WOW! Internet in Illinois
WOW! offers cable, fiber internet service in Illinois, with plans starting at $30/mo for speeds up to 100 Mbps and scaling up to 1,200 Mbps for $80/mo. Service is available in select Illinois communities including Chicago, Aurora, and surrounding areas.
About WOW! in Illinois
WOW! (formerly WideOpenWest) is a Midwest and Southeast cable and fiber provider headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The company focuses on serving mid-size cities and suburban communities, with a strong emphasis on value pricing and rapid fiber network upgrades in select markets.
In Illinois, WOW! serves communities in the Chicago suburbs and collar counties, offering a competitive alternative in one of the nation's largest metro areas. The company's focus on mid-size cities and suburban neighborhoods gives Illinois residents an important choice in a market that has seen significant consolidation.
WOW! has been aggressively upgrading its hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network to deliver gigabit speeds, while simultaneously building out pure fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in high-demand areas. For Illinois residents, this means access to straightforward pricing with no annual contracts and no hidden fees, backed by a network that continues to improve as the company invests in infrastructure across the state's Midwest communities.
WOW! Internet in Illinois Plans
The following WOW! plans are available to eligible Illinois households. Pricing, speeds, and availability may vary by location within the state.
| Plan | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOW! 100 | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $30/mo |
| WOW! 500 | 500 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $50/mo |
| WOW! 1 Gig | 1,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $70/mo |
| WOW! 1.2 Gig | 1,200 Mbps | 50 Mbps | $80/mo |
Prices shown are for internet service only and may not include equipment rental, taxes, or fees. All plans are available without annual contracts. Contact WOW! for current promotional pricing in your Illinois area.
WOW! Coverage in Illinois
WOW!'s Illinois network primarily covers suburban and mid-size communities. Coverage is concentrated in and around Chicago, Aurora, and select suburbs, with ongoing expansion into adjacent areas. Cable service reaches most of WOW!'s established footprint, while fiber availability is growing in newer developments and upgrade areas. Check availability at your specific address, as coverage can vary block by block.
Illinois, with a population of approximately 12.6 million residents, is a state stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan through fertile prairies to the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Home to the nation's third-largest city and a diverse economy spanning finance, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology creates sustained demand for high-quality broadband infrastructure that providers like WOW! help address.
Frequently Asked Questions: WOW! in Illinois
Where is WOW! available in Illinois?
WOW! serves select communities across Illinois, including areas in and around Chicago, Aurora, and Naperville. Coverage varies by neighborhood, so we recommend checking availability at your specific address on WOW!'s website or calling their customer service line.
What is the cheapest WOW! plan in Illinois?
The most affordable WOW! plan in Illinois is the WOW! 100 at $30/mo, which delivers download speeds up to 100 Mbps. This plan is suitable for light internet use including web browsing, email, and standard-definition streaming for one to two devices.
What is the fastest internet speed from WOW! in Illinois?
The fastest WOW! plan available in Illinois is the WOW! 1.2 Gig at $80/mo, offering download speeds up to 1,200 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps. This plan supports demanding household usage including 4K streaming, large file transfers, video conferencing, and online gaming across many simultaneous devices.
Does WOW! offer fiber internet in Illinois?
Yes, WOW! offers fiber internet in select areas of Illinois, alongside its cable network. Fiber availability varies by location and is expanding as the company upgrades its infrastructure. Fiber connections typically offer faster speeds and more reliable performance than cable or DSL. Contact WOW! to check if fiber is available at your Illinois address.
Does WOW! require a contract in Illinois?
WOW! offers its plans in Illinois without long-term contracts, giving customers the flexibility to change or cancel service without early termination fees. This no-contract approach reflects WOW!'s confidence in its service quality and commitment to earning customers' loyalty through performance rather than contractual obligation.
WOW! Internet Service Technology and Plans
WOW! (WideOpenWest) operates a combination of fiber and hybrid fiber-coaxial networks delivering internet speeds from 100 Mbps to 1.2 Gbps. The company serves select markets across the Midwest and Southeast with a focus on providing straightforward pricing without hidden fees. All WOW! plans include unlimited data with no overage charges, and the company offers month-to-month service with no annual contracts or early termination fees on residential internet plans.
WOW! has been steadily upgrading its network infrastructure with a long-term transition toward fiber-to-the-home technology. In areas with the upgraded network, customers enjoy symmetrical gigabit speeds with the enhanced reliability that fiber connections provide. The company includes a WiFi router with all plans and offers a whole-home WiFi mesh system add-on for larger residences. WOW! also provides bundling options with television and phone services for customers who prefer a single provider for all home communications needs.
Choosing the Right Plan in Illinois
Selecting an internet plan in Illinois requires balancing speed, price, and contract flexibility. Start by assessing how many people in your household use the internet simultaneously during peak hours, typically between 7 and 11 PM. A household with one to two light users browsing the web and streaming in standard definition can get by with 50-100 Mbps. Families of three to five with multiple simultaneous streamers, gamers, and remote workers should target 200-500 Mbps for a consistently smooth experience without buffering or lag.
Before committing to any plan, check what promotional offers are currently available for new customers in your area. Many providers in Illinois offer introductory rates that are $20-30 lower per month for the first 12 months. Calculate the full two-year cost by adding the promotional and regular pricing together, then compare across all available providers at your address. Also factor in equipment rental fees, which can add $10-15 monthly, and whether the provider charges installation or activation fees for new service.
Tips for Getting the Best Internet Experience
Optimizing your home network starts with proper router placement. Position your WiFi router in a central, elevated location away from walls, metal objects, and electronic devices that create interference. A router placed in an open area on a shelf or mounted on a wall can improve WiFi coverage by 30-50% compared to one hidden in a closet or behind furniture. For homes larger than 2,000 square feet or with multiple floors, consider a mesh WiFi system with satellite nodes placed in each area where you need strong coverage.
Regular maintenance keeps your connection performing at its best. Restart your modem and router monthly to clear cached data and refresh your connection. Check for and install firmware updates quarterly, as these often include performance improvements and security patches. Monitor your actual speeds using periodic speed tests, and contact your provider if wired connection speeds consistently fall below 70% of your plan speed during off-peak hours. Most providers will troubleshoot remotely first and schedule a technician visit if the issue requires on-site diagnosis.
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