Optimum offers new 1 Gig Fiber Internet customers a $300 Visa prepaid card. And customers could save $10–15 a month by bundling internet and mobile plans. Keep reading to find more discounts.
I want to get the most value out of any internet, TV, and mobile provider I use. Part of getting the best value comes from getting a cheaper bill. And I’ll cover ways to lower your bill throughout this guide.
I’ll cover these points:
- Deals for different groups
- Bundles
- Internet plans
- TV plans
- Mobile plans
- Contract buyout
- Phone deals
- Government subsidies
Read on to potentially save money.
Optimum Deals for Different Groups
Let’s see whether Optimum offers details for various groups:
- New Customers: new customers who get 1 Gig Fiber could get a $300 prepaid card
- Seniors: Optimum doesn’t offer senior discounts
- Students: no discounts for students
- Teachers: no lower pricing for teachers
- First Responders: doesn’t have any special plans for first responders
- Existing Customers: existing customers don’t have access to discounts
Existing customers could attempt to negotiate lower rates with Optimum. First, research local providers who offer lower pricing in your area. Then call 877-694-9474 and request to speak to their retention department.
Upon getting a hold of someone, mention that Optimum’s pricing is out of your range, and you’re considering switching to “X” provider. They’ll try to suggest downgrading your plan or other tactics to keep you with them without offering discounts.
Remain calm and resist their verbal bombardment.
Your goal is to score cheaper pricing. And if, after a long battle, you still can’t get a cheaper bill, say you’ll shop around. They may not have called your bluff on switching providers. Then call back another day.
You may reach a representative who’s less heavy-handed with handing out discounts.
Optimum TV, Internet, Voice, & Mobile Bundles
I’ll cover double play, triple play, and mobile plus internet bundles throughout the following sections.
Only bundling Optimum Mobile and Internet will yield any discounts.
Optimum Internet & Mobile Bundles
Save $10–$15 a month when bundling an Optimum Mobile and Internet plan.
Here are the rates:
| Internet Plan | Price When Bundling * | Savings |
| 300 | $30/mo. | $10 |
| 500 | $50/mo. | $10 |
| 1 Gig Fiber Internet | $65/mo. | $15 |
| 2 Gig Fiber Internet | $85/mo. | $15 |
| 5 Gig Fiber Internet | $165/mo. | $15 |
Optimum Internet & TV Bundles
Compare Optimum double play TV and internet bundles:
| Bundle | Starting Price * | Max. Download Speeds † | Channel Count |
| Core TV + Internet 300 | $115/mo. | 300 Mbps | 220+ |
| Core TV + Internet 500 | $135/mo. | 500 Mbps | 220+ |
| Core TV + Internet 1 Gig Fiber | $155/mo. | 940 Mbps | 220+ |
| Select TV+ Internet 300 | $135/mo. | 300 Mbps | 340+ |
| Select TV+ Internet 500 | $155/mo. | 500 Mbps | 340+ |
| Select TV+ Internet 1 Gig Fiber | $175/mo. | 940 Mbps | 340+ |
| Premier TV + Internet 300 | $155/mo. | 300 Mbps | 420+ |
| Premier TV + Internet 500 | $175/mo. | 500 Mbps | 420+ |
| Premier TV + Internet 1 Gig Fiber | $195/mo. | 940 Mbps | 420+ |
Optimum Internet, TV, & Voice Bundles
Let’s compare triple play VoIP, TV, and internet packages:
| Bundle | Starting Price * | Max. Download Speeds † | Channel Count |
| Core TV + Internet 300 + Voice | $130/mo. | 300 Mbps | 220+ |
| Core TV + Internet 500 + Voice | $150/mo. | 500 Mbps | 220+ |
| Core TV + Internet 1 Gig + Voice | $170/mo. | 940 Mbps | 220+ |
| Select TV+ Internet 300 + Voice | $150/mo. | 300 Mbps | 340+ |
| Select TV+ Internet 500 + Voice | $170/mo. | 500 Mbps | 340+ |
| Select TV+ Internet 1 Gig + Voice | $190/mo. | 940 Mbps | 340+ |
| Premier TV + Internet 300 + Voice | $170/mo. | 300 Mbps | 420+ |
| Premier TV + Internet 500 + Voice | $190/mo. | 500 Mbps | 420+ |
| Premier TV + Internet 1 Gig + Voice | $210/mo. | 940 Mbps | 420+ |
I won’t cover details later regarding Optimum’s home phone service. But it’s a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) calling service that offers unlimited calling to:
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Canada
- United States
And it includes more than 20 calling features.
