Quick Answer: Optimum Internet in Illinois
Optimum (by Altice USA) offers fiber and cable internet service in Illinois with plans starting at $40/month for 300 Mbps. With speeds up to 2 Gbps on the fiber network, no annual contracts on most plans, and a free Smart WiFi 6 router included with every subscription, Optimum delivers reliable broadband for households of all sizes. Call 1-866-200-7273 to check availability at your Illinois address and get connected today.
Optimum Internet Plans Available in Illinois
Optimum offers four primary internet tiers for Illinois residents, each designed to match different usage patterns and household sizes. All plans include the Optimum Smart WiFi 6 router at no additional monthly cost, and most come without annual contract requirements. Here is what is currently available:
| Plan | Download Speed | Monthly Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum 300 | 300 Mbps | $40/mo | 1-3 users, streaming, browsing |
| Optimum 500 | 500 Mbps | $60/mo | 3-5 users, HD streaming, gaming |
| Optimum 1 Gig | 1,000 Mbps | $80/mo | 5-8 users, 4K streaming, remote work |
| Optimum 2 Gig | 2,000 Mbps | $120/mo | 8+ users, smart homes, content creators |
Pricing reflects current offers for new subscribers in Illinois. Actual availability depends on your specific address. Contact Optimum at 1-866-200-7273 to confirm plan availability and pricing for your location.
Optimum at a Glance
- Provider: Optimum (Altice USA)
- Technology: Fiber and Cable (DOCSIS 3.1)
- Speed Range: 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps
- Starting Price: $40/month
- Contract Required: No annual contract on most plans
- Equipment: Smart WiFi 6 router included
- Data Caps: No data caps on residential plans
- Phone: 1-866-200-7273
Optimum Coverage in Illinois
Optimum's coverage in Illinois extends across key population centers including Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, and Rockford. Optimum provides service in select Illinois markets, primarily serving communities in southern and central Illinois that were part of the Suddenlink network. While Chicago and its northern suburbs are served by other major providers, Optimum fills important gaps downstate. Residents can call 1-866-200-7273 to verify availability at their specific address, as coverage can vary by neighborhood and street.
Top cities served in Illinois: Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford
Current fiber status: Grant-funded fiber upgrades in southern and central Illinois communities. Optimum is transitioning its legacy cable infrastructure (formerly Cablevision in the Northeast and Suddenlink in the South and West) to a modern fiber-optic network. This fiber buildout brings symmetrical upload and download speeds, lower latency, and more reliable service during peak usage hours. Illinois residents in areas with completed fiber upgrades may have access to the full 2 Gbps speed tier.
Speed Analysis for Illinois Residents
Optimum's speed tiers in Illinois range from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, covering the full spectrum of residential internet needs. Here is a practical breakdown of what each speed tier means for your daily internet usage:
Optimum 300 (300 Mbps, $40/mo): This entry-level plan handles standard web browsing, email, social media, and HD video streaming for up to three simultaneous users comfortably. A family of two with moderate internet habits will find this tier more than sufficient. Downloading a 5 GB file takes approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds at full speed.
Optimum 500 (500 Mbps, $60/mo): The mid-tier option is designed for households with three to five active internet users or devices. It supports multiple 4K streams simultaneously, online gaming without lag, and video conferencing for remote workers. This is the sweet spot for most Illinois families balancing streaming, homework, and work-from-home needs.
Optimum 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps, $80/mo): Gigabit service is ideal for larger households with five to eight connected devices running simultaneously. It handles 4K and 8K streaming, large file uploads and downloads, cloud backups, and intensive online gaming without bottlenecks. A 50 GB game download completes in under seven minutes at full speed.
Optimum 2 Gig (2,000 Mbps, $120/mo): The premium tier is purpose-built for smart homes with dozens of connected devices, content creators uploading large video files, and power users who demand the fastest speeds available. Available exclusively on Optimum's fiber network, this plan delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds that eliminate any upload bottleneck. To check if 2 Gig service is available at your Illinois address, call 1-866-200-7273.
