✦ Edited and fact-checked by Eric Chiu, our Tech Editor with over ten years of experience covering home and wireless internet technology.
Mediacom provides a broad range of cable internet, TV, and home phone services across 22 U.S. states.
Whether you’re searching for an affordable entry-level internet package or gigabit-speed connectivity, Mediacom has modernized its lineup under the Xtream brand to compete with major fiber and 5G providers.
If you are considering Mediacom for your home connectivity and entertainment, keep reading to explore plans, promotional periods, and what you need to know before signing up.
What is Mediacom?
Mediacom is the nation’s fifth-largest cable provider by video subscribers, operating across 22 states with exceptional depth in the Midwest and Southeast. Mediacom is the largest cable provider in Iowa, the second-largest in Illinois, and dominant in 2,266+ cities across the U.S., serving 7.5 million people and over 3 million households and businesses.
Founded in July 1995 by Rocco B. Commisso, Mediacom was built to acquire and serve underperforming cable systems in non-metropolitan markets that larger competitors like Comcast and Charter were abandoning. That founding mission—bridging the digital divide in small-town America—remains core to Mediacom’s identity today. The company went public in 2000, then returned to private ownership in 2011, and remains wholly family-owned.
What changed? Early Mediacom focused solely on rural markets. Today, Mediacom actively competes on speed parity with fiber, offers a unified ecosystem across internet, TV, and mobile services, and invests in regional infrastructure (like the Network Operations Center in Des Moines, Iowa, which opened in June 2025) to signal confidence in its core markets.
What services does Mediacom offer?
All Mediacom consumer services now operate under the Xtream brand (marketed as “Xtream powered by Mediacom”). The unified branding simplifies marketing and supports bundling, but it can confuse newcomers. Here’s what you need to know:
Xtream Internet
- Download speeds range from 300 Mbps (Internet 300) to 5,000 Mbps (Internet 5 Gig).
- All plans include unlimited data and free eero mesh Wi-Fi hardware.
- Plans start at $30/mo for the first 2 years with Internet 300, climbing to $95/mo for Internet 5 Gig with a 5-year price lock.
- Every plan features a no-contract policy, meaning you can cancel anytime without early termination fees.
For full details, see our Mediacom Internet review.
Xtream TV
- Three channel tiers range from 50+ (Local TV) to 170+ channels (Variety TV), bundled with internet plans.
- All TV packages include one free Xtream1 TV box, voice-enabled remote, and access to the Xtream TV mobile app for live streaming and on-demand content.
- Variety TV bundles ESPN and other sports channels; Essential TV includes Lifetime, Nickelodeon, and TNT.
For a complete channel breakdown, check out our Mediacom Xtream TV packages and bundles guide.
Mediacom Mobile
- Launched July 2024 and powered by Verizon’s 5G network, Mediacom Mobile offers two plans: By the Gig ($20/GB, pay-for-use) and Unlimited ($40/mo, 25GB premium data + 5GB hotspot).
- Exclusive to existing Mediacom Internet, TV, or Home Phone customers; you cannot purchase it standalone.
- $10/mo home phone add-on for bundled customers; includes unlimited local and long-distance calling within North America.
See our Mediacom Mobile plans guide for full details.
Mediacom Internet plans and pricing
Mediacom offers four internet speed tiers, each with distinct use cases and pricing structures.
Popular Mediacom internet plans
- Internet 300: $30/mo for 2 years | Download speeds up to 300 Mbps | Upload speeds up to 100 Mbps | Unlimited data
Best for: Basic households with modest streaming and browsing needs. This plan covers video calls, Netflix nights, and general web browsing—most families will find it adequate.
- Internet 1 Gig: $50/mo for 3 years | Download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps | Upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited data
Best for: Heavy streamers, gamers, and work-from-home professionals. This is our favorite Mediacom plan for its balance of speed, price, and value. Symmetrical gigabit uploads make it ideal for Zoom calls and cloud backups.
- Internet 2 Gig: $70/mo for 3 years | Download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps | Upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited data
Best for: Large households with multiple simultaneous high-bandwidth users (4K streaming, gaming, video production).
- Internet 5 Gig: $95/mo for 5 years | Download speeds up to 5,000 Mbps | Upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited data
Best for: Content creators, power users, and households demanding fiber-competitive speeds. Mediacom’s fastest cable tier; Internet is powered by fiber and delivered via coaxial cable.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
Xtream TV packages
Mediacom offers three TV tiers designed for different viewing preferences:
- Local TV (50+ channels) $70/mo bundle premium (on top of Internet 300) | Basic cable channels + local broadcast + music
Best for: Cord-cutters transitioning to a minimal TV footprint. Honestly, an over-the-air antenna (~$60 one-time purchase) gets you most of these channels for free. Only bundle if you specifically want cable channels not available OTA. - Essential TV (125+ channels) $89.35/mo bundle premium on Internet 300 | Local, cable, music channels including Lifetime, Nickelodeon, TNT, HGTV
Best for: Most families. This tier balances breadth (enough channels to keep everyone happy) and value. - Variety TV (170+ channels) $101.67/mo bundle premium on Internet 1 Gig | Everything in Essential, plus ESPN, Freeform, Hallmark Channel, and premium sports
Best for: Sports fans and sports-heavy households. Variety is the only tier with ESPN; if you need sports, you’ll need to step up here or supplement with streaming like ESPN’s streaming service.
