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Cox Business Internet Review and Pricing

Table of Contents

Cox Communications is an internet service provider that serves businesses of all sizes in 17 states across the U.S. Specifically, it provides service to some residents in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Virginia, Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Nebraska and Iowa. Among the larger cities Cox operates in include Cleveland, Phoenix, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, San Diego, Las Vegas and Omaha. Cox Business has internet services for small, mid-sized and enterprise-sized organizations. For smaller businesses, Cox has coaxial cable internet connections with speeds up to 300 Mbps. All of its plans have a static IP address, email accounts, online backup storage space and security licenses. Wi-Fi services for employees and guests are included with the high-speed internet service.

Cox’s internet service comes with a service level agreement that provides some protections against having your internet connection go down. The company guarantees a 99.5% uptime and promises to have downed service back up and running within four hours.

Plan Structure

For small businesses, Cox offers a variety of service plans that vary by price and internet speed. Overall, there are six plans to choose from:

• Cox Business Internet 25: This plan offers download speeds of 25 Mbps and upload speeds of 5 Mbps.
• Cox Business Internet 50: This plan offers download speeds of 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps.
• Cox Business Internet 100: This plan offers download speeds of 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps.
• Cox Business Internet 200: This plan offers download speeds of 200 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps.
• Cox Business Internet 300: This plan offers download speeds of 300 Mbps and upload speeds of 30 Mbps.

The largest small business plan offers 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) of download speed and 35 Mbps of upload speed.

In addition to the high-speed internet services, each plan includes these other features:

• Static IP address: Static IP addresses are used by businesses that run a server, host a website or offer companywide email addresses. One static IP address is included in each service plan; however, additional addresses are available for an added monthly cost.
• Email addresses: Each service plan includes 10 branded email addresses. These email accounts allow each user to send and receive messages as large as 30 MB. Each inbox can store 2 GB of messages. While 10 addresses are included, you can add up to 50 additional inboxes as your business grows. Each email account comes with anti-spam filtering and anti-virus technology.
• Online backup: Cox’s small business service plans include 25 GB of online backup. The backup service is offered through Mozy by EMC. With it, you can schedule backups to automatically run whenever you choose. This could be monthly, weekly or daily. This type of backup service can give you peace of mind should a hard drive crash, your computers are stolen or a natural disaster prevents you from getting to your business.
• Security suite licenses: The small business service plans also include 25 security suite licenses. The McAfee security suite protects your business’s computers from viruses and other online threats. It provides monitoring and reporting for all your computers.

When choosing a plan, the most important question to ask is how much speed and bandwidth your business needs . Unfortunately, there is no exact science for figuring this out. The best approach is to consider are the number of employees you have and what your internet needs are.

What are your employees using the internet for? Is it for small things like browsing the web and emailing? Or do you have more sophisticated needs, such as running cloud-hosted apps, processing payments and using cloud-hosted services like VoIP telephone solutions?

None of Cox’s small business plans require a contract. They are available as a month-to-month service. However, signing a contract lowers the cost considerably. For example, the monthly price for the Cox Business Internet 100 plan is $280. However, that price drops to $199 per month with a 12-month agreement.

Another way to lower costs for your internet service is to bundle it with one of Cox’s other solutions, such as telephone, television or security services. For example, on their own, the Internet 25 plan, with a 12-month contract, is $90, and the Business VoiceManager Essential phone plan is $25 per month. If you bundle those two services together, the total monthly cost is $99. This is a savings of about $15 per month. The more services you bundle together, the more you can lower your per-service costs.

In addition to the small business plans, Cox Communications has a number of services for mid-size businesses and enterprises. Where available, these larger companies can tap into Cox’s fiber optic network for internet speeds of between 1 Mbps and 10 Gbps. These offerings provide your company with dedicated bandwidth and symmetrical download and upload speeds. In addition to its internet, Cox offers larger organizations with multiple locations metro Ethernet service. This solution may be especially appealing for those in the healthcare, education and finance industries, as well as local and state governments.

Other services Cox provides for mid-size and enterprise organizations are hosted VoIP phone services, trunking phone services and business television solutions. Cox Communications provides customized pricing.

Pros and Cons

We were impressed with much of what Cox has to offer. What left us with the most favorable opinion was the company’s service level agreement. The customer representative we spoke with said this agreement guarantees an internet uptime of at least 99.5 percent.

If your internet service is down for more than a few minutes each month, you will receive money back on your next bill. In addition, Cox also promises to get your service up and running in a timely manner should it go down. The representative we spoke with said the company will have a technician out to fix your service within four hours. However, the Cox representative we spoke to said that over the last year, the average time to fix downed internet service was 45 minutes.

Another positive of Cox’s high-speed internet is the number of service plans available to small businesses. Being able to choose service plans that range in speed from 25 Mbps to 1 Gbps allows small businesses to get a plan that fits their needs, without overpaying for speed they don’t need.

We were also happy with the included features in each small business service plan. Most of the providers we looked into didn’t include a static IP address in their plans or the online backup. The 25 security suite licenses were also a plus in Cox’s offerings.

One downside to Cox is that isn’t offered in as many cities as some of its competitors. Currently, the service is only offered in 17 states. In those states, service is only offered in four cities at the most. While Cox has a lot to like, many businesses seeking an ISP won’t even be able to consider this option.

Another negative is the high prices when not signing a contract. The cost of internet service was considerably higher when not signing at least a 12-month contract. While an annual contract isn’t a terribly long commitment, it can put some small businesses in a bad position. What happens if you move your business to a new location and Cox doesn’t serve that community? Having to sign a contract could hurt a small business’s bottom line in the end.

Also, one feature that Cox doesn’t offer, that some of its competitors do, is wireless backup service. This is a nice feature that could keep your business operations up and running should you lose internet service.

Different Internet Types Offered

Cox Communications offers two different internet connection types: coaxial cable and fiber optic. The small business service plans utilize the cable connections, while the enterprise plans take advantage of the fiber optic connection.

Coaxial Cable

Cox’s coaxial cable is a high-speed internet connection. It uses the same wires that provides cable television. Cox can send both internet service and cable service through the coaxial cable simultaneously. Cox’s cable connections allow for internet speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Fiber Optic

Cox’s optical network provides dedicated internet access to enterprise organizations. Fiber optic connection lines are smaller than a strand of human hair. These lines convert data carrying electrical signals to light, which is what is sent back and forth through the lines.

Fiber optic lines provide significantly increased internet speeds. This connection allows for symmetrical download and upload speeds for up to 10 Gbps. This type of connection relies on next-generation SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, and DWDN equipment and technologies.

With this connection, Cox offers burstable billing. This allows businesses to exceed their committed bandwidth and pay for those overages on an individual basis. This can provide businesses with increased bandwidth when they need it, without having to pay for it when they don’t.

In addition, Cox Optical Internet supports current and emerging IP addressing options and provides a dual-stack feature. This allows businesses to maintain their current network environment while helping prepare and implement their transition to IPv6.

We were pleased with the service we received from Cox Communications. To test the level of customer support, we contacted the company by phone posing as a business owner interested in internet service.

Instead of having to wait on hold like you do with some ISPs, our call was immediately answered by a helpful representative. He first checked to ensure that the location we needed internet service at was included in Cox’s service area. Once it was determined it was, the representative seemed eager to answer our questions. During the call, we talked about internet speeds, Wi-Fi service plans, installation time, customer support, security licenses, online backup, connection types and IP addresses. He answered our questions clearly and thoroughly. By the end of our call, we had a clear understanding of how the service worked and all it had to offer.

We were impressed that at no time did he try and give us a hard sell on the service. He understood we weren’t looking to purchase the service immediately and instead of trying to lock down our business, offered to follow up via email so we had his contact information should we have additional questions.

It is important to note, however, that we spoke to a Cox Communications sales agent, not a support technician. Since we aren’t a current customer, we were unable to get a feel for how helpful those representatives may, or may not, be.

Cox offers customer support 24/7/365 days a year. You can contact the company by phone or online. In addition to the personal support, Cox also has a variety of support and how-to-guides on its website.

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Cox Business Internet Review 2023

Data as of 2/20/23. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

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The bottom line: Cox Business Internet is far from the cheapest in the book, but if you need fast cable that can support dozens of users without slowdowns, it’s perfectly serviceable and just as speedy as fiber.

Fiber might be the internet of the future, but it’s not quite here yet: according to Statista, just over 15% of the US population can reach the fiber-optic network. 1 If you belong to the remaining 85%, Cox gets you uber-fast cable speeds that keep your business up and running.

Recommended Cox business internet plans

Cox Business Internet: Best for businesses that can’t get fiber

High-speed cable from Cox (full name: Cox Communications) bridges the gap between snail-paced DSL and lightning-fast fiber. Its fastest plan clocks in at 940 Mbps.

Apart from its speed, Cox’s main selling point is its above-average number of small-business plans. If you’re a freelancer who doesn’t need much more than email (but still wants the added security, support, and speed of business-grade internet), you can make do with the Cox Business 100 Mbps plan. And if you have dozens of employees who all need teleconferencing and streaming capabilities, you can get speeds up to 500 Mbps.

Things to consider about Cox Business Internet

Cox’s high-speed internet plans are undeniably pricey—more on that in our contracts and pricing section below—but a few perks help compensate for cost.

Unlike most business internet service providers, Cox plans usually include a free static Internet Protocol (IP) address. Only businesses hosting their own servers really need a static IP address—but if you do need one, getting it for free is a neat perk. Most plans offer 25 GB for data storage, and you can set your plan to back up data automatically. That way, even if your laptop gets stolen or your hard drive crashes, you’ll still have a copy of your business plan and payroll spreadsheets.

We also like that Cox’s small-business internet includes Cox Security Suite—a data protection program complete with McAfee® Virus and Spyware Protection, McAfee Firewall Protection, and McAfee Browser Protection—with every internet plan purchase. Plans come with up to 25 Security Suite licenses so employees can protect data on every device, and business owners with more than 25 people or devices can purchase more licenses.

Finally, Cox customer service is easy to access and always available. When we tried out the online chat option that pops up on every page, we connected with an agent in seconds and were transferred immediately to the correct department without waiting—we’ve rarely encountered a customer service response this fast!

But if you’re comparing business internet providers , take note of a few drawbacks: Cox might be the fourth-largest internet service provider in the US, but it’s only available in 19 states, and even then only in urban centers like Las Vegas. This availability contrasts sharply with providers like CenturyLink, which serves nearly 40 states and reaches more rural cities and suburbs. And as we will discuss below, the pricing and contract options leave a lot to be desired.

Cox Business Internet speed and pricing by plan

Want to make sure the speed you’re getting isn’t too fast or too slow but just right? When choosing a plan, make sure to balance the number of users with their typical online activities. If you have only three employees but all three need to download large files, use bandwidth-heavy software, and teleconference, 25 Mbps isn’t enough bandwidth to handle the load. Instead, small businesses with heavier online needs should get a faster connection, less lag, and less frustration with 100 Mbps.

Comparing Cox business internet speeds and pricing

Confused by the overlap between what each speed plan handles? Cox’s multiple plans are its biggest selling point, but when you get right down to it . . . there honestly isn’t much difference between 200 and 300 Mbps.

If you can’t decide between two fairly similar plans, it’s smart to choose the faster plan as your budget allows. Most businesses won’t notice a huge difference between the 50 and 100 Mbps plans, but you’ll be grateful for the extra bandwidth as your business grows. On the other hand, if you don’t see much changing in your business between now and the end of your contract, feel free to stick to the slightly cheaper plan.