Optimum Pricing and Value in Illinois
Optimum's pricing structure in Illinois is straightforward compared to many competitors. Key value propositions include:
- No annual contracts on most residential plans, giving you flexibility to change or cancel without early termination fees
- Free Smart WiFi 6 router included with every plan, saving you $10-15/month compared to providers that charge equipment rental fees
- No data caps on residential internet plans, so you never have to worry about overage charges regardless of how much you stream, download, or upload
- Price transparency with the monthly rate you see being the rate you pay, without hidden surcharges or broadband infrastructure fees
Illinois residents pay an average of $58/month for internet, and Optimum's competitive pricing is especially valued in downstate communities where broadband options have historically been limited.
For Illinois residents who bundle Optimum internet with Optimum Mobile service, additional savings are available. Optimum Mobile runs on a nationwide 5G and 4G LTE network and offers unlimited plans starting at $30/month per line when paired with home internet service.
Local Insights: Internet Service in Illinois
Illinois's Connect Illinois program has invested over $500 million in broadband infrastructure since 2019, and Optimum has leveraged these grant programs to accelerate fiber deployment in communities that previously had limited broadband options.
For Illinois residents evaluating their internet options, Optimum's combination of competitive pricing, no annual contracts on most plans, and an included Smart WiFi 6 router makes it a strong contender against Xfinity and other local providers. The absence of long-term commitments means subscribers can switch or cancel without early termination fees, which is particularly appealing in a market where service quality can vary by location.
Illinois residents pay an average of $58/month for internet, and Optimum's competitive pricing is especially valued in downstate communities where broadband options have historically been limited. Whether you are streaming 4K content, working from home on video calls, or managing a household of connected devices, Optimum's plan tiers are designed to accommodate the diverse connectivity needs found across Illinois's communities. Call 1-866-200-7273 to discuss which plan best fits your household.
Frequently Asked Questions About Optimum in Illinois
Is Optimum available at my address in Illinois?
Optimum's availability varies by address throughout Illinois. The fastest way to check is to call 1-866-200-7273 and provide your street address and zip code. An Optimum representative can confirm whether cable or fiber service is available at your specific location and which speed tiers you can access.
Does Optimum require a contract in Illinois?
Most Optimum residential internet plans in Illinois do not require an annual contract. You can subscribe on a month-to-month basis and cancel at any time without paying an early termination fee. Some promotional pricing may have specific terms, so confirm the details when you sign up by calling 1-866-200-7273.
What is the fastest Optimum speed available in Illinois?
The fastest speed available from Optimum in Illinois is 2 Gbps (2,000 Mbps) on the fiber network, priced at $120/month. In areas still served by cable infrastructure, the maximum available speed may be 1 Gbps. Fiber availability is expanding across Illinois as Optimum continues its network upgrade initiative.
Does Optimum have data caps in Illinois?
No. Optimum does not impose data caps on its residential internet plans in Illinois. You can stream, download, upload, and browse as much as you want without worrying about overage charges or throttling based on data usage.
How does Optimum compare to Xfinity in Illinois?
Optimum and Xfinity both serve Illinois residents, but they differ in key areas. Optimum typically offers lower starting prices ($40/mo vs. Xfinity's entry tier), includes the WiFi router at no extra cost, and does not require annual contracts on most plans. Xfinity may have broader coverage in certain parts of Illinois. The best choice depends on your specific address and priorities. Call 1-866-200-7273 to compare real-time availability and pricing for your location.
Does Optimum offer fiber internet in Illinois?
Yes, Optimum is actively deploying fiber-optic internet across its Illinois service areas. Fiber availability varies by neighborhood as the rollout progresses. Fiber customers benefit from symmetrical upload and download speeds, lower latency, and access to the full 2 Gbps speed tier. Check your address by calling 1-866-200-7273 to see if fiber has reached your area.
What equipment does Optimum provide in Illinois?
Every Optimum internet plan in Illinois includes a Smart WiFi 6 router at no additional monthly charge. This router supports the latest WiFi 6 standard for faster wireless speeds, better range, and improved performance with multiple connected devices. For larger homes, Optimum offers WiFi extenders to eliminate dead zones in hard-to-reach areas.
Related Resources
- Optimum Internet Plans and Pricing Overview
- Compare Optimum vs. Spectrum
- Check Optimum Availability by Address
Ready to get connected? Call now for exclusive deals:
1-866-200-7272Disclosure: Some of the links and phone numbers on this page are from our partners who compensate us when you click or call. This does not influence our editorial content or rankings. Pricing, speeds, and availability are subject to change and may vary by location. Information is accurate as of February 2026. Call 1-866-200-7273 for the most current offers.