Optimum vs USCellular

Optimum, operating under their parent company Altice USA, are a major telecommunications provider headquartered in Long Island City, New York. Their core service area spans 21 states, with a strong concentration in the Northeast. The company provides internet, TV, and mobile services, with their most compelling offerings being their expanding fiber-optic network. Standout features include multi-gigabit speeds up to 8 Gbps, a "Price for Life" price lock guarantee on select fiber plans, and the inclusion of a Wi-Fi 6 gateway with no equipment fee. For value-seeking customers, Optimum promotes strong bundle discounts, often including a free unlimited mobile line for a year with certain internet plans, and an Affordable Access Program for eligible households. Despite these technical strengths, Optimum's reputation is severely impacted by consistent critical feedback. They hold an F rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a high volume of unresolved customer complaints. Common grievances center on significant price increases after the promotional period ends, considerable difficulties with customer service, including long wait times and unhelpful support, and unreliable service in areas still dependent on its older cable infrastructure. This creates a stark contrast between their capable network technology and a frequently frustrating customer experience.

UScellular, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, was long known as one of the most established regional wireless carriers in the United States. Before the T-Mobile acquisition, they focused heavily on serving rural and Midwestern communities, offering dependable 4G coverage and expanding 5G availability in select areas. Their home internet service operated entirely on their wireless network, giving households an alternative where cable or fiber options were limited. The company's plans centered on 5G and 4G home internet, along with a wide range of prepaid and unlimited mobile plans. Home internet options included tiered data allowances from 25 GB up to 150 GB, while 4G customers could choose between capped data or an unlimited plan. Mobile plans offered practical features such as hotspot access, SD video streaming, multi-line discounts, and priority data on higher-tier options. Customer experience was generally positive, with above-average ratings across review platforms and an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. Users appreciated the straightforward pricing, predictable monthly costs, and coverage in areas underserved by larger carriers. While they did not offer fiber, UScellular’s wireless home internet appealed to those wanting simple installation, reasonable pricing, and reliable service in harder-to-reach locations.