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Contracts and pricing

If you decide to sign up for Cox, pay attention to your contract terms. Cox automatically renews your contract for another year once it expires—and automatically ups your rate by 10% at the same time. Unless you provide written notice that you want to discontinue at least 30 days before your contract ends, you’ll be stuck paying much more than you initially bargained for. Those costs add up fast for a small business, so you’ll want to weigh contract restrictions carefully as you choose a provider .

If you don’t notice your contract has renewed but want to cancel after the fact, you’re out of luck and a huge chunk of cash. Cox requires you to pay the full remaining contract balance and an early termination fee. That’s way harsh.

Unfortunately, if you’re wondering how to avoid those annual price hikes, you’re out of luck. Businesses can opt for month-to-month plans instead of signing a contract, but if you go this route, you’ll pay at least $40 more per month. And monthly plans also renew automatically after 12 months with the 10% rate increase unless you write in to cancel.

These contract terms seem unnecessarily punishing given Cox’s already higher-than-average prices. Paying over $500 for 1,000 Mbps is hard to justify when a Verizon Fios Gigabit Connection with symmetrical upload and download speeds starts at $214.99. (Even Comcast Business Internet 1 Gig—seriously, Comcast —starts at $499.95.)

But since fiber isn’t particularly accessible in the US, paying more for similarly fast cable speeds could be an acceptable trade-off. And at the very least, if you’re paying hundreds of dollars for 1,000 Mbps speeds, you’ll get what you’re paying for. According to the FCC’s most recent data, Cox typically meets or exceeds its maximum speeds. 2 Plus, in spite of the higher cost, you should choose cable over DSL any day of the week for speed, reliability, and minimal slowdowns.

Cox Business Internet vs. top competitors

Data as of  2/20/23. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

The takeaway

Cox Business Internet is far from the cheapest in the book, but Cox does offer 24/7 customer service as well as fairly fast cable speeds and an automatic data backup plan. 

If you need fast cable that can support dozens of users without slowdowns, it’s perfectly serviceable and just as speedy as fiber.

Not sure Cox is right for you? Take a look at our top five business internet providers.

FAQs about Cox Internet

Even though we’ve focused on cable, Cox does offer two business fiber plans: Cox Fiber Internet (speeds up to 1 Gig) and Cox Optical Internet (speeds up to 10 Gbps). However, fiber prices aren’t listed on Cox’s site—or if they are, they’re impossible to find, which leads us to think these plans are both quite expensive and limited to a small service area.

Cox Business VoiceManager Unlimited is a phone plan you can bundle with your business internet or get as a stand-alone service. Among other features, it includes an auto attendant to direct calls, as well as hold music and Do Not Disturb settings.

One could . . . but should one? The short answer: no. Cox residential internet includes data caps, and while you likely won’t hit your data cap at home, cap-free internet simply avoids the problem. Plus, business internet gets you features like business-class security, automatic online backup, and cloud storage. Even if your home is your business’s base of operations, we strongly recommend upgrading to a business internet plan for max security, speed, peace of mind, and ease of use.

Just sign up for Cox! Wi-Fi is included. You’ll pay an extra $9.99 a month to rent Cox’s Business Internet Gateway, a Cisco model modem/router combo that can accommodate gig speeds; you can always buy one yourself, but the Cisco model is a good one for your buck, so we suggest sticking with Cox’s rental.

Cox also offers managed Wi-Fi solutions, meaning Cox plays a main role in securing your wireless network. These managed solutions cost more, but a Premium Wi-Fi package gives you more robust security for your business. And a Guest Wi-Fi Package is perfect if you operate a hotel, run a school, or just want robust Wi-Fi as a perk for customers in the waiting room. If you want both services, you can bundle them together as a Total Wi-Fi Package.

Methodology

We looked at Cox's pricing, overall value, small business expertise, and average internet speeds, among other factors.

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

1. Statista, " U.S. Trails Other Developed Countries in Fiber Adoption. " July 3, 2020. Accessed February 20, 2023.

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 Internet

Why choose cox business internet.

• Speeds to help you succeed- You can choose speeds from 15 Mbps to up to 150 Mbps. Cox Business Internet plans come with the essentials to start and keep your business running with optimal productivity.
• Cox Business Security Suite- Powered by McAfee, this security solution protects your data and computers from viruses and other Internet-related threats.
• Online Backup- Powered by Mozy, this security solution will backup important business data on your computers and servers with automated restore capabilities to keep your business running without hassles.
• Cox Business Internet Gateway- Give your business the advantage of WiFi that delivers more for you and your customers. Access your Cox Business Internet wirelessly inside your business walls with the fastest WiFi speeds available today.
• Cox For Business, Inc. All rights reserved.

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What it means for the Supreme Court to block enforcement of the EPA’s ‘good neighbor’ pollution rule

Emissions rise from smokestacks at the Jeffrey Energy Center coal power plant, near Emmett, Kan., Sept. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

The Supreme Court building is seen, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency will not be able to enforce a key rule limiting air pollution in nearly a dozen states while separate legal challenges proceed around the country, under a Supreme Court decision Thursday.

The EPA’s “good neighbor” rule is intended to restrict smokestack emissions from power plants and other industrial sources that burden downwind areas with smog-causing pollution.

Three energy-producing states — Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia — challenged the rule, along with the steel industry and other groups, calling it costly and ineffective.

The Supreme Court put the rule on hold while legal challenges continue, the conservative-led court’s latest blow to federal regulations.

The high court, with a 6-3 conservative majority, has increasingly reined in the powers of federal agencies, including the EPA, in recent years. The justices have restricted EPA’s authority to fight air and water pollution, including a landmark 2022 ruling that limited EPA’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants that contribute to global warming.

The court is also weighing whether to overturn its 40-year-old Chevron decision , which has been the basis for upholding a wide range of regulations on public health, workplace safety and consumer protections.

A look at the good neighbor rule and the implications of the court decision.

What is the ‘good neighbor’ rule?

The EPA adopted the rule as a way to protect downwind states that receive unwanted air pollution from other states. Besides the potential health impacts from out-of-state pollution, many states face their own federal deadlines to ensure clean air.

States such as Wisconsin, New York and Connecticut said they struggle to meet federal standards and reduce harmful levels of ozone because of pollution from out-of-state power plants, cement kilns and natural gas pipelines that drift across their borders.

Ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, forms when industrial pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, refineries and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight. High ozone levels can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic bronchitis. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly and children playing outdoors are particularly vulnerable.

Judith Vale, New York’s deputy solicitor general, told the court that for some states, as much as 65% of smog pollution comes from outside its borders.

States that contribute to ground-level ozone must submit plans ensuring that coal-fired power plants and other industrial sites do not add significantly to air pollution in other states. In cases where a state has not submitted a “good neighbor” plan — or where EPA disapproves a state plan — a federal plan is supposed to ensure downwind states are protected.

What’s next for the rule?

The Supreme Court decision blocks EPA enforcement of the rule and sends the case back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which is considering a lawsuit challenging the regulation that was brought by 11 mostly Republican-leaning states.

An EPA spokesman said the agency believes the plan is firmly rooted in its authority under the Clean Air Act and “looks forward to defending the merits of this vital public health protection” before that appeals court.

The spokesman, Timothy Carroll, said the Supreme Court’s ruling will “postpone the benefits that the Good Neighbor Plan is already achieving in many states and communities.’'

While the plan is on pause, “Americans will continue to be exposed to higher levels of ground-level ozone, resulting in costly public health impacts that can be especially harmful to children and older adults,’' Carroll said. Ozone disproportionately affects people of color, families with low incomes, and other vulnerable populations, he said.

Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, said he was pleased that the Supreme Court “recognized the immediate harm to industry and consumers posed by this reckless rule. No agency is permitted to operate outside of the clear bounds of the law and today, once again, the Supreme Court reminded the EPA of that fact.’'

With a stay in place, Nolan said the mining industry looks forward to making its case in court that the EPA rule “is unlawful in its excessive overreach and must be struck down to protect American workers, energy independence, the electric grid and the consumers it serves,.”

Few states participate

The EPA rule was intended to provide a national solution to the problem of ozone pollution, but challengers said it relied on the assumption that all 23 states targeted by the rule would participate. In fact, only about half that number of states were participating as of early this year.

A lawyer for industry groups that are challenging the rule said it imposes significant and immediate costs that could affect the reliability of the electric grid. With fewer states participating, the rule may result in only a small reduction in air pollution, with no guarantee the final rule will be upheld, industry lawyer Catherine Stetson told the Supreme Court in oral arguments earlier this year.

The EPA has said power-plant emissions dropped by 18% in 2023 in the 10 states where it has been allowed to enforce its rule, which was finalized last year . Those states are Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. In California, limits on emissions from industrial sources other than power plants are supposed to take effect in 2026.

The rule is on hold in another dozen states because of separate legal challenges. The states are Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Administrative overstep or life-saving protection?

Critics, including Republicans and business groups, call the good neighbor rule an example of government overreach.

The EPA rule and other Biden administration regulations “are designed to hurriedly rid the U.S. power sector of fossil fuels by sharply increasing the operating costs, ... forcing the plants’ premature retirement,” Republican lawmakers said in a brief filed with the high court.

Supporters disputed that and called the “good neighbor’’ rule critical to address interstate air pollution and ensure that all Americans have access to clean air.

“Today’s move by far-right Supreme Court justices to stay commonsense clean air rules shows just how radical this court has become,’' said Charles Harper of environmental group Evergreen Action.

“The court is meddling with a rule that would prevent 1,300 Americans from dying prematurely every year from pollution that crosses state borders. We know that low-income and disadvantaged communities with poor air quality will bear the brunt of this delay,’' Harper said.

Roger Reynolds, senior legal director of the environmental group Save the Sound, said the decision hinders the EPA from protecting states such as Connecticut and New York that suffer from ozone pollution generated in the Midwest.

“We cannot reach healthy air quality for our residents without addressing upwind pollution, in addition to local sources,” Reynolds said.

The rule applies mostly to states in the South and Midwest that contribute to air pollution along the East Coast. Some states, such as Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin, both contribute to downwind pollution and receive it from other states.

Associated Press writer Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut contributed to this story.

7 reasons Nvidia is poised to soar 67% as its rally continues for the next 2 years, according to a Wall Street research firm

• Constellation Research said Nvidia stock will soar 65% to $200 per share over the next year.
• The research firm said it expects Nvidia stock to continue soaring for the next 18 to 24 months as it benefits from its AI dominance.
• There are seven moats around Nvidia's business that will enable continued growth. 

Nvidia stock will surge to $200 per share over the next 12 months, and its ongoing rally is set to last up to another two years, according to Constellation Research.

Constellation founder R "Ray" Wang told CNBC on Monday that he believes Nvidia has seven moats that will help it maintain its dominant position in the market for GPUs that are fueling the AI boom.

"Nvidia is the foundational stock in the Age of AI. CEO Jensen Huang intends to achieve vertically integrated domination from silicon to software through partnerships and direct routes to market. Unlike the PC age where Microsoft, Intel, and Cisco served as a triumvirate foundational players, this new era will have new players all tied back to Nvidia," Wang told Business Insider in an e-mail on Monday.

These are the seven reasons Wang expects Nvidia stock to soar 65% from current levels.

1. Visionary founder-led CEO

"It's a visionary-led CEO, and that's very very important as you've seen in the valley. Those are the ones that have led, like the Larry Ellisons of the world, the scott Mcnealys, the Mark Zuckerbergs," Wang said.

2. High barrier to entry

"There's few competitors that can come into this chip market, and it takes a long time to get a chip to market, and if you can do that and if you succeed and then if you can actually get the right chip, that's a very hard thing to do."