A couple is anonymous call blocker and call forwarding. But a home phone is helpful for anyone who needs to provide 911 operators with all their information. To make it so they could find you easier.
Plus, it provides coverage in areas with horrible cellular coverage. Both of these perks may save you during an emergency. Since you can contact 911 easier and give the operators accurate information to reach you.
Optimum Internet Deals & Plans
Optimum broadband internet plan deals are as follows:
- Free professional installation: when ordering online
- $300 Visa prepaid card: when getting 1 Gig Fiber Internet
- $200 prepaid card: for new 2 Gig Fiber customers
- $100: for new 500 Mbps customers
- Free network gateway: with 300 and 500 Mbps plans
- All other plans include free 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) routers
- $10–15 off internet plans: when bundling with Optimum Mobile
- $5.00 when enabling automatic payments
Here are their residential internet plans:
| Tier | Starting Price * | Max. Speed (DL & UL) † | Best For |
| 300 | $40/mo. | 300/20 Mbps | Homes with <6 people |
| 500 | $60/mo. | 500/20 Mbps | Homes with >6 people |
| 1 Gig Fiber Internet | $80/mo. | 940/35 Mbps | Homes with >10 people |
| 2 Gig Fiber Internet | $100/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Home server management |
| 5 Gig Fiber Internet | $180/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Home server management |
Details:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No contracts
- Free installation when ordering online
- Unlimited data
- Includes a free network gateway
- Cable and/or fiber internet connectivity
Let’s move on to hidden fees.
Optimum Internet Hidden Fees
Extra fees you’ll need to pay for Optimum residential internet include:
| Equipment | Fee |
| Installation Fee | Free when ordering online, $99–$149.99 otherwise |
| Reconnect Fee | $10–$15 |
| Late Payment Fee | $10 |
| Network Enhancement Fee | $3.50/mo. |
| Wi-Fi Extender Rental | $3.00/mo. |
There’s no way around the network enhancement fee. Otherwise, Optimum has no cancellation and equipment fees. Unless you don’t order your services online.
Optimum TV Deals & Plans
Here are all the deals for Optimum TV:
- Free installation: when ordering online
- Includes an Optimum voice remote
Their cable TV plans are as follows:
| Tier | Starting Price * | Channels |
| Basic TV | $35/mo. | 50+ |
| Core TV | $105/mo. | 220+ |
| Select TV | $130/mo. | 340+ |
| Premier TV | $155/mo. | 420+ |
| Optimum Stream | $10/mo. | 50+ |
Details:
- Cable TV
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No contract
Optimum TV Hidden Fees
Additional fees for using Optimum television include [1]:
| Equipment or Fee | Fee * |
| Apple TV 4K | $10/mo. or$180 (one-time) |
| Cable Box (HD/SD) | $11/mo. |
| Optimum TV Box | $10/mo. |
| CableCARD | $2.50/mo. |
| Digital Adapter | $5.00/mo. |
| Optimum Amplify | $15/mo. |
| TV Broadcast Fee | $9.99/mo. |
| Outlet Premium Service Fee | $1.50 per household |
| Regional Sports Fee | $10.47/mo. |
| Installation Fee | Free when ordering online, $99–$149.99 otherwise |
| Reconnect Fee | $10–$15 |
You’ll have to pay for at least 1 cable box, the regional sports fee, and the broadcast surcharge. If you need additional cable boxes for rooms, consider having others in your household stream live channels through the Optimum TV app.
Optimum Mobile Deals & Plans
Optimum doesn’t offer any deals or freebies on their Mobile products. However, here are the plans for you to consider [2]:
| Tier | * # of Lines | † Price | Premium Data | Mobile Hotspot Data |
| Unlimited | 1 | $45/line per mo. | 20 GB | 5.0 GB |
| Unlimited | 2–4 | $30/line per mo. | 20 GB | 5.0 GB |
| Unlimited | 5 | $25/line per mo. | 20 GB | 5.0 GB |
| Unlimited Max | 1 | $55/line per mo. | 50 GB | 15 GB |
| Unlimited Max | 2–4 | $40/line per mo. | 50 GB | 15 GB |
| Unlimited Max | 5 | $35/line per mo. | 50 GB | 15 GB |
| 1 GB | NA | $15/mo. | 1.0 GB | NA |
| 3 GB | NA | $25/mo. | 3.0 GB | NA |
Details:
- They’re a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO): they use T-Mobile’s towers to deliver your services
- Supports eSIM
- Costs $20 to bring your own phone
Other than a strange pricing structure for their international calling rates, Optimum Mobile doesn’t charge a bunch of weird extra fees. You’ll need to explore my overview of Optimum’s services to find those fees.
