Metronet vs Mediacom

[Agclone91]

Out of curiosity, what speed were you at, and what are they bumping you to? I was 100, going to 200. Honestly, with rare exceptions, 100 has been fine, even with two teens and a ton of devices.

Same, 100/10 and now it will be 200/10. The 100 was adequate for what I need so this "generous" increase for the same price is a big nothingburger for me.

I was on a promo with Mediacom's 100/10 plan for $49.99/month that ran out this winter so it jumped to $80. At the promo price the 100/10 plan was a good deal and I dont really need additional speed, but I could get a 1 gig plan with no data cap through metronet at the non-promo price. I'm still planning to call in the near future to try to get my old promo or switch to Metronet. I wanted to wait for the ground to thaw so that if I do switch i dont have to look at the fiber line accross my yard all winter.

On a side note, since Metronet has entered the Ames market my Mediacom has been working flawlessly. Competition is a good thing.

 

[BobTheHawkHater]

Same, 100/10 and now it will be 200/10. The 100 was adequate for what I need so this "generous" increase for the same price is a big nothingburger for me.

I was on a promo with Mediacom's 100/10 plan for $49.99/month that ran out this winter so it jumped to $80. At the promo price the 100/10 plan was a good deal and I dont really need additional speed, but I could get a 1 gig plan with no data cap through metronet at the non-promo price. I'm still planning to call in the near future to try to get my old promo or switch to Metronet. I wanted to wait for the ground to thaw so that if I do switch i dont have to look at the fiber line accross my yard all winter.

On a side note, since Metronet has entered the Ames market my Mediacom has been working flawlessly. Competition is a good thing.

Similar story here. Pay for 100/10 and my speedtest results are always at least 130/15. I've been a MC customer forever and have had almost no outages and I have always received higher speeds than I pay for. I work from home every day so I would definitely notice.

My bill went up 6 months ago and I called to tell them I was going to start looking into Metronet so they gave me a 12 month deal for 59.99. Didn't have to argue with them at all. I bought my own modem, so 59.99 is my total bill.

I received the same email for the bump to 200/10. Can't wait to see the speedtest results. We'll see if my modem and router can keep up. I doubt I'll have any problems.

Regarding switching to Metronet, I'm always up for lowering bills and getting faster downloads, but not at the expense of service interruptions. As they keep adding customers quickly, they'll be making constant changes to the network at the head office and to the wiring around my neighborhood, and judging by how that went 20 years ago with Mediacom, I'd rather not take the risk. I'll wait it out for a couple of years and let things settle down before taking a hard look at Metronet.

 

[dmclone]

**** mediacom. For years, we were held hostage because they were the only provider. Only now when they have competition do they start lowering prices and their customer service still sucks. I refuse to give my business to such a terrible company. I've had Metronet for a few months now and everything has been near perfect. The instillation was perfect and I've yet to have an outage.

 

[dmclone]

If anyone is thinking about making the move. Here are some pictures of my setup, which is a little different than cable internet.

1st box

Inside 1st box


2nd Box


Optional dummy switch


Eero Pro Router


All the equipment except the Eero Pro router is in my basement. I wasn't worried about the wifi coverage in my basement so I went with the dummy switch in the basement and then ran Cat6 to my main level that connects to this Eero. I then have another Eero meshed in my upstairs. This provides good enough coverage that my outside cameras work 24/7 in 1080p.

 

[CloneKing]

If anyone is thinking about making the move. Here are some pictures of my setup, which is a little different than cable internet.

1st box
View attachment 97503
Inside 1st box
View attachment 97504

2nd Box
View attachment 97508

Optional dummy switch
View attachment 97506

Eero Pro Router
View attachment 97507

All the equipment except the Eero Pro router is in my basement. I wasn't worried about the wifi coverage in my basement so I went with the dummy switch in the basement and then ran Cat6 to my main level that connects to this Eero. I then have another Eero meshed in my upstairs. This provides good enough coverage that my outside cameras work 24/7 in 1080p.

Wondering if one could get by with having the router upstairs directly about where my office desk is, or would I need the two. I checked the eero site and said two after I took their quiz. I have a ranch style house around 1800 sq ft.

 

[BryceC]

Wondering if one could get by with having the router upstairs directly about where my office desk is, or would I need the two. I checked the eero site and said two after I took their quiz. I have a ranch style house around 1800 sq ft.

Mine is in my basement, and it reaches all the way outside. I think you'll be fine.

That said, metronet stability has been a downgrade for us. Consistently it drops down to about 40 mb/sec and I think it's actually slower than that because it just bogs down everywhere even if you're right next to it.

 

[dmclone]

Wondering if one could get by with having the router upstairs directly about where my office desk is, or would I need the two. I checked the eero site and said two after I took their quiz. I have a ranch style house around 1800 sq ft.

I'd try just the one they give you. You can always add on later. They we very flexible with where they would install mine.