3. High switching costs

"Once you're in, you're locked in because of the CUDA software and all the access to the chips, the software, and the entire stack. You're going to be locked in for quite some time and they've got quite a lead in terms of doing that."

4. Dominant market share

"Nvidia has had dominant market share, and I think that makes a big difference because they've been in this market for quite some time and the competitors are behind by 24 months."

5. Strong product roadmap

"We're only seeing one-tenth, maybe one-one hundredth of the product roadmap that Nvidia has out there, and that's really exciting for those who actually have some insight into what they have next, because it's more than just chips, and it's more than just what's happening in software. That ability to go from silicon all the way to the end side, that's where we're going to see a lot of the innovation."

6. GPU is the default standard in AI

"The ecosystem has made the GPU a default standard. It's the standard everyone's looking to for AI from inference and testing."

7. The numbers don't lie

"We're seeing some amazing growth here that actually matches the P/E ratio, and that's what everyone is looking at, they're trying to figure out how this is going to continue, but gross margins are 78%, 262% growth compared to a year ago, this is going to continue for at least the next 18 to 24 months."

Wang said the current 14% decline in the stock since it peaked at about $140 per share last week represents yet another buying opportunity for investors.

"The pullback is coming at a macro level. People are worried about the consumer side, people worried about where the economy is going to head, and they're doing some profit-taking before the summer, so I think it's a good time to buy the dip," Wang said.

Wang isn't the only analyst on Wall Street with a $200 price target for Nvidia stock.

Last week, Rosenblatt raised its Nvidia price target to $200 per share on the prospect of the company better monetizing its CUDA software platform.

• Main content

Biden and Trump have wildly different approaches to bringing home prices and rents down

• A steep shortage of homes has created a serious housing crisis across the country.
• Record numbers of Americans are spending more than they can afford on their mortgage or rent.
• Biden and Trump offer divergent approaches to federal housing policy.

The US is facing a housing crisis. A severe shortage of homes, high interest rates, and elevated building costs mean record numbers of Americans are spending more than they can afford on housing and are homeless .

The economy will likely be a central focus of this week's first presidential debate . Former President Donald Trump has promised to attack President Joe Biden specifically on inflation . And Trump has repeatedly accused his successor of not doing enough to keep housing costs in check.

Since taking office, Biden has pursued a grab bag of policies to incentivize affordable home construction and preservation, loosen regulations that restrict home construction, and subsidize homeownership and the cost of renting. As president, Trump proposed massive cuts to federal housing assistance for the neediest households and rolled back some fair housing policies, while urging states and cities to pursue some zoning reform — a goal that progressives also tend to support.

There have been some bipartisan efforts at the federal level to address the housing crisis. Generally, Republicans tend to be content with states and local governments controlling housing policy, while Democrats are traditionally more supportive of federal subsidies and intervention.

But lawmakers across the ideological spectrum are quick to concede the country is facing a crisis. Home prices have risen 47% since the pandemic, mortgage interest rates are hovering around 7%, and over half of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, making them cost-burdened, according to a new Harvard report on the state of US housing. Even as the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates, demand and prices have stayed high, keeping housing inflation stubbornly elevated .

Americans are increasingly concerned about it. US adults listed housing costs as their second-most pressing financial issue in a recent Gallup poll . The concern is bipartisan, although more pronounced among Democrats. Three in four US adults — 83% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans — say the lack of affordable homes is a "significant" problem.

Where Biden stands

As president, Biden has pushed a series of pro-housing policies and generally come out in favor of more federal participation in housing policy.

Related stories

Among those policy pushes was the "Housing Supply Action" plan , which leverages federal grants and loans to incentivize states and cities to loosen land use regulations and facilitate new construction. The administration has also pushed a slew of initiatives to boost the supply of affordable housing, including encouraging the conversion of office buildings into homes with billions of dollars in federal grants and loans and boosting support for manufactured housing.

Biden's fiscal year 2025 budget proposal, which represents a sort of wish list of the administration's priorities but would require action from an often-gridlocked Congress to become law, includes $258 billion for housing initiatives, including tax credits for first-time homebuyers, homeowners who sell their starter homes, and those who build or renovate starter homes, and an expansion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and housing choice vouchers for renters.

Biden has discussed housing in the State of the Union and on the campaign trail, including in Nevada , which is facing a particularly severe affordability crisis. "If inflation keeps coming down — and it's predicted to do that — mortgage rates are going to come down as well, but I'm not going to wait," he said during a speech in Las Vegas in March.

In another indication that the White House is centering housing policy as the election nears, Vice President Kamala Harris and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen this week announced $85 million in funding for 21 cities to subsidize affordable housing development and the construction of supportive infrastructure, including power lines and water mains.

Some of Biden's farthest-reaching policies were cut from the Inflation Reduction Act , and still others are unlikely to make it through Congress, where Republicans have opposed the vast majority of Democrats' housing proposals.

While some housing policy experts have praised the Biden administration's policies, many of the same experts say its actions haven't gone far enough to address the crisis.

Where Trump stands

As president, Trump didn't pursue as many policies directly intended to make housing more affordable. While in office, Trump's proposed budgets included significant cuts to agencies that provide federal housing subsidies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development. His proposed 2021 budget would have cut housing assistance and community development aid — including shrinking the housing voucher program and slashing funds for public housing — by about 15%, not factoring in inflation, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Trump rolled back certain fair housing protections, including imposing a higher bar for proving housing discrimination and eliminating an Obama-era rule designed to reduce racial segregation. Trump claimed Biden wanted to "abolish" the suburbs and assured suburbanites they would "no longer be bothered or financially hurt by having low income housing built in your neighborhood" after he dismantled the Obama rule, which Biden later restored . The Trump administration also created "Opportunity Zones," designed to incentivize businesses to invest in low-income neighborhoods. But the program has done little to boost affordable housing.

Trump hasn't talked much about housing policy on the campaign trail, despite arguing that Biden hasn't done enough to control housing costs. Last year, he unveiled a vague proposal in a video posted to Truth Social to build up to 10 new American cities on federal land as a way to give American families "a new shot at homeownership."

In another video titled "Ending the Nightmare of the Homeless, Drug Addicts, and Dangerously Deranged," Trump said he would "ban urban camping" in an effort to criminalize unsheltered homelessness. Trump has also promised to crack down on immigration, which his campaign argues would relieve pressure on the housing market. Campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to NPR that Trump would "stop the unstainable invasion of illegal aliens which is driving up housing costs, cut taxes for American families, [and] eliminate costly regulations."

Watch: Surprising misconceptions about Trump and Biden ahead of the 2024 election

• Main content

the middlemen

The Opaque Industry Secretly Inflating Prices for Prescription Drugs

Pharmacy benefit managers are driving up drug costs for millions of people, employers and the government.

Credit... Photo illustration by Jens Mortensen for The New York Times

Supported by

• Share full article

By Rebecca Robbins and Reed Abelson

This is the first article in a series about how pharmacy benefit managers prioritize their interests, often at the expense of patients, employers and taxpayers.

• June 21, 2024

Americans are paying too much for prescription drugs.

It is a common, longstanding complaint. And the culprits seem obvious: Drug companies. Insurers. A dysfunctional federal government.

But there is another collection of powerful forces that often escape attention, because they operate in the bowels of the health care system and cloak themselves in such opacity and complexity that many people don’t even realize they exist.

They are called pharmacy benefit managers. And they are driving up drug costs for millions of people, employers and the government.

The three largest pharmacy benefit managers, or P.B.M.s, act as middlemen overseeing prescriptions for more than 200 million Americans. They are owned by huge health care conglomerates — CVS Health, Cigna and UnitedHealth Group — and are hired by employers and governments.

The job of the P.B.M.s is to reduce drug costs. Instead, they frequently do the opposite. They steer patients toward pricier drugs, charge steep markups on what would otherwise be inexpensive medicines and extract billions of dollars in hidden fees, a New York Times investigation found.

Most Americans get their health insurance through a government program like Medicare or through an employer, which pay for two different types of insurance for each person. One type covers visits to doctors and hospitals, and it is handled by an insurance company. The other pays for prescriptions. That is overseen by a P.B.M.

Biggest P.B.M.s Dominate

Each P.B.M.’s estimated share of prescriptions filled in the United States.

CVS Health’s

UnitedHealth’s

Cigna’s

Express Scripts

Express Scripts/

Cigna merger

“I t ’ s just

nuts.”

Joseph Kaplan

A Modern Health Care Conglomerate

CVS Caremark

CVS Pharmacy

Mail-order pharmacy

CVS Specialty

Group purchasing

organization

Drug marketing

Group purchasing organization

Drug marketing partner

Fees Paid by Drug Manufacturers Doubled

What drug manufacturers paid in fees to P.B.M.s or their associated G.P.O.s.

$3.8 billion

“ W e were

ripped off.”

K ent McKinley

Overcharging for a Cancer Drug

CVS Caremark charged Oklahoma far more than the wholesale cost for everolimus.

Price charged by

$138,000 per year

Wholesale cost for

a local pharmacist

P.B.M.s Charge Inflated Prices

Two P.B.M.s charged two different clients much more than the wholesale cost of abiraterone acetate, a cancer drug.

What CVS Caremark

charged Blue Shield

$3,000 per month

What Express Scripts

charged Hyatt

Price available

from a wholesaler

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Newsom’s budget plan saves vital programs for immigrants, but kids and hungry seniors may suffer

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When Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers agreed to a $297.7-billion spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, they preserved two vital programs serving thousands of immigrant Californians.

But in agreeing to $16 billion in cuts to balance a $46.8-billion budget deficit , state leaders delayed one program serving some of the state’s most vulnerable residents and did not renew another.

The 2024-25 budget plan salvages two programs that had been targeted for cuts. It maintains full funding for a project that provides free legal representation and other assistance to immigrant students, staff, faculty and their families at all 23 Cal State campuses. The plan also sustains in-home support for elderly, blind and disabled undocumented immigrants who qualify for Medi-Cal.

However, it delays the expansion of state-funded food benefits for lower-income, undocumented Californians 55 and older, and the plan does not re-up a two-year pilot program that provides integrated legal and social services for unaccompanied immigrant children in the state.

Masih Fouladi, executive director of the California Immigrant Policy Center, called this year’s budget agreement a “mixed bag.” While he said the preservation of several key initiatives is a “sigh of relief,” he expressed concern about budgetary decisions that could leave some California immigrants exposed — just months before the November election, which could usher Donald Trump and tougher immigration policies back into the White House.

“We have a long way to go to equitably fund and support immigrants in California,” Fouladi said. “Immigrants are close to a third of the population, and trust me, they are not getting a third of the funding when it comes to services within the budget.”

Kept: Cal State clinics offering legal help

Newsom had proposed slashing funding for the CSU Immigration Legal Services Project from $7 million annually to $1.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year, but the budget plan preserves full funding for the program.

Since 2019, the initiative has helped immigrant Californians earn work permits and other legal protections, giving them access to better jobs. The clinics have filled a critical need in regions with a shortage of immigration services, including the San Joaquin Valley, the Central Coast and the Inland Empire.

If the program’s budget had been cut by 75% as proposed, the number of staff provided by four legal services organizations would have been significantly reduced, according to Barbara Pinto, co-director of Oakland-based Immigrant Legal Defense, which serves nine Cal State campuses. The remaining attorneys wouldn’t have had the capacity to take on new clients, she said, and the program would have essentially “come to a full stop.”

“The restoration of the California State University Immigration Legal Services Project is an investment in the future of California and its vibrant immigrant communities,” Eleni Wolfe-Roubatis, Immigrant Legal Defense co-director, said in a statement. “We applaud the legislature for standing firm against cuts that would have devastating consequences for vulnerable immigrant families throughout our state.”

