Qwest vs. Mediacom

Internet service from Qwest offers download speeds up to 40 Mbps and upload speeds as fast as 5 Mbps. Wireless Internet access is available from Qwest, and online backup service is also provided. Qwest has five Internet-only plans, differing in speed and monthly fees. Mediacom's Internet service offers download speeds up to 12 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1 Mbps. Other features of Mediacom Internet are support services all day, everyday, and a 30-day money-back guarantee if customers are not satisfied.

With Qwest, there are four different home phone-only service packages, varying in price depending upon the amount of calling available and whether it is local or long distance. Qwest also provides customers the choice of as many as 10 different calling features, such as caller ID and call waiting. Phone service from Mediacom offers unlimited local and nationwide calling for a single monthly fee. That fee is reduced if the phone service is bundled with other Mediacom services. Mediacom also provides customers with 13 calling features.

DirecTV is the television service available from Qwest. There are four different packages available for DirecTV-only, and the service can be bundled with other Qwest services. There is the option for HD TV, as well as an HD DVR. Mediacom offers family cable services or digital cable. There are five different digital cable plans, ranging widely in price and channel offerings. With digital cable service from Mediacom, customers have the option of getting a DVR.

Qwest also provides customers with the option of bundling Qwest Internet, home phone and television services with wireless service from Verizon Wireless. Benefits of bundling these services together include lower monthly fees than if all services were purchased separately, and there is the option to have all of the services combined on one monthly bill. With Verizon Wireless service through Qwest, customers can enroll in One Number service, which means that people can call one number and reach both the home and mobile phone of the Qwest customer. Mediacom does not offer mobile phone service plans.