 

[Trice]

I'd try just the one they give you. You can always add on later. They we very flexible with where they would install mine.

I read this somewhere and I wasn't sure it was correct...does Metronet include one eero for everyone? And you only pay extra for the whole-home wifi if you need more than that?

 

[JP4CY]

I read this somewhere and I wasn't sure it was correct...does Metronet include one eero for everyone? And you only pay extra for the whole-home wifi if you need more than that?

My bill is $79 including one eero.

 

[CloneKing]

I read this somewhere and I wasn't sure it was correct...does Metronet include one eero for everyone? And you only pay extra for the whole-home wifi if you need more than that?

The whole-home comes with one eero. You would pay another $10 if you needed another one. You could just get a booster if needed for $80 off Amazon.

I assume if you supply the eero system, the $10 charge is waived. $139 for eero 6 and extender system on Amazon would be the way to go for me.

I really appreciate CF and the helpful threads! I don't come on here much but when I do, a lot of great info and help!!

 

[Trice]

The whole-home comes with one eero. You would pay another $10 if you needed another one. You could just get a booster if needed for $80 off Amazon.

I assume if you supply the eero system, the $10 charge is waived. $139 for eero 6 and extender system on Amazon would be the way to go for me.

I really appreciate CF and the helpful threads! I don't come on here much but when I do, a lot of great info and help!!

I think this is what I was referring to about getting a free eero (key text pasted below). It says Metronet provides a router included in the monthly cost. Probably presumptuous on my part to assume the freebie was an eero. Kind of stinks, only getting 1 eero with "whole-home" wifi, however.

I'm also not a fan of the pricing scheme that does not include the required $10/mo technology fee in its advertised prices. That's a bit misleading. Oh well.

No router rental charge, but whole-home Wi-Fi is extra ​

Metronet doesn't charge an additional equipment fee. A wireless router is included in your monthly cost. While that's not entirely unique for a fiber provider (AT&T, Frontier and Google Fiber don't charge for their router rentals), it's also not a given (CenturyLink, Verizon Fios and Ziply Fiber all charge for their equipment leases), so that's nice to see.

If your household needs additional help with Wi-Fi, Metronet offers a wireless extender rental (what it calls its WholeHome WiFi) for an additional $10 a month. It's not a prerequisite, so not all homes will need to add this cost, but you should be aware of it nonetheless. Also, the WholeHome WiFi is free for 12 months if you subscribe to the Ultimate Internet plan.

 

[cycloner29]

Mine is in my basement, and it reaches all the way outside. I think you'll be fine.

That said, metronet stability has been a downgrade for us. Consistently it drops down to about 40 mb/sec and I think it's actually slower than that because it just bogs down everywhere even if you're right next to it.

Where are you located at and when did you get it installed? It first came in our neighborhood in North Ames about a year ago and was kinda of sceptical about switching. Currently pulling around 240 mbps from Mediacom so I'm pretty happy.

 

[BryceC]

Just got it added the cable isn't even buried yet, so I'm willing to give it some time. I'm in Ankeny.

I switched from CenturyLink, which was fine but was way more expensive than Metronet so that drove the change.

 

[NickTheGreat]

I think this is what I was referring to about getting a free eero (key text pasted below). It says Metronet provides a router included in the monthly cost. Probably presumptuous on my part to assume the freebie was an eero. Kind of stinks, only getting 1 eero with "whole-home" wifi, however.

I'm also not a fan of the pricing scheme that does not include the required $10/mo technology fee in its advertised prices. That's a bit misleading. Oh well.

No router rental charge, but whole-home Wi-Fi is extra ​

Metronet doesn't charge an additional equipment fee. A wireless router is included in your monthly cost. While that's not entirely unique for a fiber provider (AT&T, Frontier and Google Fiber don't charge for their router rentals), it's also not a given (CenturyLink, Verizon Fios and Ziply Fiber all charge for their equipment leases), so that's nice to see.

If your household needs additional help with Wi-Fi, Metronet offers a wireless extender rental (what it calls its WholeHome WiFi) for an additional $10 a month. It's not a prerequisite, so not all homes will need to add this cost, but you should be aware of it nonetheless. Also, the WholeHome WiFi is free for 12 months if you subscribe to the Ultimate Internet plan.

I haven't switched yet, but the sales guy I've talked to mentioned the technology fee when I talked to him. And he said that they won't waive the fee if you don't want their stupid hardware.

I agree that they should more clearly advertise it.

 

[Trice]

I haven't switched yet, but the sales guy I've talked to mentioned the technology fee when I talked to him. And he said that they won't waive the fee if you don't want their stupid hardware.

I agree that they should more clearly advertise it.

Right, if you want their hardware that's an extra $10 on top of the $10 technology fee. The $10 technology fee means they never charge you for service visits or the cost of repairing anything. Fair enough, but at least build that into the regular monthly price rather than some unadvertised, required add-on.