Kept: In-home care

The budget agreement also rejects Newsom’s proposal to save nearly $95 million by cutting undocumented immigrants from the In-Home Supportive Services program.

IHSS pays assistants to help eligible Medi-Cal recipients with domestic tasks and personal care services, and accompany them to and from doctor appointments. It aims to help people remain safely in their own homes, rather than having to move into nursing homes.

The program serves more than 2,600 undocumented immigrants across the state who are seniors, blind or disabled, according to the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network. Cutting them from IHSS would have had “devastating consequences,” according to Ronald Coleman Baeza, managing director of policy for the network.

Coleman Baeza commended the governor and state leaders for ensuring equal access to IHSS services.

“We are thrilled that undocumented individuals will be treated just like any other resident in our state,” he said. “If they are a senior who needs care, or if they have a disability, they will be able to get the care that they need, with dignity, in their homes, rather than potentially be institutionalized or face extensive hospitalization, which certainly would come with other consequences that would be harmful.”

Delayed: Expanded food benefits

The state had planned to expand state-funded food benefits to all income-eligible Californians 55 or older, regardless of their immigration status, as of Oct. 1, 2025. But the budget agreement delays by two years the expansion of the California Food Assistance Program , leaving more than 100,000 undocumented people 55 and up at risk of food insecurity until 2027.

The expansion would have been California’s first step toward extending state-funded food benefits to undocumented residents.

The delay “is going to cause a lot of harm in immigrant communities in our state,” said Jackie Mendelson, policy advocate for Nourish California. Mendelson co-leads the Food4All campaign , which has been pushing for food assistance for all Californians regardless of immigration status.

More than one-third of undocumented immigrants 55 and older have experienced food insecurity, according to a 2023 report from the Food4All campaign.

The budget plan does reallocate a pot of money from this year’s budget to next year’s to ensure system readiness when the expansion takes place — a sign, Mendelson said, that Newsom and legislative leaders are “still committed” to expanding the program.

“We recognize that tough decisions had to be made,” Mendelson said. But “we are also really saddened by this decision. We know that this will perpetuate the harm caused by food insecurity, and we feel very strongly that immigration status must not be a barrier to food access.”

Cut: Aid for unaccompanied children

A two-year pilot program that has provided hundreds of unaccompanied immigrant children with both an attorney and either a social worker or a case manager while navigating the immigration legal system has not been renewed. Advocates had requested $17.8 million to maintain the program beyond 2024.

The Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project, funded at about $13.5 million from the state Department of Social Services, was created in response to an increase in the number of unaccompanied, undocumented minors arriving at the southern border and released by the federal government to sponsors in California. Since September 2022, the program has provided immigrant youth with legal representation, as well as help securing housing, education, food, and medical and mental health treatment.

Experts say the integrated legal and social services provided through the program have helped ensure unaccompanied children don’t fall through the cracks — or, at worse, become vulnerable to labor or criminal exploitation.

“For the last two years, the Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project has mobilized community support and resources to provide trauma-informed care and legal services to unaccompanied children and youth who call California home,” Hortencia Rodriguez Sandoval, director of community partnerships and state and local policy at the Acacia Center for Justice, said in a statement. “It is a huge setback that CHIRP services would cease to be offered with no alternative to the children and youth who depend on them.”

She urged Newsom and the legislature to “explore all remaining avenues” in order to restore funding for the program.

This article is part of The Times’ equity reporting initiative , funded by the James Irvine Foundation , exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address California’s economic divide.

More to Read

Gov. Newsom signs budget to close California’s $46.8-billion budget deficit

June 29, 2024

Newsom, lawmakers use cuts, reserves and ‘fiscal emergency’ declaration to solve budget deficit

June 22, 2024

With deadline nearing, Newsom and lawmakers disagree over solutions to California budget crisis

June 5, 2024

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Rebecca Plevin reports on equity for the Los Angeles Times. Before joining The Times, she was an editor at the Fresno Bee, where she oversaw the bilingual Central Valley News Collaborative. She previously reported on immigration for the Desert Sun in Palm Springs and covered healthcare for public radio station KPCC-FM (89.3) in Pasadena. She grew up in the Washington, D.C., area and earned her journalism degree from Northwestern University.

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Column: DMV dumps stupid questions for license renewal, but the ‘virtual assistant’ needs work

Cox Communications internet pricing

How much does Cox cost?

Cox internet plans start at $40 for 25 Mbps with no contract, all the way up to $150 for 2 gigs with a one-year contract. It’s a decent value, especially since Cox doesn’t have introductory pricing—and the steep price hikes down the line that come with them.

How Cox stacks up on value

We rated Cox 3 out of 5 stars for value because, speed for speed, Cox costs more than other internet providers but still offers a decent value. Because Cox offers more lower-speed options than many of its competitors, it could be your cheapest option if you need 100 Mbps or less. But if you use more than 1.25 TB of data each month, you’ll pay hefty data overages.

What current Cox customers are saying about price

We collected and analyzed more than 120 reviews from current Cox customers. Many said the service is overpriced, but some call their rates “fair.” Still, most people are happy with Cox, and that tracks with our experience, which is that Cox has solid customer service and reliable internet. Customers report annoying hidden fees, and some long-time customers are disappointed by the lack of loyalty discounts.

Featured plans and prices

• Download speeds 25 Mbps
• Upload speeds 3 Mbps
• Download speeds 2 Gbps
• Upload speeds 2 Gbps
• Download speeds 1 Gbps
• Upload speeds 35 Mbps–1 Gbps
• Channels 140+
• DVR storage hours 50–1000

Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers

Cox earned a 3.5 out of 5 for equipment and installation, which means these costs are a littler lower than average. Self-setup is free, but professional installation is a bit high at $100. Equipment is average at around $13 per month.

With Cox, you can expect about as many hidden fees as most competitors, including data overages, late payment fees, and optional tech support.

Learn more about  understanding your bill .

Cox doesn’t have any current deals or incentives, but if you’re willing to sign a contract, Cox will knock $10 off your monthly bill no matter what your plan.

Technically, you can bundle Cox internet with TV, smart home and security, and home phone—but you won’t save any money by doing so. The Cox website makes it easy to “build your own bundle,” though, so it’s still convenient.

Cox doesn’t make you sign a contract, but if you do, you’ll save $10 each month. If you do sign a contract and cancel early, you’ll pay that same $10 for every month still on your contract, so it costs the same either way. We suggest signing a contract, because if you do stick around until the end, you’ll have saved some money. If you don’t stick around, you haven’t lost anything.

Cox participates in the Affordable connectivity program , which helps eligible households save on internet. You could qualify for up to $30 off your Cox internet bill. That’s more than half off a 100 Mbps plan.

Learn more about free and low-cost internet .

More plans and packages

• Get Started

Home >> #realtalk Blog >> Manage a business >> How Much Does it Cos…

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Business? + Other Key Questions

By Homebase Team

Dreaming of being your own boss and launching a new business? There have been 16 million new business applications since 2021. This increase and the many newly established operations that come with it create a lot of opportunities.

Turning that entrepreneurial vision into reality is exciting, but it also requires careful planning, especially when it comes to business startup costs. So how much does it cost to start a business? Understanding financial obligations for your particular business is a must.

This guide will break down the numbers you need to get a handle on. We’ll cover the key factors that impact startup budgets, from licensing fees to inventory and marketing spend. You’ll learn how to realistically calculate the costs of getting your business off the ground.

Get your team in sync with our easy-to-use, all-in-one employee app.

How much does it cost to start a business?: Overview of startup costs.

Every new business venture requires capital. This covers startup costs before you can officially open the doors. Exactly how much money you’ll need can vary depending on factors like the actual costs involved in the first year of business.

Business type

The startup costs for a small home-based operation like a consultancy can be minimal. It’s different from opening a restaurant or retail store, where the business model determines inventory needs, marketing strategy, and costs. These types of businesses require things like inventory and employees.

Location 

Costs like commercial rent and taxes depend on the city and state. A small business based in a major metropolitan area could have higher overhead costs due to expensive office space. Especially when you compare their business to those in more rural areas.

Certain industries like food service or healthcare have bigger regulatory hurdles. They also have requirements upfront for things like specialized equipment, licenses, insurance policies, and legal fees. It’s important to estimate your total startup costs based on your specific business circumstances.

3 business expense types to be aware of.

Before diving into your launch, it’s important to understand the typical business expenses involved. This can help you prepare your budget and avoid some financial surprises. Let’s look at more examples of startup costs by business type.

1. Retail spaces

Brick-and-mortar locations have some significant startup expenditures. This includes leasing commercial space. They may also need to focus on renovating and outfitting the storefront to get customers in the door. Additionally, retail businesses must consider shipping costs, which can include expenses such as packaging materials, postage, and shipping insurance.

2. Food and beverage needs

Restaurants have even higher initial investment costs for kitchen equipment and dining room furniture. They also need to manage kitchen staff hiring. Plus, there’s the ongoing inventory cost of food and beverages.

3. Service expenses

Services like cleaning or landscaping may start with lower overhead. However, they still require insurance. You may also need specific equipment or vehicles to run the business properly. It’s important to factor that in with all necessary supplies.

Using accounting software can help manage expenses, track expenses throughout each month and during tax season, and handle basic bookkeeping such as processing and managing payroll, creating and tracking invoices, and managing the business bank account.

Hiring your first employee? Check out our New Hire Training Checklist and Onboarding Guide

7 Key steps to start your business.

Once you’ve determined your startup costs and you’re ready to get your business off the ground, it’s time to start checking off the major action items. Here’s a look at some of the items to put on your to-do list.

1. Identify and validate your business idea

Passion is a great foundation for your business. But you also need to make sure that there’s market demand and revenue potential. Conduct market research and analyze competitors to validate your assumptions. Then define your target customers and unique selling proposition.

2. Write your business plan  

Your business plan lays out all the details of your strategy. From market analysis to financial projections. Careful planning will guide your actions and help you start the business on a path to success. 

3. Determine the right business structure 

The legal structure you choose impacts everything from taxes to operations. Evaluate the pros and cons of each. You can do this by considering things like ownership, funding needs, and administrative work.

Common structures for businesses just starting out include:

Sole proprietorship : The company and the owner are considered the same. The owner is personally responsible for all business responsibilities.

Partnerships : A business with more than one individual. A partnership requires a partnership agreement, and partners have limited liability for the debts of the LLP.

Limited liability companies : Can be owned by one or more people/companies and limit your personal liability for business debts. They’re one of the easiest business structures to establish. The process of incorporation and filing fees for a limited liability company can vary by state.

4. Register the business

One of the first major steps is legally registering your trade name with federal or state authorities. Look for potential trademark conflicts. Also, take steps to protect your intellectual property rights if that applies to you.

Handle legal fees and tax obligations

Obtain licenses and permits required for your industry. You’ll also need to set up the appropriate tax accounts and procedures for payroll. Many states and localities have their own obligations to ensure regulatory compliance from day one. Understand all rules that apply to your company.

For example, it’s important to apply for an employer identification or tax I.D. number. Your employer identification number (EIN) is issued by the IRS. You need one so you can file federal taxes, hire employees, and open a business bank account. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website. Some states also require a state-level tax I.D. number, so check if one is needed in your state.

6. Secure funding

At this point, you should have a good answer to the question: How much does it cost to start a business? Now, you can begin putting money toward those expenses you have before launch.

You may need to get a small business loan or investors beyond the capital you have access to. Factor in the time it will take to do that.