Optimum Contract Buyout Policy
Optimum will pay up to $100 of your current early termination fee (ETF). It’s a great way to save money when trying to flee from a provider who charges a cancellation fee.
However:
Usually, ISPs charge more than $100 if you cancel your plan early into the contract. Xfinity has a $110 cancellation fee for a 12-month contract. The fee is lower by $10 each month. If you cancel on month 3 of your contract, Optimum’s buyout policy will cover 100% of your ETF.
I say month 3 since Xfinity has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Then canceling during month 2 would result in the $110 fee.
Optimum Phone Deals
Find the following phone deals when getting an Optimum Mobile phone [3]:
- Samsung Galaxy S23: $300 off
- S23+: $400 off
- S23 Ultra: $500 off
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen.): $100 off
- Samsung S22 5G: $100 off
- moto g 5G: $220 off
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G: $100 off
Affordable Connectivity Program & Lifeline Discount
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a $30-a-month government subsidy for qualifying households. You’ll need to participate in at least one of these programs to qualify:
- 200% at or under the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Women, Infants, Children (WIC)
- School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Head Start
- Food Stamps (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- VA Survivors or Veteran’s Pension
- Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Federal Pell Grant
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Medicaid
Those living in qualifying Tribal Lands get a $75 monthly credit.
Do you qualify?
Apply at fcc.gov/acp. Say the government approves your application. Your home is also eligible for free 300 Mbps internet. You’ll get 300 Mbps download, and 20 Mbps upload speeds.
Visit this link to apply the ACP credit to your bill. Or call 866-347-4216 and ask about the ACP free offer.
The plan includes a free Wi-Fi extender and network gateway (modem/router combo).
You’ll see that the plan’s name is “300 Mbps FIBER INTERNET.” That’s a bit deceiving. Because the same paragraph also says, “Internet provided over cable network.”
Just a warning. Anyway:
Or apply for the Lifeline program. It’s a $9.25 monthly credit—$34.25 for folks on Tribal Lands. You can’t use this and the ACP credit on your internet bill. It’s one or the other. But you could apply it to your cellular plan.
Qualifications for Lifeline include:
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Medicaid
- Veterans & Survivors Pension
- SSI
- FPHA
- TANF
- SNAP
- FDPIR
- Tribal Head Start
The above programs will give certain homes free internet and discounted mobile plans. Much better than discounts internet providers could offer. And maybe that’s why Optimum doesn’t offer discounts.
FAQs
Explore these FAQs to learn more about Optimum promotions, freebies, and deals.
What Kind of Optimum Deals are Available?
Optimum doesn’t have any deals other than offering new customers a $300 Visa prepaid card.
How Can I Find Out if Optimum Deals are Available in My Area?
Visit Optimum.com and enter your ZIP code in their search bar. From there, Optimum will present all packages and possible deals in your area.
Can I Combine Multiple Optimum Deals for Even Greater Savings?
Whether you could combine multiple deals depends on the terms for each promotion.
How Does Optimum Pricing Compare to Other Internet & Cable Providers?
Optimum provides more affordable 300- and 500 Mbps internet plans. However, their “1 Gig” plan gives you fewer megabits for what you pay. Optimum TV charges more per channel than most providers. But offers more channels.
Can I Get a Better Deal by Negotiating with an Optimum Representative?
Improve your odds of negotiating cheaper deals with Optimum’s retention department by mentioning you’re considering switching to a cheaper provider in your area.
Wrapping Up
Optimum doesn’t offer any deals besides $100–$300 Visa gift cards for new customers. And $10–15 off your internet plan when bundling Optimum Internet and Mobile. See whether you’re eligible for government subsidies for discounts otherwise.
Or call their retention department and try to score a discount.
You’ll need to know other ISPs in your area to provide leverage when calling them. Compare all the major providers and see who offers better pricing. You may even want to switch to a different provider after your research.
Footnotes
* Don’t forget taxes and fees vary by location, but the pricing already takes discounts into account if you sign up for automatic payments.
† Internet speed can change based on how you’re connected (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and other factors.
‡ Optimum allows customers to have up to 5 lines per account.
