$49.99 has become a popular base price for internet service in 2024, with major cable providers like Spectrum and Cox phasing out introductory prices below $50 in most regions.
$49.99 ($50) is a reasonable rate for internet service, assuming it’s a final price with no extra line items. However, the $49.99 rate offered by cable providers is generally a first-year discount for new customers — meaning that the price increases over time.
The long-term cost of home Wi-Fi is $16.67 per month higher on average across the top three US cable companies. Xfinity and Cox are the only major cable company that currently offer non-discounted plans at $50 per month. Spectrum offers $49.99 to new customers, but ultimately raises the rate by $30 to $79.99 once coupons expire.
Can I get internet for less than $50?
Getting internet at a non-discounted rate below $50 is possible if you qualify for a government program like Lifeline, or if you live in an area serviced by a local alternative to the big cable companies.
The market survey below shows how base pricing compares across the top cable and fiber internet providers. Fiber service is offered at a higher price point of $71/month average. The price difference is only $14 per month when removing new customer discount rates.
Internet base rates: market summary
| Provider | Base price | Base speed |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | $49.99 | 300 Mbps |
| Cox | $50.00 | 50 Mbps |
| Xfinity | $19.99 | 300 Mbps |
| AT&T Fiber | $55 | 300 Mbps |
| Google Fiber | $70 | 1000 Mbps |
| Ting Fiber | $89 | 1000 Mbps |
What internet speed should I get for $50?
The speed offered for $50 ranges dramatically based on local market conditions, with a normal range between 50 Mbps (Cox) and 300 Mbps (Xfinity). Removing the impact of new customer discounts, the range is less favorable; 50 Mbps is the maximum offered over the long term, since Spectrum pricing after 12 months increases by $20 on most plans.
In Los Angeles, for example, Spectrum’s only major competition is from AT&T Fiber. Since AT&T is priced at $55 and only services about a third of the city, the majority of residents are stuck with whatever Spectrum offers; which in this case is a $79.99 per month long-term price for 300 Mbps download speed.
| Provider | $50 offers | Speed offered |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | $49.99 | 300 Mbps |
| Spectrum | $49.99 | 300 Mbps |
| Cox | $50 | 50 Mbps |
Cable pricing: discount lengths
| Provider | Base price (discounted) | Base speed | Final price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | $49.99 | 300 Mbps | $69.99 |
| Cox | $50.00 | 50 Mbps | $50 |
The final prices of each major $50 cable internet offer on the market is subject to change over time. This is most notable for Spectrum and Xfinity’s new customer rates; both of which increase by $20 in years 2–3 of service.
- Xfinity: $20 bill increase after year 1
- Spectrum: $20 bill increase after year 1
- Cox: No bill increase after year 1
Fiber vs cable base plan costs
The biggest difference between fiber and cable providers is that fiber is priced as a premium product, while cable is priced for budget shoppers.
This difference is noticeable in the fine print; cable companies will almost always offer a “new customer rate” that’s discounted between $5–20 per month for the first year.
Fiber providers rely on the network quality and speeds to lure customers, resulting in pricing between $55–89 per month with no discounts or “special rates.”
Over the long term, the cost difference between cable and fiber is minimal; just $14 per month, and that’s before factoring in added costs like router rentals and TV services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $50 a reasonable cost for internet?
$50 is a reasonable cost assuming speeds of at least 200 Mbps download. It's a normal speed for cable companies like Spectrum and Cox, both of whom have dropped cheaper plans in most areas. Fiber providers offer higher speeds, but typically charge closer to $80 per month for the premium service.
What is a normal price for Wi-Fi?
Basic cable internet provides home Wi-Fi for an average of $39.99 per month across the three largest cable providers. However, Xfinity is the outlier in offering plans below $49.99 ($50) on the first-year discount. Cox quietly ended cheaper plans in most of their service areas in 2024.