All TV packages include one free Xtream1 TV box, a voice-enabled remote, and access to the Xtream TV app for live streaming and on-demand content. Additional TV boxes cost $9.99/mo each.
Premium add-ons
Mediacom offers premium channels and digital packages:
- HBO Max: $18.95/mo (7 HBO live channels + HBO Max streaming)
- Paramount+ Premium: $10.99/mo (8 SHOWTIME channels + Paramount+ streaming)
- STARZ: $10.99/mo (13 STARZ channels)
- CINEMAX: $12.95/mo (8 CINEMAX channels)
- Kids & Variety PAK: $9.95/mo
- Movies & Music PAK: $9.95/mo
- Sports & Information PAK: $9.95/mo
- NFL RedZone: $59.99/season
For a complete channel-by-channel breakdown, see our Mediacom Xtream TV channel guide.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
Mediacom Mobile plans
Mediacom Mobile launched in July 2024 as a Verizon-powered MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), offering two straightforward plans for existing Mediacom customers:
- By the Gig $20/GB per line | Pay only for the data you use | Unlimited calls and texts | Access to free Xtream Wi-Fi hotspots
Best for: Light smartphone users who primarily use their phone for calls and texts, with minimal data usage.
- Unlimited $40/mo per line | 25GB premium data per month | 5GB mobile hotspot premium data | Unlimited calls and texts in North America | 5G included (no upcharge)
Best for: Regular smartphone users who stream music, check email, and use social media. Data speeds reduce to 1 Mbps down/512 Kbps up after 25GB usage for the balance of the billing month.
Both plans include taxes and fees in the advertised price (no hidden surprises), feature no contracts, and support BYOP (bring your own phone) or new device purchase through Mediacom’s online device store.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
Better together: bundling and ecosystem play with Mediacom
Mediacom’s real competitive advantage isn’t any single service—it’s the Xtream ecosystem that ties internet, TV, and mobile into one unified bill. Why bundle?
- Single bill convenience. Instead of managing three separate accounts (Internet provider + TV company + cell carrier), you get one login, one customer service channel, and one monthly bill.
- Bundling discounts. Mediacom offers modest bundle discounts on TV-plus-internet packages (roughly $15–$30/mo savings vs. purchasing services separately). Mobile adds minimal overhead to the bundle cost (Mediacom Mobile Unlimited is $40/mo standalone vs. ~$50–$60/mo for comparable Verizon prepaid plans).
- The real value multiplier. Existing Mediacom Internet customers adding Mediacom Mobile save approximately $10–$20/mo compared to Verizon or T-Mobile prepaid plans. However, Mediacom Mobile requires active Mediacom service; if you cancel Mediacom Internet, you’ll lose Mediacom Mobile too.
Mediacom customer reviews & satisfaction
Mediacom’s reputation is paradoxical: reliable network, but a frustrating billing experience.
The honest breakdown
What customers praise:
- Network uptime is solid and reliable; Reddit and reviews.org consistently highlight this
- Installation crews are professional and efficient
- First-year pricing is competitive ($30–$95/mo intro rates beat many competitors)
- No-contract flexibility appeals to renters and mobile professionals
- Multi-gig speeds (1 Gig, 2 Gig, 5 Gig) deliver what they promise
What customers complain about:
- Price increases after lock-in are brutal (50–100% jumps post-promo are common)
- Customer service is unresponsive; J.D. Power data backs up Reddit complaints
- Hidden fees (equipment rentals, return fees) aren’t well explained upfront
- In rural areas, Mediacom is often the only option, creating a captive audience with little recourse
How Mediacom ranks: According to J.D. Power and ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index), Mediacom ranks below industry average for overall satisfaction but scores higher for technical performance (speeds, uptime) than for customer service and billing. This explains the contradiction: your Internet works great; getting questions answered is painful.
Mediacom availability and service areas
Mediacom operates in 22 states with a particularly strong presence in:
Highest density (>80% coverage): Iowa, Illinois
Secondary markets: Georgia, Delaware, Alabama, Michigan, Maryland, Florida Panhandle, Tennessee, Missouri, Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin
To check availability at your specific address, use Mediacom’s zip-code lookup tool.
What you need to know before signing up with Mediacom
Timing your cancellation
If you’re unhappy with Mediacom, call to cancel 60–90 days before your price lock expires. This gives Mediacom’s retention department time to make retention offers before automatic rate increases kick in.
