Yes, Spectrum is working on bringing faster upload speeds to its cable internet service. It’s working on technologies to implement DOCSIS 4.0 to enable multigigabit symmetrical speeds. While DOCSIS 4.0 modems are still being developed, Spectrum is expected to increase upload speeds with existing DOCSIS 3.1 technology.
Here we discuss the available upload speeds with current Spectrum internet plans and what it’s doing to increase upload speeds for residential customers. We also share some tips for increasing upload speeds with Spectrum Internet today. Let’s get started.
Current Spectrum Upload Speeds
Spectrum currently has three internet plans. You can upgrade to a faster plan to increase your upload and download speeds. Here are the details of each of these plans.
Spectrum Internet Standard
Spectrum’s standard internet plan has a max upload speed of 10 Mbps and a max download speed of 300 Mbps. This plan costs $49.99 for a 12-month promotional period with no term contract or data cap.
Spectrum Internet Ultra
The Ultra plan has a 20 Mbps max upload speed and a 500 Mbps max download speed for $69.99 per month. This plan also has a 12-month promotional period with no term contract or data cap.
Spectrum Internet GIG
Spectrum’s fastest internet plan delivers a top upload speed of 35 Mbps and a top download speed of 1000 Mbps. Spectrum Internet GIG costs $89.99 per month for 12 months and includes unlimited data with no term contract.
These upload speeds are pretty good for average internet users, but Spectrum has plans to bring multi-gigabit speeds to its markets.
How Spectrum Will Increase Upload Speeds
What Limits Cable Upload Speeds
Cable internet works using coaxial networks. Copper cables from different homes in an area first meet at a switch that connects directly to the headend. This cable infrastructure is both efficient and adequate to deliver the highest speeds we need today.
Cable networks were originally built for TV service, which doesn’t require much upstream speed. So the upstream frequency bandwidth of cable networks is limited. To prevent upstream signals from different homes from interfering with each other, each modem is assigned a specific time slot for uploads. This brings the upstream capacity of cable networks down to a fraction of its downstream capacity.
This hasn’t been a problem so far as consumers also don’t need high upload speeds. But high upload speeds with fiber internet are driving customers away from cable internet, even though symmetrical speed is more of a marketing gimmick than an actual need.
Spectrum’s Network Improvements
Spectrum recently announced that it has chosen Harmonic as its vendor for virtualized Cable Modem Termination Systems (vCMTS). vCMTS is a pivotal technology for the future of cable internet. It’s currently enabling the implementation of DOCSIS 4.0, a set of specifications for hybrid fiber-coaxial networks of the future.
Using DOCSIS 4.0 equipment, Spectrum was able to create an internet connection with an 8.5 Gbps download speed and a 6 Gbps upload speed. It aims to bring DOCSIS 4.0-based internet to the market by 2025.
But we won’t have to wait that long to get higher speeds. Spectrum has a roadmap to offer faster upload speeds with the currently-employed DOCSIS 3.1 technology which has an upload speed capacity of 1 to 2 Gbps.
Tips for Increasing Upload Speeds
When most of us think about upgrading our internet plan, we’re thinking about higher download speeds. Slow upload speeds are a rare problem. Still, if you’re experiencing annoyingly low upload speeds, here’s what you can do about it right now.
Connect Via Ethernet
If you want higher upload speeds on a PC or laptop, try connecting to the internet via an Ethernet cable instead of over the WiFi. Ethernet cables have higher upstream and downstream bandwidths and they don’t suffer from interference problems like WiFi does.
Restart the Router
Your router carefully chooses its frequency bands to limit interference with other WiFi routers nearby. But signals from other transmitters may change over time. Restarting your router forces it to find the optimal channels again, which can lower interference and increase upload speeds.
Enable Spectrum Speed Boost
If you have a Spectrum Mobile line, Spectrum Advanced WiFi, and a DOCSIS 3.1 modem, you’re eligible for a new feature from Spectrum called Speed Boost. Speed increases upload and download speeds for Spectrum Mobile devices over Advanced WiFi. If you’re not a Spectrum customer, you can benefit from the new Spectrum One offer and get Advanced WiFi and an Unlimited Mobile line for free with Spectrum internet service for 12 months.
Conclusion
The max upload speed Spectrum currently offers is 35 Mbps with the GIG plan. It is going to increase upload speeds soon and it plans to bring multi-gigabit upload speeds to the market by 2025. Still, there’s plenty you can do to increase your upload speeds right now.