Keep in mind that you should also have some money set aside in a bank account to cover ongoing or unexpected expenses. Research shows that 55% of business owner s say they have $50,000 or more across all their business bank accounts. And 23% report having $250,000 or more on deposit.

7. Officially launch your business

With planning complete and operations ready, it’s finally time to start selling your products or services. Have a strong promotional strategy for attracting those first customers. Also, continue keeping an eye on your expenses to keep your business in good standing as you get the ball rolling.

Checking off those key milestones is just the start. But getting the foundational work done upfront goes a long way in setting yourself up for sustainable growth. Putting in the work now will continue to pay off as the business evolves. Additionally, consider the costs and considerations specific to operating an online business.

Using Homebase to optimize your business.

Having the right tools and technology in place is valuable as you start this journey. Homebase provides an all-in-one platform that can power your business. The Small Business Administration offers additional resources to help estimate employee costs and apply for startup loans and business credit cards.

Simplified scheduling and labor management

Optimizing your staffing levels is important, especially for businesses with shift-based teams. Homebase scheduling helps managers create optimized schedules based on demand and employee availability. You can duplicate schedules or build from templates to save time.

Streamlined time tracking and payroll  

Manual timesheets can be a hassle. Homebase enables employees to easily clock in/out from their mobile apps or on-site tablets. Track hours worked, PTO, and breaks. When it’s time for payroll, approved timesheets integrate with payroll processing.

Centralized employee records and compliance  

Maintaining accurate records and adhering to labor laws is important. But it can also be challenging. Homebase provides a hub to store and access all digital employment documents and policy resources. This helps to simplify compliance.

Streamlined hiring and onboarding processes

Post open roles to multiple free and paid job boards right from Homebase. Easily review applicants and schedule interviews. Then, onboard new hires with digital paperwork. New employees get instant access to a time clock and schedules. 

Effective team communication 

Staying aligned across teams is a must. With Homebase’s team messaging tools, you can instantly share updates and shift details. Message individuals directly or get announcements out to an entire team. 

From applicant tracking to team communication, Homebase equips your startup with an infrastructure that’s right-sized for small businesses. All while being powerful enough to scale up operations over time.

It’s time to start your small business.

Being a new business owner and starting your own business is exciting. Getting a handle on the financial and operational costs upfront goes a long way toward increasing your odds of success. Carefully calculating spend and thinking through your goals now can have a positive impact for years to come.

From there, you can focus on things like remaining compliant and coordinating your team. Thriving businesses are built on operational efficiencies that allow you to maximize productivity and profitability from the first day.

With Homebase, you get everything you need to take control of your business. Designed for hourly work, Homebase will help you schedule your team, track their hours, and run payroll seamlessly. You’ll also have a team communication app that keeps you and your employees on the same page. Homebase even has expert H.R. guidance to help you comply with government regulations without an in-house H.R. team.

Homebase is the all-in-one management app that simplifies running your small business. Get started now for free

Remember:  This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.

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Home Internet

Cox internet plans, packages and pricing

Published 3:04 pm ET Jan 7

Editorial note: This post may contain links to offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. The partners and associated compensation do not affect our editorial integrity. Read more about our advertising policy .

Prices from

Speeds up to

Go Even Faster

Cox Communications overview

Headquartered in Atlanta, Cox Communications, Inc. is the third-largest cable TV provider behind Xfinity and Spectrum . Cox Cable began offering internet service in 1997, but its parent company, Cox Enterprises, has been around since 1898. Today, Cox is a private corporation with two divisions: media and automotive. 

Cox home internet offers high-speed internet up to 2 GB over a cable connection. Like Spectrum, Cox uses hybrid fiber-coaxial infrastructure, meaning your internet signal may run on a fiber line part of the way and switch to a shared cable line closer to your home. As a result, you will have faster download speeds, but upload speeds will not be as fast as true fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).

Other Cox internet benefits include no contracts , no early termination fees (ETFs) and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Find Cox Wi-Fi internet in your area by entering your address on this page.

Cox internet plans and prices

Cox has five internet speeds from 100 to 2,000 Mbps (2 GB). The Cox 1 Gig and 2 Gig plans, previously called Cox Gigablast or Cox Gigabit, are the fastest download speeds available. The equipment fee for the Cox Panoramic Wi-Fi gateway is $15/mo., but it is included at no additional cost with several Cox internet plans and bundles. StraightUp Internet, Cox’s prepaid internet plan , starts at $50/mo. for up to 100 Mbps. 

The following table shows the promotional and standard pricing for Cox internet. 

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.  

How we reviewed Cox

Cox got a 3.6 out of 5 on the USAT provider rating scale. The ISP gained points for speeds up to 2 GB, a starting price under $50/mo. and no contacts or ETFs. Features that reduced Cox’s overall score included data limits, a slightly below-average customer satisfaction score and monthly equipment rental fees. Other details that factored into Cox’s final ranking included availability and connection type. 

Best Cox internet plans

All Cox internet deals offer decent speeds , giving customers a good selection to choose from. Consider what you use the internet for and how many people or devices will be online. For example, if you have over 20 devices connected simultaneously, the Go Super Fast 1 Gig plan can handle all your online tasks. 

Cox home Wi-Fi plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and no contracts or ETFs, giving you the freedom to change your plan at any time. All plans also have a data limit of 1.25 TB. Most households are not at risk of going over this amount. However, there is an overage fee ($10 for each 50 GB) for additional data use. Alternatively, you can add unlimited data to your plan for an additional fee. 

Learn more details about each Cox plan in this section. 

Go Fast (100 Mbps) — Best budget-friendly Cox plan

Starting at $35/mo., the Go Fast plan is a money-saving option for high-speed internet. This plan is fine for connecting under 10 devices, high-definition (HD) streaming, gaming and working from home. 

Capable of nearly all online activities.

Possibility of slower speeds if too many devices are connected. 

Go Faster & Go Even Faster (250 & 500 Mbps) — Best for up to 20 devices

The 250 and 500 Mbps plans support all Wi-Fi functions and can handle more devices connected at once versus the 100 Mbps plan. When deciding between these two plans, consider that while the promotional price is a $20 difference, the standard price is only a $10 variation. 

Has the option to double your speed for just $10 more once the promo period ends by upgrading from the 250 to the 500 Mbps plan. 

Can be more costly If you need Wi-Fi over a larger area (Cox Panoramic Wifi Pods cost $129.99 each).  

Go Super Fast & Go Beyond Fast (1 & 2 Gig) — Best for the fastest download speeds 

The fastest Cox plans are best for internet users with dozens of connected devices and multiple streaming, video conferencing or gaming appliances. Gigabit speeds are not essential for most households, but these premium plans are nice if you don’t want to deal with latency issues on your home Wi-Fi connection. 

Fastest upload speeds and increased reliability for whole-home Wi-Fi.

2 GB speeds are not available in all areas.

Cox cable internet packages

You can customize Cox packages to include streaming or standard cable TV and mobile phone. The Contour Stream Player costs $5/mo. to rent and gives you access to popular streaming apps and On Demand service. However, you’ll save money in the long run if you purchase a streaming device (such as Roku or Apple TV) and avoid the $5/mo. rental fee. 

For live TV channels, Cox offers cable TV plans with access to local channels, news, premium channels and sports. Your TV package will also include an equipment fee for a Contour HD Box of $8.50/mo. for each additional room where you want TV service (the first receiver is free). If you want to record shows, DVRs start at $13.50/mo. You will also have a broadcast TV surcharge (fee varies by area). 

Here are a few combinations you can get for your Cox internet and TV bundle . 

Cox vs. other internet providers

Cox Cable uses a hybrid fiber and coaxial connection, making it faster and more reliable than satellite , DSL , 5G and standard cable technology. You can perform a Cox speedtest in the Cox app (go to Wi-Fi→Troubleshoot→Test your whole home network) or do an Ookla speedtest here . However, internet that uses FTTH will outrank Cox internet upload speed and dependability. 

Here’s how Cox internet compares to other ISPs that service the same coverage areas:

• Cox vs. AT&T: AT&T Fiber offers faster speeds than Cox (up to 5 GB). Cox internet service prices start cheaper than AT&T, but for a slower speed (100 Mbps). AT&T Fiber starts at 300 Mbps for $55/mo., the same price as Cox’s 250 Mbps plan. 
• Cox vs. T-Mobile: T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet plan at $50/mo. for up to 245 Mbps is comparable to Cox’s 250 Mbps plan for $55/mo. However, T-Mobile’s fixed wireless connection will result in less consistent speeds. 
• Cox vs. CenturyLink: CenturyLink offers a better value with its fiber connection of 200 Mbps for $30/mo. Cox’s cheapest plan is $5 more for half the speed. 
• Cox vs. Kinetic by Windstream: Windstream ’s cheapest fiber plan has symmetrical upload and download speeds of 300/300 Mbps for $15 less per month than Cox’s cable connection of 250 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up. 

Cox coverage and availability

Cox service is available in the following 19 states and Washington, D.C.:

Cox’s largest coverage areas include the Virginia coast, southern Louisiana, central Arizona, the California coast between Long Beach and San Diego, and the entire state of Rhode Island. Other major markets include:

• Phoenix, AZ
• San Diego, CA
• Providence, RI
• Cleveland, OH
• New Orleans, LA
• Las Vegas, NV
• Virginia Beach, VA

Cox internet customer service

Cox’s 2022–2023 ACSI score was 64/100, three points higher than its previous year’s ranking. The top cable provider (Sparklight/Cable One) earned 71/100, and the average overall score for non-fiber providers was 66/100. 

Here are several ways to connect with Cox:

• Cox internet phone number: Call 1-800-234-3993 for customer assistance and technical support. You can also chat with a Cox representative or visit a retail location for help. 
• Cox online assistant: Text 54512 to speak with Cox’s virtual assistant , “Oliver.” You can also type in “Live Agent” to connect with a human representative. 
• Cox internet login: You can check for Cox internet outages in the app or sign up for text alerts by logging into your Cox account. 
• Cox support: Troubleshoot and find answers for various Cox issues here .   

Cox bill pay 

• Pay bill online. Use your Cox login to sign into your account here , then select “Billing” and “Make a Payment.”
• Pay bill in the app. Download the Cox app and select “Billing” at the bottom of the home screen. 
• Pay bill by phone. Call 1-800-234-3993, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Pay bill in person. Pay with cash or check. Find a Cox store here .
• Pay bill by mail. Send a check or money order to Cox Communications, Inc.; P.O. Box 78071; Phoenix, AZ 85062-8071.
• Get additional time to pay your bill. You can extend your payment due date by logging into your account online or in the Cox app. 

Where is Cox internet available?

You can sign up for a Cox internet plan in 19 states and Washington, D.C. Major cities where Cox offers services include Phoenix, San Diego, Providence, New Orleans and Virginia Beach.

How do you set up Cox Wi-Fi?

Your self-install kit from Cox will include a gateway (modem and router combination) and all necessary cables or power cords. Plug in your gateway, then open the Cox app and select “Start Easy Connect.” The on-screen instructions will walk you through the setup process. You can also watch this instructional video to help set up your Cox internet service. 

How do you cancel Cox internet?

Call customer service at 1-800-234-3993 or visit a retail location to cancel Cox service. Your final bill will be prorated, so you will only pay for the days you had service in your final month. If you are moving, you can transfer your Cox service to a new location here .

This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct . The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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What Are the Primary Differences Between Cox Business Internet vs. Residential Internet?

What Are the Primary Differences Between Cox Business Internet vs. Residential Internet? 

Whether you’re working from home or have a growing business whose needs have been changed, having the right internet plan is a must.  

