Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum are both major internet service providers, but their performance varies by location and service type. Hawaiian Telcom generally offers better customer service and more fiber-optic options in Hawaii, while Spectrum provides wider coverage across the mainland U.S.
Both providers offer internet, TV, and phone services, but their technologies differ. Hawaiian Telcom uses fiber-optic and DSL networks, while Spectrum relies primarily on cable. This affects speed and reliability.
| Provider | Max Speed | Technology | Service Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Telcom | 1 Gbps | Fiber-optic, DSL | Hawaii |
| Spectrum | 1 Gbps | Cable | 41 states (mostly mainland U.S.) |
Hawaiian Telcom is the dominant provider in Hawaii, offering better local support and fiber-optic options in many areas. Spectrum covers most of the mainland U.S., with consistent speeds but occasional congestion during peak hours.
Many assume Spectrum is always faster due to its nationwide advertising, but Hawaiian Telcom's fiber-optic network often outperforms Spectrum's cable in Hawaii. A 2023 study by Ookla showed Hawaiian Telcom had lower latency in Honolulu than Spectrum.
In Honolulu, Hawaiian Telcom's fiber-optic plan delivers 940 Mbps download and 940 Mbps upload, while Spectrum's top-tier cable plan offers 940 Mbps download but only 35 Mbps upload. For businesses relying on video conferencing, Hawaiian Telcom's symmetric speeds are preferable.
For mainland users outside Spectrum's service area, Xfinity may be a better alternative.
Neither provider is universally better-the choice depends on location and specific needs. Hawaiian Telcom excels in Hawaii with fiber-optic reliability, while Spectrum offers broader mainland coverage with consistent (if sometimes slower) performance.