 

[BigBake]

Okay, I switched from Mediacom to MetroNet on Saturday. Installation was a breeze and the installers were very courteous and kind. In and out in about 90 mins.

Went with the top of line 1gb service and got one addl eero 6 for 6 mos free. Here's some questions I have.

- What devices will actually get 500+ speed over wifi. I know it will vary device to device.
- As my house is older I have no LAN infrastructure. I've always just done wifi which provided enough coverage throughout house. Is a LAN connection the only way to really take advantage of any speeds above 500?
- The few random speed tests I've done I don't really see a huge DL difference (Mediacom is still active for 30 days). I do see a huge difference in upload. How would that impact gaming on a PS5?

I guess I'm really trying to figure out if the 1gb plan is overkill for my house. 2 people working from home full time. One son who is a PC gamer.

 

[nfrine]

Okay, I switched from Mediacom to MetroNet on Saturday. Installation was a breeze and the installers were very courteous and kind. In and out in about 90 mins.

Went with the top of line 1gb service and got one addl eero 6 for 6 mos free. Here's some questions I have.

- What devices will actually get 500+ speed over wifi. I know it will vary device to device.
- As my house is older I have no LAN infrastructure. I've always just done wifi which provided enough coverage throughout house. Is a LAN connection the only way to really take advantage of any speeds above 500?
- The few random speed tests I've done I don't really see a huge DL difference (Mediacom is still active for 30 days). I do see a huge difference in upload. How would that impact gaming on a PS5?

I guess I'm really trying to figure out if the 1gb plan is overkill for my house. 2 people working from home full time. One son who is a PC gamer.

Wait for a week. Your gamer son will let you know if it's adequate.

 

[Agclone91]

Okay, I switched from Mediacom to MetroNet on Saturday. Installation was a breeze and the installers were very courteous and kind. In and out in about 90 mins.

Went with the top of line 1gb service and got one addl eero 6 for 6 mos free. Here's some questions I have.

- What devices will actually get 500+ speed over wifi. I know it will vary device to device.
- As my house is older I have no LAN infrastructure. I've always just done wifi which provided enough coverage throughout house. Is a LAN connection the only way to really take advantage of any speeds above 500?
- The few random speed tests I've done I don't really see a huge DL difference (Mediacom is still active for 30 days). I do see a huge difference in upload. How would that impact gaming on a PS5?

I guess I'm really trying to figure out if the 1gb plan is overkill for my house. 2 people working from home full time. One son who is a PC gamer.

I don't have the answer to all of your questions, but 1gb is extreme overkill for the vast majority of homes.

From what you explained, I would say you could probably get by with 200mb and 500 mb would be very comfortable.

Edit: I should add that my assumptions are based on you actually being able to pull the full bandwidth you're paying for.

 

[MeowingCows]

Current apmt has Mediacom cable that goes in and out and loses packets regularly on the daily...Christ.

Next place has CenturyLink fiber direct into the garage. I'm equally scared of that as I am my current Mediacom. CL is also the only option at that complex, so that'll be cool.

 

[MeowingCows]

Okay, I switched from Mediacom to MetroNet on Saturday. Installation was a breeze and the installers were very courteous and kind. In and out in about 90 mins.

Went with the top of line 1gb service and got one addl eero 6 for 6 mos free. Here's some questions I have.

- What devices will actually get 500+ speed over wifi. I know it will vary device to device.
- As my house is older I have no LAN infrastructure. I've always just done wifi which provided enough coverage throughout house. Is a LAN connection the only way to really take advantage of any speeds above 500?
- The few random speed tests I've done I don't really see a huge DL difference (Mediacom is still active for 30 days). I do see a huge difference in upload. How would that impact gaming on a PS5?

I guess I'm really trying to figure out if the 1gb plan is overkill for my house. 2 people working from home full time. One son who is a PC gamer.

Your wireless speeds will vary greatly from device to device. Different WiFi cards and hardware, etc. will all perform differently, and you'll probably also notice different performance on tests around different parts of the house. Now will you actually notice anything bad without looking for it? Probably not with that speed.

Working and play both don't depend heavily on speed -- download speed only matters when actually downloading large files, and on top of that, many sites out there won't push 1GB full data to you anyway (they'll throttle your download on their end). Upload isn't meaningful to most people with normal use cases. Could you move down in speed? Likely, but there's a cost/perfomance ratio component. Example, is it really worth it to you to save $10/mo. to go down to 200mb/s versus just staying at 1gb and never having to think about it again? Thats more for your to personally decide based on your needs.

What you'll want most out of both situations is network stability, which is the strength LAN/wired provides. Ethernet eliminates the instability of wireless, which is what causes things commonly perceived by people as "lag". Lag = a ping/connectivity spike, or prolonged spikes. Good routers and good connections still help here even our wireless, but they won't defeat the consistency of wired.