When running a business, there is nothing more frustrating than an unreliable internet connection. It can make your entire business come to a hard stop, destroy customer relationships, and put a wrench on your sales.  

Cox Internet Service provider is here to provide you with the best reliable internet plans that offer fast speed with zero issues. They mainly offer Business internet and Residential Internet. So, let’s have a deeper look at them and understand their difference to know which one suits your needs the best: 

About Cox Business Internet 

The majority of businesses require Internet access for everything from everyday operations to consumer connectivity. 

Exactly what does business Internet entail then?  

Small business Internet refers to a particular connection type with capabilities designed to manage your business, although identical to home Internet service. Small business Internet offers significant advantages whether you’re seeking a more dependable connection, quicker upload speeds, business continuity, or enhanced security. 

About Cox Residential Internet 

The internet you use at home is referred to as residential internet . Residential internet often has slower upload and download speeds and lower starting speeds. It means that your download speed is much greater than your upload speed. Even 5G carriers couldn’t match the speeds that Cox’s residential internet can offer.  

Cox Business Internet Vs. Residential Internet 

Both are types of internet plans, but their plans and prices vary. For example, one might have a higher speed than the other, or one is more expensive than the other. Let’s look at the differences between both of them in detail: 

Significant differences between Cox residential and business internet include: 

Internet Speed 

IP Address 

Bandwidth Allocation 

• Service Level Agreement 

Customer Service 

Upload/Download Speed 

 One of the main differences between cox business and residential internet is its speed. Cox residential internet speed ranges from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps while Cox business internet can go up to 10 Gbps, but it costs more than residential internet plans. Business internet is perfect for businesses requiring faster internet speed, especially when dealing with customers, meeting clients, and operations. 

While cox residential internet has a dynamic IP address, business internet is given a static IP address. Static IP addresses give organizations the ability to host their network infrastructure, including servers and file storage, as they are more dependable and secure. 

On the other hand, residential internet connections with dynamic IP addresses are typically less stable and secure and can change at any time without the provider’s knowledge. Cox residential internet connections that don’t demand enterprise-level security and bandwidth utilization frequently encounter them. 

Since businesses need robust internet connectivity, having a dedicated bandwidth allocation is a must for the smooth running of operations. It also offers a company with higher capacity and secure connectivity. Cox dedicated bandwidth is called Point-to-Point (P2P). 

For cox residential internet, the bandwidth allocation is shared among neighbors. During its peak use, there can be some visible changes in its performance, such as connection interruptions and slow internet speed. This is called GPON- Gigabit Passive Optical Networks.  

Service Legal Agreement 

 Business transactions must include a Service Level Agreement (SLA). Cox internet service provider and two firms (yours) have established performance standards, including bandwidth and uptime, which are regularly measured and reviewed. There is a minimal time frame for when the provider will send someone in to work on any issues that need addressing. 

This might be considered the service provider’s commitment that both parties have agreed upon. If these are not met, you can bargain price reductions or service offers. 

Residential internet speed is not specifically guaranteed, and it can fluctuate depending on how many people are using it. In addition, it is not guaranteed that repairs will be made right away; they could take a few hours. 

Unsurprisingly, customer service is greater for cox business internet because it typically comes with SLA that includes customer support and is more expensive. There are even commercial internet plans that come with VIP customer service, depending on the package. 

On the other hand, residential internet users are also assured of first-rate customer service, but this is true for all their clients. As a result, client support can occasionally be slower than it is for business accounts. 

When your internet connection has a symmetrical speed, the upload and download speeds are comparable, if not almost identical. This is crucial for corporate operations that frequently upload and download enormous amounts of data and files. 

Cox Residential internet speeds are uneven because downloads are frequently given priority. The majority of internet users at home engage in lower-bandwidth activities like media streaming and web browsing. 

Since residential internet is a simpler version of business internet, it costs less and has lower operation requirements. Cox residential internet plan costs around $50 a month. On the other hand, the cox business internet plan costs around $69 per month.  

  Do you need Cox business internet for your enterprise? 

How much and how many people utilize the internet for business will determine the need for business internet. High-speed home internet is frequently sufficient if the majority of your activities involve:

• Internet browsing.
• Reading emails and other communication channels.
• Possibly uploading and downloading small-size files.
• Have brief video chats with your team. 

Let’s say your company has more than five employees that share a single internet connection, upload and download huge files, and hold HD teleconferences that last for a long time. The business internet is the best option in that situation. This is essential if you converse online with clients and consumers because you wouldn’t want to worry about losing your internet connection in the middle of a sale. 

Conclusion 

Business internet access becomes necessary rather than optional when your company expands, and you employ more sophisticated technologies like your infrastructure, mail server, and other enterprise-level software. In addition, business internet connections are safer since handling customer data necessitates strong information security.   

Before switching, evaluate your company’s needs. Although the promises of a business internet account are encouraging, a small business owner or someone working alone from home may find the price to be prohibitive. 

Whether you choose residential internet or business internet, cox internet plans will surely meet your needs in the best way possible.

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Cox Internet Review

Cox offers a variety of fast and reliable cable internet plans..

Price: $50.00–$150.00/mo.

Speeds: 100–2,000 Mbps

Data cap: 1.2 TB

Compare all plans

◊ Provider star ratings are based on user reviews and our independent customer satisfaction survey .

Our Cox internet review

Cox is a great internet service provider (ISP) choice if you can’t get a fiber internet plan. Cable internet providers like Cox offer some of the fastest and most reliable internet services available, but fiber internet is even better.

It’s important to choose the right plan when shopping for an ISP. Fortunately, Cox offers a good variety of internet plans, making it easy to find something that fits your needs and budget.  Additionally, the majority of Cox customers we surveyed in our annual customer satisfaction survey were either “very satisfied” or “completely satisfied” with their internet service.

The biggest drawback with this internet provider is its plans’ lower value compared to its competitors and other cable internet providers.

• Fast and reliable internet service
• No-contract plan options

• Average value for mid and low-tier plans
• Expensive installation
• Price hikes after promo period

Are you a current Cox customer wanting to leave a review?

Write a Review

Jump to: Plans and pricing | Speed and data caps | Fees | Installation, equipment, and contracts |  Customer ratings | Cox vs. the competition | Bottom line | FAQ

• Plans and pricing
• Speed and data caps
• Installation, equipment, and contracts
• Customer ratings
• Cox vs. the competition
• Bottom line

Compare Cox internet plans and pricing

* for 12 months with 1-yr. term agreement

** No annual contract or cancellation fees.

Find out if Cox Communications is available in your area.

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• Score! Cox Communications is available in your area.

Cox assistance programs

* Not available in all areas. No term agreement. Same price for 2 yrs. Pricing, packages, and policies are subject to change, including when adjusting or removing services or equipment.

Cox’s speeds: What’s best for you?

The Go Faster plan is the sweet spot in Cox’s repertoire. It gives the best balance of speed and price that fits your average household’s internet needs and budget.

You can get double the speed (500 Mbps) with the Go Even Faster plan, but at $90.00 per month, we recommend this plan only if you really think you need more than 250 Mbps. Having more internet speed than you need provides very little, if any, benefit to your online experience.

How fast are your Cox speeds?

Click below for a quick speed test and find out.

Download speed 000 Mbps

Upload speed 000 Mbps

Latency (ping) 00 ms

Jitter 00 ms

Be sure to use our How Much Speed Do I Need? tool before investing in a plan that may be too little or too much for your needs.

The slower Cox Go Fast plan is good for those with smaller bandwidth needs, but it isn’t fast enough to accommodate larger households with average internet usage. Pick a faster plan if there are more than one or two people in your house.

Cox’s Go Beyond Fast plan is its fastest with an impressive 2,000 Mbps. Only those with the most extreme bandwidth demands need that much speed. Households with six or more members or those who regularly download huge files may see some benefit from Cox’s Go Super Fast plan, but most don’t need it.

Cox data caps

Cox internet plans have a 1.25 TB data cap, which is plenty of data for most customers. For those who do need more data, Cox charges $29.99 per month for an additional 500 GB and $49.99 for unlimited data—so it’s definitely pricey but less so than racking up overage fees.

If you go over your data cap, Cox charges $10 for every 50 GB of data over your limit up to a maximum of $100 in overage fees—that’s standard for a cable ISP with data caps.

Can you get Cox internet?

Enter your zip code below to see a list of the top internet providers in your area.

Our favorite plan: The Cox Go Faster plan is the best all-around deal for most customers. Cox recently increased the plan’s speed to 250 Mbps but kept the price at $70.00 per month. With that speed, four people can simultaneously stream 4K video with tons of bandwidth left over for additional tasks.

Cox’s ongoing deals and promotions + bundles

Save $15 per month when you bundle internet service with Cox Mobile.

Cox internet fees

Cox internet installation, equipment, and contracts

Cox offers professional installation for $100, or you can self-install for free. Most plans come with 12-month contracts, but you have the option of going month-to-month for an extra fee.

Cox installation and equipment

For $100, you can schedule to have a professional technician connect your residence to the Cox network and set up your equipment.

Self-install is free, and it’s a good option if you want to avoid the $100 fee. The process is pretty straightforward with cable ISPs like Cox as long as you have an active coaxial internet line in your home. Just plug in the equipment and connect the coaxial cable to the back of your modem or gateway. The Cox app walks you through the process.

Cox customers who choose to rent their equipment can get Cox’s Panoramic Wi-Fi Gateway. It’s a modern internet gateway (modem/router combo) that features automatic Wi-Fi channel selection and uses DOCSIS 3.1, both of which provide a smooth online experience.

Cox also sells its own Wi-Fi extenders for true wall-to-wall coverage throughout your home, but at the crazy-high price of $129.99 each, you’re better off just purchasing your own mesh router system.

Cox internet contracts

Most Cox internet plans have 12-month contracts. If you want to cancel your Cox internet before the end of your contract, you’ll have to pay $10 in early termination fees for each month remaining in your contract.

For an extra $10 per month, you can change any plan to month-to-month and avoid the ETFs.

Cox price hikes

Most Cox internet plans start with promotional pricing and then get more expensive after the first 12 months. After the promotional period, Cox raises prices $21 per month, on average.

Cox internet customer ratings

*Based on our annual customer satisfaction survey .

Cox customers gave good ratings in our annual customer satisfaction survey , consistently placing Cox in the top half of every category. Cox’s customer service ratings were near the top, likely due to Cox’s emphasis on providing a good customer experience; it’s one of the easier ISPs to get a human on the phone when you need help. Price was Cox’s weakest category, though it still maintained average ratings. Cox’s plans tend to offer a little less speed for the money when compared to the competition. 

See what other Cox customers are saying

We love collecting feedback about internet providers so you can make the best decisions based on our reviews and the voices of current subscribers. Be sure to check out our Customer Review form to let us know about your experience with Cox and read what others say.

Read Reviews

How Cox compares to the competition

Cox’s main competitors are AT&T, CenturyLink, and Verizon: all fiber and DSL providers. If you can get a fiber plan through any of these competitors, we recommend going with it over Cox’s internet plans. Fiber is faster and more reliable than cable internet. To further sweeten the deal, AT&T, CenturyLink, and Verizon don’t have data caps or annual contracts. You can get a month-to-month plan with unlimited data with Cox, but it adds an additional $60 per month onto Cox’s already pricey rates.

We don’t recommend choosing any DSL plan over Cox’s cable internet. DSL isn’t capable of very fast speeds, and the service tends not to be as consistent and reliable as Cox.

Read our full reviews of Cox vs its main internet competitors

• Verizon vs. Cox
• CenturyLink vs. Cox
• Windstream vs. Cox

Is Cox internet right for you?