If you wait until the price jump hits, most reps will have limited authority to negotiate. Calling beats online cancellation because phone reps can discuss options; online cancellation is immediate and irreversible.
Equipment return deadline
If you cancel service, you have 30 days to return your modem and any cable boxes. After 30 days, expect $150–$300 in non-return fees per device. Mark your calendar and mail equipment back promptly.
Installation and activation fees
$75 installation and $25 activation fees are standard and non-waivable (unless a promotional waiver is running in your region). Confirm these before signing up; don’t assume they’ll be waived.
Mobile requires active Mediacom service
Mediacom Mobile cannot be purchased standalone, and you need active Mediacom Internet service. If you cancel Internet for any reason, your Mobile line cancels too. Plan accordingly if you consider Mobile as a primary phone line.
Mediacom FAQ
What is Mediacom?
Mediacom is the nation's fifth-largest cable provider by video subscribers and the largest cable provider in Iowa and the second-largest in Illinois. Founded in 1995, Mediacom operates across 22 states, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, serving 7.5 million people through its Xtream brand (Xtream Internet, Xtream TV, Mediacom Mobile, and Home Phone).
Is Xtream the same as Mediacom?
Yes. Xtream is Mediacom's unified consumer brand. Mediacom is the parent company; Xtream is the product brand used for internet, TV, and mobile services. You'll see “Xtream powered by Mediacom” on marketing materials.
What speeds does Mediacom offer?
Mediacom Internet offers four tiers: Internet 300 (up to 300 Mbps), Internet 1 Gig (up to 1,000 Mbps), Internet 2 Gig (up to 2,000 Mbps), and Internet 5 Gig (up to 5,000 Mbps). Upload speeds range from 100 Mbps (Internet 300) to 1,000 Mbps (Internet 1 Gig and above).
Does Mediacom include Wi-Fi equipment?
Yes. All Mediacom Internet plans include free eero mesh Wi-Fi hardware (eero 6 for Internet 300; eero 7 for higher tiers). You do not need to rent a separate cable modem if you use the included eero, though Mediacom offers optional modem rental ($15/mo) as an alternative.
What happens after my promotional period ends?
After your price lock expires (two–five years depending on plan), your rate increases to Mediacom's standard pricing. Mediacom does not disclose post-promo rates upfront. Call retention 60–90 days before lock expiration to negotiate renewal rates; about 40% of customers successfully secure extensions at promotional rates.
Is Mediacom available in my area?
Mediacom operates in 22 states across 2,266+ cities and 1,586 zip codes. Enter your zip code on Mediacom's website to check availability, or call customer service to verify service at your specific address. Service availability varies significantly by region; some areas have 100% coverage, while others have no Mediacom availability.
Can I use my own modem with Mediacom?
Mediacom includes free eero Wi-Fi hardware with every internet plan; this is the recommended option. You can optionally rent a separate cable modem for $15/mo, but this is not recommended since the free eero equipment is superior and rental adds unnecessary monthly cost.
What about Mediacom customer service?
Mediacom ranks below industry average on J.D. Power and ACSI satisfaction surveys for customer service responsiveness and billing clarity. However, customers consistently praise Mediacom's network reliability and installation quality. For a balance of fast speeds with good-enough (not excellent) customer support, Mediacom is a reasonable choice in markets where you don't have fiber alternatives.
Can I get Mediacom Mobile without internet?
No. Mediacom Mobile is exclusive to existing Mediacom Internet, TV, or Home Phone customers. You cannot purchase Mediacom Mobile as a standalone service.
Internet 300: 2-year promotional period. Includes Internet 300, modem and eero 6. Advertised prices include a $10/mo discount for accounts enrolled in autopay + paperless billing and do not include one-time $75 installation fee, $25 activation fee or monthly taxes. After promotional period, then-current standard rates for services and equipment will apply; additional promotional discounts may be available.
Internet 1 Gig: 3-year promotional period. Includes 1 Gig Internet, modem and eero 7. Advertised prices include a $10/mo discount for accounts enrolled in autopay + paperless billing and do not include one-time $75 installation fee, $25 activation fee or monthly taxes. After promotional period, then-current standard rates for services and equipment will apply; additional promotional discounts may be available.
Internet 2 Gig: 3-year promotional period. Includes 2 Gig Internet, modem and two eero 7 devices. Advertised price includes a $10/mo discount for accounts enrolled in autopay + paperless billing; it does not include one-time $75 installation fee, $25 activation fee or monthly taxes. After 3 years, then-current standard rates for 2 Gig Internet, modem and two eero 7 devices will apply; additional promotional discounts may be available. Offer requires keeping all services and equipment in the package; if any service or equipment in package cancelled, the offer is terminated and then-current standard rates will apply to any services or equipment kept.
Internet 5 Gig: Internet is powered by fiber and connected to the premises via coaxial cable. Internet 2 Gig/5 Gig service not available in all areas.
