and weather channels, cable faith and shopping channels, and music channels
Sparklight TV Plus – $134/mo.
There are up to 100 channels included in this higher-tier TV plan. Channels include all of those from the previous tier, plus cable news and sports networks, like CNN, MSNBC, and ESPN. You also get entertainment and lifestyle channels like HGTV, History, and more.
TV Everywhere
TV Everywhere is included in all Sparklight TV plans. It is a streaming service that lets you watch your paid-for channels from anywhere with an internet connection. You can watch content on-the-go from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
Phone
Sparklight also offers contract-fee phone plans. Pricing for Sparklight home phone plans is not available online. You must call to get pricing for your region.
There are two plans to choose from:
Economy Phone
The Sparklight Economy Phone plan includes unlimited local calling. There is a $0.10 per minute charge for long-distance calls in the Continental US and affordable international rates. When switching to this plan from another phone provider, you can choose to keep your current number or get a new one.
Phone for Life
This best-value plan gives you unlimited long-distance calls in the Continental US for no extra charge, plus extra benefits. Features include voicemail, caller ID, call forwarding, and more.
Bundle Pricing
In addition to standalone plans, Sparklight TV offers bundles that combine two or more services. If you prefer the simplicity of a single bill, this might be a nice solution for you. However, in some areas, paying for the bundle may be more expensive than paying for services separately.
Pricing can vary depending on location. The prices below are based on Boise, ID.
| Bundle Name | Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Phone Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 + TV | $199/mo | 300 Mbps | Up to 100 | N/A |
| Internet 300 + Phone | $95/mo | 300 Mbps | N/A | Unlimited calling |
| Internet 300 + TV + Phone | $219/mo | 300 Mbps | Up to 100 | Unlimited calling |
Internet 300 + TV – $199
This bundle includes the Internet 300 plan, offering download speeds up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps, paired with the Sparklight TV Plus plan, which features up to 100 TV channels. You also get 200 hours of DVR storage and up to 6 simultaneous streams.
However, at $199 per month, this bundle is actually $5 more than if you were to pay for the services separately. Additionally, this plan comes with a data cap of 700 GB. If you need more data, you can pay an extra $10 per 100 GB, up to 400 GB, which comes to $40 per month.
Internet 300 + Phone – $95/mo.
For $95 per month, you can get all the features of Internet 300, plus unlimited local and long-distance calling with home phone services.
Internet 300 + TV + Phone – $219
To get all three services – Internet 300, Sparklight TV Plus, and the best-value home phone plan – you can opt for this bundle, priced at $219.
How To Sign Up
To sign up for Sparklight, you will first need to type in your address on the website. This lets you see the specific services and plans that are available in your area. Then, you can add the plan that best fits your needs and budget to your cart. From the cart page, you can customize your selection with any additional add-ons before proceeding to checkout.
When you begin checking out, you’ll be given the option to choose self-installation (if available) or schedule a professional installation. After that, you'll be prompted to create a Sparklight account and provide your payment details.
If you choose self-installation, Sparklight will ship out your equipment for free. If you opt for professional installation, a technician will visit your home during the scheduled time to set up your service.
You can also call Sparklight directly to check service availability and sign up over the phone.
How To Contact / Get Tech Support
If you need assistance with your Sparklight services, there are a few ways to get help. First, there is a Support page on the website full of useful information for common issues.
To contact Sparklight tech support, you can call 877-692-2253. The call center is open 24/7. Or, you can use the live chat feature on the website to reach a representative.
How To Cancel Sparklight
Since there are no contract requirements, you are free to cancel Sparklight services at any time. There are no penalty fees for canceling your service.
To request cancellation, you must call Sparklight at 877-692-2253. To learn more, read our step-by-step instructions to cancel your Sparklight services.
Is Sparklight Worth Paying for in 2024?
With fast speeds, no contracts, and no data caps, Sparklight is a solid internet option – especially for those in suburban or rural areas where choices can be limited. It’s definitely worth considering if fiber isn’t available in your region.
However, if you do have access to fiber, it’s a good idea to explore the best fiber internet providers in your area first, since fiber internet offers much better performance.
While Sparklight’s introductory rates are attractive, the standard rates may not be as competitive if you live in an area with multiple internet providers. Before making your decision, take the time to read our internet providers guide to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your needs.
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