Cox is a solid choice if you don’t have access to fiber internet. It offers plans with enough speed to satisfy even the most demanding web users but also has some good options for the average household.

Choosing to go with a cable ISP like Cox means having fast and reliable internet access that you can count on.

Shop Cox Internet

FAQ about Cox

Where can i get cox internet.

Cox has coverage areas extending all over the US. Enter your zip code below to see if Cox internet is available in your area.

Is Cox internet fast?

Yes. Cox offers plans up to 2,000 Mbps, but you probably don’t need that much. Try our quick How Much Internet Speed Do I need? test to estimate the perfect plan speed for you.

What’s the best Cox internet plan?

The Cox Go Faster plan is a good choice for the average household. It provides 250 Mbps of download speed for $49.99 per month.

How much does Cox charge for an installation?

Cox’s professional install fee is $100. You can try a self-install for free, but it requires you already have a Cox internet connection at your residence.

Methodology

Our HighSpeedInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on customer input from our annual customer satisfaction survey , results from our speed test tool , and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. To strengthen our research, we look closely at provider contracts to get hard-to-find information on price hikes, data caps, and extra fees, and we keep tabs on the latest news reports and online reviews. When applicable, we also rely on our personal experiences testing these services.

Cox Internet Review: Learn About Cox Internet Plans, Prices, Bundles, and More

We've tested and extensively researched Cox internet. Read on to see if Cox internet plans are worth it.

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

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Best Cox internet packages and pricing

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Is Cox internet worth it?

Cox internet is generally good for most folks, but it really depends on which competitors are also available in your area.

In a nutshell, Cox cable internet plans are faster than telephone-line DSL internet but slower than fiber-optic internet. Still, some of Cox’s internet plans come close to fiber speed, and most of them can easily handle household needs. And while most Cox internet plans are fairly affordable, their higher speed plans are not a great bang for your buck.

Cox internet’s strongest points are its reliability and good customer satisfaction marks. For those reasons, we say Cox is a solid home internet choice.

Why you should trust us. Our expert editors surveyed hundreds of Cox internet customers, researched pricing and speeds, and tested Cox home internet, and then rated it on a five-star scale according to four essential criteria:

• Bang for your buck: 1.75/5.00
• Reliability: 3.69/5.00
• Features: 3.00/5.00
• Customer satisfaction: 3.52/5.00

Compare Cox internet to the competition

Prices starting at $49.99/mo.

Max download speeds up to 1,200 Mbps

Read Cox Review

Max download speeds up to * 1,000 Mbps

Read Spectrum Review

* Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed.

Pricing, speed and availability not guaranteed. Subject to change.

Cox frequently offers free promotions on features and equipment, low-income internet discounts, and mobile bundle discounts. Check out our Cox Deals and Promotions page for the latest deals.

Cox internet plans offer high speeds and reliable performance

Cox internet plans.

**Not available in all areas. No term agreement. Same price for 2 yrs. Pricing, packages, and policies are subject to change, including when adjusting or removing services or equipment. *No annual contract or cancellation fees. †For 12 mos. No annual contract. ‡For 12 mos. w/ 1-yr. term agreement. Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Cox’s starting package, Go Fast, is an ideal internet plan. It costs $49.99 a month (the average price for internet in the U.S.) and comes with 100 Mbps, which is our recommended internet speed for most users.

And Cox’s cable internet speeds stay competitive with fiber internet , thanks to its Go Super Fast plan. With this plan, you’ll get download speeds as fast as 1,000 Mbps. But cable internet can’t match fiber’s fast upload speeds, so your video calls might not be as smooth as they’d be on a fiber internet service. Go Beyond Fast also reaches fiber internet’s heights with 2 Gig speeds, but for a ridiculously high price tag.

If you’re running a home business or uploading your weekly fly-fishing podcast, maybe look around for a fiber internet provider. And fiber internet providers like Google Fiber and Verizon Fios offer gig speeds for less cash, for example, so shop around.

As a Cox subscriber with Go Super Fast internet, I can attest to its lightning speed, whether I'm doing essential work or playing games. It's perfect when everyone in the house wants to retreat to a different room to use a device for everything from watching movies to downloading movies to watch on the phone—the download speed has never slowed down no matter what kind of activity is taking place.

Cox internet and cable TV bundles are overpriced for what they offer

Cox internet and tv bundles.

*No annual contract or cancellation fees. **for 12 mos. No annual contract. † for 12 mos. w/ 1-yr. term agreement. Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

TBH, we don’t really recommend Cox TV and internet bundles because of the extremely high cost for most folks.

Unfortunately, aside from giving you one convenient bill and live TV, Cox internet and TV bundles don’t deliver much value. We recommend checking out the Cox internet packages and going with a standalone Cox internet plan. If you want TV, we recommend going with a more affordable live TV streaming option.

Still interested in Cox bundles? We analyze every Cox bundle (we only list the three best here) in our comprehensive review .

Cox internet and mobile bundles are great bangs for your buck

Cox internet and mobile bundles.

Cox internet customers are eligible to sign up for one of Cox’s two mobile plans. Pay as You Gig is a pay-as-you-go plan, and Gig Unlimited comes with unlimited data. Cox Mobile uses Verizon’s mobile network, which means you can expect reliable service from Cox Mobile at a fraction of the price of larger wireless providers. Plus, both plans come with unlimited talk and text.

To top things off, Cox offers a $14.99 monthly discount on its mobile plans when you bundle with Go Fast, Go Faster, Go Even Faster, or Go Super Fast plans. Don’t worry; we’ve already incorporated these discounts into the prices above.

Cox internet is reliable enough for the average home internet user

Reliability is one of Cox’s stronger suits, with solid marks scored in our annual Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey . Around 65% of the Cox customers we surveyed were satisfied with Cox’s reliability—this isn’t a bad number, considering that Cox is a cable internet provider. Cable internet is not as reliable as fiber internet , whose underground fiber networks are better protected from storms and inclement weather, both common causes of internet outages.

Ok, Cox is relatively reliable, but is it fast? Our survey reports that nearly 70% of customers think so. Fiber internet once again trumps cable in all areas of speed with its equal download and upload speeds, but we can’t write Cox out just yet. Cox’s top-tier plan, Go Beyond Fast, hits 2,000 Mbps download speeds—a number higher than many fiber plans. Go Beyond Fast is pricy and a bit overkill for the average consumer, but it’s available for the speed demons out there.

We also take latency into account in figuring our reliability ratings. According to our friends at HighSpeedInternet.com, Cox internet users had an average latency of around 25 milliseconds—latency refers to how long it takes for data to physically reach your computer. The lower the latency number, the better. 25 milliseconds is a great speed, plenty fast for streaming, downloading, gaming, or Zoom calls.

Can I get Cox in my area?

Cox is available in 18 states across the US, but is it in your neck of the woods? Enter your zip code below to find out.

Cox internet equipment and features include some great perks

Bundles and TV service aside, a couple of things that Cox gets right are its internet equipment and features. Smaller internet service providers can’t provide you the tech that Cox does, but it’ll cost you a little extra.

Read on to see what goodies Cox internet has to offer.

Cox Panoramic WiFi

Cox rents the Panoramic WiFi Gateway for $12 a month. A combination cable modem and 2-port gigabit wired router, the Panoramic WiFi provides fast and reliable speeds across your home. Plus, you can download the Cox app to manage your Wi-Fi from your home or mobile device.

You don’t have to rent this modem/router combo if you don’t want to though—you can buy a Cox-compatible modem and router instead. Buying your own devices will cost you more upfront, but you might save some cash dollars in the long run.

Cox Hotspots

All Cox internet plans come with a membership to Cox Hotspots, a network of 3 million Wi-Fi hotspots accessible from any mobile device. These Wi-Fi hotspots are free for Cox customers, but if you’re not one, you can also pay a fee to connect to a hotspot for a limited time. For more information on how to locate and connect to Cox Wi-Fi, check out our Cox Hotspots guide .

Cox Contour Stream Player

Cox also has a TV streaming device called the Cox Contour Stream Player that you can get with its internet plans. The streaming device costs $5 per month and comes preloaded with popular streaming apps like Netflix and Peacock .

Regardless of how it stacks up against other streaming devices, going with the Cox Contour Stream Player and Panoramic WiFi is still a whole helluva lot cheaper than bundling internet and TV through Cox.

What do real Cox Communications customers think of Cox internet?

As part of CableTV.com’s annual Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey , we polled thousands of real-life internet customers, asking how they felt about their internet providers.

Cox’s overall satisfaction ranking is middle-of-the-road at 64%. Cable internet providers consistently fell behind fiber providers like Google Fiber , Verizon , and AT&T in our survey, and Cox is no exception. Cox also came up short behind fellow cable ISP Spectrum in all but two areas of satisfaction.

Cox’s customer service ranking is also 64%, showing mixed feelings about the ability to get help from Cox customer support when needed. One plus of Cox Communications is that they have brick-and-mortar stores you can visit, along with 24/7 service by phone or via chat .

Overall Cox internet seems to work pretty well other than there are some infrequent outages which seems to be fairly normal for all internet providers. I think there has only been one multiday outage which was eventually fixed by Cox with some new equipment.

Cox internet FAQ

Is cox internet unlimited.

Like most cable internet providers, Cox imposes a data cap on service—but you’ll likely never hit it. Cox’s monthly 1.25 TB (terabyte) cap is comparable to streaming over 500 hours of HD movies and TV shows. If you can consume that in a month, you’ve earned an internet break.

If you need to keep track of your data usage, Cox has options. There’s a Data Usage Meter available on the Cox website and the Cox app. Opt-in alerts can let you know if you’re running low on data.

Can I just get Wi-Fi from Cox?

Cox offers standalone internet plans for those who have—or want—to cut the cable cord but still stream TV and movie programs. It’s one way to avoid getting locked into a bundle that will be more expensive.

Do I have to use the modem supplied by Cox?

Cox internet service is compatible with a  long list of modems from outside sources, as long as they’re DOCSIS 3.0 or 3.1. Plans below 250 Mbps will work with older DOCSIS 2.0 modems.

How do I reach Cox internet support?

If you need technical support for your Cox internet service, call +1-800-234-3993 at any time, day or night. Check out our  Cox customer service page  for more ways to get in touch.

We also have a handy Cox Troubleshooting Guide that can help lead you to a solution.

How much data can I use with Cox internet?

All of the Cox internet plans include 1.25 TB (1,280 GB) of data per month. Cox offers the option to add more. For $29.99 a month, you can add 500 GB to your base data for another 100 hours of HD streaming.

How much is Cox internet with unlimited data?

Unlimited data will cost you an additional $49.99 a month on top of your Cox internet package. You can work and play online to your heart’s content with the unlimited plan. Say goodbye (and good riddance) to worrying about any overage charges.

Check the  Cox deals and promotions  to see if there are ways to save a few bucks.

What is the fastest internet speed that Cox offers?

Go Beyond Fast is Cox’s fastest internet speed at 2,000 Mbps, perfect for people working from home or who live with multiple users who stream, play video games, or video call daily.

This option has the speed to power several devices at once, and lets you stream 4K movies while downloading several more or play an online game while chatting via video.

How do I order Cox internet?

Once you determine the  Cox residential internet plan  that best suits your needs, you purchase a few different ways.

As you’re shopping for internet plans on the Cox site, a chat window will pop up offering different types of help. One of the options you can select is specifically for adding new services. If you’re making a change to a current service, you can type a specific request in the chat window to start your order.

If you would prefer to speak to a customer service sales representative, call  +1-844-573-0474 . If you prefer to place an order in person, find out if there’s a Cox store in your area and you can discuss options and start service at one of their locations.

