Optimum Internet, provided by Altice USA, operates in 21 states, delivering cable and fiber services to major cities like New York, Dallas, and Philadelphia. As of Q1 2025, its fiber network reaches nearly 3 million households, with over 500,000 residential fiber subscribers. The fiber footprint grew to 2.9 million passings by end-2024, doubling subscriber base in recent years. Plans include 300 Mbps fiber at $40/month, up to 8 Gbps at $120/month, with symmetrical upload/download speeds and no data caps or contracts. Cable options max at 1 Gbps download/35 Mbps upload. ACSI 2025 scores: 71/100 for fiber, 63/100 for cable, below industry averages. Equipment rental costs up to $14/month; prices rise $15/month post-promo. Optimum targets 100% fiber by 2030, with fastest buildout in tri-state area.
Optimum, the broadband brand of Optimum Communications (formerly Altice USA), delivers cable and fiber internet services across 21 states, serving major markets including the New York tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut), Dallas, and other regions in the Northeast, South, and West. As of late 2025 (Q3 data, carrying into 2026), the company maintains a total footprint of approximately 9.94 million passings, with its fiber network reaching over 3 million homes and businesses, achieving 23% penetration on the fiber footprint. Fiber subscribers surpassed 703,000, reflecting strong growth of 46% year-over-year, driven by symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds up to 8 Gbps in available areas. Cable plans offer up to 1 Gig download (with lower uploads), while fiber provides symmetrical performance without data caps or contracts. The company added around 30,000 fiber passings in Q3 2025, targeting continued expansion with plans to enable multi-gigabit speeds in 65% of its footprint by 2028 and aiming for broader fiber dominance in priority markets.
| Plan | Speed | Best For | Starting Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum 300 | Up to 300 Mbps | Small households, browsing, light streaming | $40/mo |
| Optimum 500 | Up to 500 Mbps | Medium households, HD streaming, video calls | $60/mo |
| Optimum 1 Gig | Up to 1 Gbps | Large households, 4K streaming, gaming | $80/mo |
| Optimum 5 Gig (Select Areas) | Up to 5000 Mbps | Power users, businesses, ultra-fast connectivity | Call for pricing |
*Prices vary by location. Taxes and fees not included.
Just like all other internet providers, Optimum WiFi will try and advertise a price that's lower than what you'll actually pay. In order to get the most out of your monthly plan with them we found some fees worth knowing about- so read on!
Optimum charges $13.50 per month for equipment: you get your modem and router, plus access to their Wi-Fi service with an Altice gateway device (which costs extra).This information neatly breaks down what it cost me in total so far this year - which was around £100 ($125).
If you want the best speeds possible, then buying your own equipment is for sure worth it. Not only will these steps improve performance but there are also other benefits that come along with going this route such as being able to monitor its progress yourself and not having any monthly fees!
With the Optimum WiFi extender, you can extend your home’s Wi-Fi coverage to every corner of your house. You get one included with some plans but they also offer extra devices for $3 per month each so that there is no lack whatsoever in any area!
With the standard one-time fee for installation set at $59, Optimum charges an additional sum if you want your service installed on top of that. This can be avoided by doing self installs though as it's always free in this case!
There are no data caps on any of our Optimum plans, so you won't have to worry about cutting back your streaming or gaming habits.
