At Allconnect, we work to present quality information with editorial integrity. While this post may contain offers from our partners, our opinions are our own. Here’s how we make money.
By eliminating the prorated credit on final bills, Charter-Spectrum will be making it more expensive for internet customers to drop their service with the new Spectrum cancellation policy.
“Effective on or after June 23, 2019 and consistent with the Terms and Conditions of Service, Spectrum will no longer provide a pro-rata credit for services sold on a monthly basis that are canceled prior to the end of the current bill month,” Spectrum told customers in the fine print of their May billing statements.
What does this change mean for Spectrum customers?
In the past, Spectrum internet customers could cancel services at any time without facing consequences. Under the new policy, consumers are better off waiting until the end of their billing month to cancel if they’re looking to avoid charges for internet service that’s no longer in use.
Customers compelled to cancel service due to a change of address or relocation will have to bite the bullet and pay for the rest of the billing period no matter what. If a new occupant moves in and resumes service with Spectrum during this time, the company would potentially be able to collect from two customers for the same internet service.
AT&T’s DIRECTV service made this same policy change in January 2019 and will be doing so with AT&T internet access as well. Smaller providers like Optimum and Windstream were some of the first to remove the prorated credit from cancellation.
Major service providers like Cox and Xfinity continue to prorate their bills, as does Frontier for FiOS TV customers in California.
But cable replacement streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Sling TV have historically never applied a prorated credit to cancellations, which may signify that the new Spectrum cancellation policy may be closer to the norm for other service providers as well.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more provider updates, resources and guides from our experts.
What to read next
Featured articles Read more from the Resource Center
All about Spectrum services: Your ultimate guide
May 4, 2020
Thinking about switching to Spectrum service? Find out what it’s really like to be a Spectrum customer, from moving to equipment costs and everything in between. Read more
May 23, 2020
The best compatible routers for Spectrum internet service
There are benefits to choosing your own equipment instead of renting from your provider. Learn which ones may be right for your internet plan! Read more
Oct 25, 2019
How much Spectrum really costs: What you’ll pay for internet and TV
Curious about Spectrum standard rates or equipment pricing? Get the scoop on Spectrum fees, surcharges and more. Read more