Why you should trust us

To determine the capabilities of Cox internet plans, we tested different internet plans on devices including TVs, iPhones, Androids, and tablets. In some homes, we tested on multiple products simultaneously to ensure download speeds when numerous users are enjoying the service all at once. We also explored Cox’s internet plans and packages to give you the most up-to-date information about pricing and features. We used data from our annual customer service satisfaction survey to present star ratings to help decision-making. You can learn more about our process on our How We Rank page.

Related articles

• Cox Overview
• Cox TV Review
• Cox Channel Lineup
• Cox Bundles Review

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Airtel to increase price of postpaid, prepaid plans from July 3: Here is how much they will cost now

Airtel to raise mobile tariff rates from july 3 to sustain business profitability and invest in better technology.

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• Airtel to increase prepaid and postpaid plans from July 3
• New tariffs include modest price hikes across various plans, with details available on Airtel's official website
• Reliance Jio also to raise its mobile tariffs starting the same date

Bharti Airtel has announced that it will increase its mobile tariffs starting July 3. The company in a statement said that it is necessary to maintain an Average Revenue per User (ARPU) above Rs 300 to ensure a financially healthy business. This increase will help them invest in better network technology and spectrum. Airtel has made sure that the price hike is small, less than 70 paise per day, especially for entry-level plans to avoid burdening budget-conscious customers. Notably, Reliance Jio has also increased the price of its prepaid and postpaid plans. The price hike will also go into effect from July 3.

Airtel’s new tariff plans include modest price increases to minimize the impact on budget-conscious consumers. Here is a detailed breakdown of the new prepaid and postpaid plans:

Prepaid Plans:

--Rs 199 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 179, this plan now costs Rs 199. It includes 2GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. --Rs 509 Plan: Earlier at Rs 455, this plan now costs Rs 509. It offers 6GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 84 days. --Rs 1999 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 1799, this plan now costs Rs 1999. It includes 24GB of data, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 365 days. --Rs 299 Plan: Earlier at Rs 265, this plan now costs Rs 299. It offers 1GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. --Rs 349 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 299, this plan now costs Rs 349. It includes 1.5GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. --Rs 409 Plan: Earlier at Rs 359, this plan now costs Rs 409. It offers 2.5GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. --Rs 449 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 399, this plan now costs Rs 449. It includes 3GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 28 days. --Rs 579 Plan: Earlier at Rs 479, this plan now costs Rs 579. It offers 1.5GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 56 days. --Rs 649 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 549, this plan now costs Rs 649. It includes 2GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 56 days. --Rs 859 Plan: Earlier at Rs 719, this plan now costs Rs 859. It offers 1.5GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 84 days. --Rs 979 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 839, this plan now costs Rs 979. It includes 2GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 84 days. --Rs 3599 Plan: Earlier at Rs 2999, this plan now costs Rs 3599. It offers 2GB of data per day, unlimited calling, and 100 SMS per day for 365 days.

Data Add-On Plans:

--Rs 22 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 19, this plan now costs Rs 22. It includes 1GB of additional data for 1 day. --Rs 33 Plan: Earlier at Rs 29, this plan now costs Rs 33. It offers 2GB of additional data for 1 day. --Rs 77 Plan: Previously priced at Rs 65, this plan now costs Rs 77. It includes 4GB of additional data for the validity of the base plan.

Postpaid Plans:

--Rs 449 Plan: This plan offers 40GB of data with rollover, unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, and an Xstream Premium subscription. --Rs 549 Plan: It includes 75GB of data with rollover, unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Xstream Premium, Disney+Hotstar for 12 months, and Amazon Prime for 6 months. --Rs 699 Plan: For families, this plan includes 105GB of data with rollover, unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Xstream Premium, Disney+Hotstar for 12 months, Amazon Prime for 6 months, and Wynk Premium for 2 connections. --Rs 999 Plan: For larger families, this plan offers 190GB of data with rollover, unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Xstream Premium, Disney+Hotstar for 12 months, and Amazon Prime for 4 connections.

These new tariffs apply to all circles, including Bharti Hexacom Ltd. The revised prices will be available on Airtel's official website starting July 3, 2024. Published By: Ankita Chakravarti Published On: Jun 28, 2024

COX vs CenturyLink For Business – Speed, Price, Features

Finding an internet service provider (ISP) for a business, especially a home business, can be considerably more complicated than selecting one for your personal, home use. This type of service represents a significant monthly expense and since there’s a great deal of variation from ISP to ISP, it is well worth doing your research to find the best provider and value for your business.

What's In This Article?

COX vs CenturyLink

COX and CenturyLink are two of the most popular internet service providers in the United States, so if you’re a business owner looking to find the best ISP for your company, it’s likely that you’re considering at least one of them.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of determining which provider is best for you by giving you a side by side comparison of the two when it comes to various aspects that are very important when it comes to ISPs, such as reliability, cost, speed and customer service. 

This review is based on reviews posted online by active customers of COX and CenturyLink in addition to research carried out by us. 

Note : We’ve written an article that offers options to save even more money on Home Internet and Streaming TV services. I am personally saving over $200 per month using these methods. Read about it here.

Which is Best For Me?

As mentioned, to help you determine which ISP is best for your business, we’ll show you how COX vs CenturyLink compare when it comes to things like speed, availability and pricing.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Let’s Start With Price

Pricing is always a key consideration, especially when it comes to an ongoing expensive like your internet connection. People often use price to gauge the quality of a product or service, but when it comes to business internet service providers, the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best. 

Both CenturyLink and COX have various tiered pricing plans, but, generally speaking, CenturyLink is more affordable and usually represents better value for money. 

CenturyLink vs Cox Prices

CenturyLink has three business plans which cost between $65 and $90 per month. Its cheapest plan is its CenturyLink Simple Internet deal, which costs $65 per month and gives your business internet access without the need for a landline. 

This offer doesn’t have a minimum contract length, so you can purchase it on a rolling monthly basis and cancel whenever you need to. 

CenturyLink’s next plan costs $84.99 and comes with the simple addition of a landline, with unlimited nationwide calling. This particular plan must be purchased on a minimum two year contract and it has no cancellation fees. 

Lastly, their final and most expensive plan costs $90 per month and consists of an internet connection plus a digital phone service. This plan also has no minimum contract, so you can cancel anytime without any hassle. 

COX Cable Pricing

COX’s internet plans are considerably more expensive than CenturyLink’s, and they also have three separate plans to choose from, each with a discounted rate for the first six months. Furthermore, you should keep in mind that all of their plans must be purchased on a minimum three-year contract, which will be a major drawback for some businesses. 

Their cheapest offering is their “COX Business Internet – 50” plan, which costs $74 per month for the first 6 months and $190 per month thereafter. This plan offers speeds up to 50 megabits per second (Mbps). 

COX’s next two plans cost $104 and $340 per month for the first six months, respectively, before rising to $260 and $340 per month. We’ll compare the different internet speeds of COX and CenturyLink later in this guide, but for now it should be mentioned that the only difference between COX’s three plans is faster internet speeds (none of them come with a landline service.) 

Cox vs CenturyLink Features

CenturyLink also comes out on top when it comes to features, as most of their plans come with useful additional features, such as a free Microsoft Office 365 Business Essentials subscription and instant messaging.

Furthermore, CenturyLink has a few plans which come with a landline or a digital phone, while COX doesn’t offer this at all.

Century Link Speed

If you’re looking for the fastest internet connection possible and aren’t too concerned about the cost, COX is your best bet. Specifically, some of CenturyLink’s plans offer speeds up to 140Mbps, while COX’s most expensive plan delivers speeds up to 200Mbps. 

However, you should keep in mind that these maximum speeds aren’t available in all areas of the two ISP’s respective networks, and actual speeds are often considerably lower than the advertised speeds. 

When it comes to value for money, CenturyLink is better in most areas as they are far more affordable than COX and their speeds are only a bit slower.

Also, you should note that CenturyLink offers cable and fiber internet connections, while COX currently only offers cable connections. 

CenturyLink Reliability

Both CenturyLink and COX promise at least 99 percent uptime, as do most other ISPs (both business and residential providers.) Furthermore, customer reviews posted online don’t indicate a discernible difference in reliability between COX and CenturyLink.

Note: The uptime figure provided by ISPs usually doesn’t include planned maintenance, so keep that in mind when comparing claims made by rival providers. 

Is CenturyLink Available in Your Location

Century Link is available in over twice as many States as COX, with the former serving 37 States and the latter only serving 15. 

Century Link Business is available in these States:

• Alabama 
• Arizona 
• Arkansas 
• Idaho 
• Illinois 
• Indiana 
• Kansas 
• Louisiana 
• Michigan 
• Minnesota 
• Mississippi 
• Missouri 
• Montana 
• Nebraska 
• Nevada 
• New Jersey 
• New Mexico 
• North Carolina 
• North Dakota 
• Oklahoma 
• Oregon 
• Pennsylvania 
• South Dakota 
• South Carolina
• Tennessee 
• Texas 
• Virginia 
• Washington 
• Wisconsin 

Is Cox Cable Available in Your Location

As for COX Cable, their business internet service is available in the following States: 

• Connecticut 
• Massachusetts 
• Georgia 
• Florida 
• Rhode Island 

As you can see from the above lists, in some States both CenturyLink and COX are available, while in others only one or the other is available, so in many cases there’s no point comparing these two ISPs (as they aren’t direct rivals in many parts of the United States.)

CenturyLink vs Cox Customer Support 

CenturyLink and COX both have customer satisfaction scores below the ISP industry average of 64 percent, but there are many positive customer reviews online for both companies, so, on the whole, it’s a mixed bag for both ISPs.

Specifically, CenturyLink Business has an ACSI customer satisfaction score of 60, which compares to COX’s incrementally worse score of 59. 

COX and CenturyLink both offer customer support through the same mix of channels, including telephone support, live chat and email. They also have various guides and FAQs sections on their websites to help you quickly solve some of the issues you may encounter.

Installation

Both ISPs charge an installation fee on all of their plans, with COX Business charging $25 while CenturyLink’s fee is over twice this, at $60. However, CenturyLink allows new customers to perform a self-installation to avoid having to pay this fee.

On the other hand, COX doesn’t allow self-installation, so their $25 installation fee is unavoidable. 

The Verdict 

When comparing Cox vs CenturyLink, CenturyLink comes out on top in most cases, and they undoubtedly offer better value for money. So, unless CenturyLink isn’t available in your area, or if you’re only concerned with getting the absolute best speeds possible, you should choose CenturyLink Business over COX. 

When it comes to choosing which plan is best for you, consider what internet speed your business needs and if you can actually benefit from the additional features. Remember, even just $20 or so extra per month will add up to a significant amount of money over the course of a contract term. 

A Quick Summary 

• It can be much more difficult to find a good internet service provider for your business than for your household.
• But, as there’s a good deal of variation between different ISPs, it pays to do your research to find the best one for you.
• CenturyLink and COX are two of the most popular business internet service providers in the US, and they are direct competitors in a number of States.
• Both of them have various tiered plans, but across the board, COX is considerably more expensive than CenturyLink.
• However, if you’re looking for the fastest speeds possible, COX is usually your best bet.
• But, keep in mind that actual speeds may be considerably lower than advertised speeds, and maximum speeds aren’t available in all areas of the ISPs’ respective networks. 
• CenturyLink serves over twice as many States as COX, but there are a few States which COX serves and CenturyLink doesn’t have a presence in.
• All things considered, CenturyLink is the better and more cost-effective option for most businesses.
• However, if you’re after the highest speeds possible or if CenturyLink doesn’t serve your area, COX is a good choice.