Spectrum now offering faster internet in Tampa Bay

Spectrum and Frontier Communications, the two main cable operators in Tampa Bay, are locked in a tough fight for subscribers in a market with few other provider options. In the latest ante-up, Spectrum has introduced faster internet in Tampa Bay.

The Charter Communications-owned utility launched "Spectrum Internet Gig" and "Spectrum Business Internet Gig" this week, bringing connection speeds of 1 gigabyte per second. That is the fastest connection Spectrum currently offers, spokesperson Joe Durkin said. Frontier has similar speeds in its FiOS offering.

Tom Rutledge, Charter Communications CEO, said in a statement that the "fiber-rich network allows us to deploy dramatically faster broadband speeds, including gigabit connections, broadly and rapidly."

Like others in their niche, Spectrum and Frontier are battling for customers with streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix while trying to provide internet speeds and customer service solid enough to keep customers happy.

For Spectrum's latest release, residential customers can choose no data caps or contracts for the faster speeds. According to Spectrum, a modem and free "in-home WiFi" are included, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing for the residential "Spectrum Internet Gig" begins at $104.99 per month for new customers. Existing customers will need to contact Spectrum for pricing. For more information, visit www.spectrum.com.

Spectrum's business version, "Spectrum Business Internet Gig," begins at $249.99 per month for new customers. It is aimed at small- and medium-sized businesses. This plan also comes with a modem, custom domain and email addresses, desktop security software, cloud backups, as well as WiFi for businesses that have lobbies.

For more information on the business package, contact Spectrum at 855-272-8857 or go to www.business.spectrum.com.

Contact Malena Carollo at mcarollo@tampabay.com or (727) 892-2249. Follow @malenacarollo.

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