Charter / Spectrum
Flagged · AvoidThe second-largest cable and internet provider in the U.S., operating under the Spectrum brand.
Last updated June 14, 2026
↓ Skip to 8 ethical alternativesReasons to avoid
Issues span:Consumer
- Paid a record $174.2 million to settle a New York AG fraud lawsuit alleging it promised internet speeds it knew it couldn't deliver, defrauding over 700,000 subscribers — the largest-ever consumer payout by an ISP in U.S. history at the time.
- A Texas jury found Charter liable after a Spectrum technician robbed and murdered an 83-year-old customer in her home, citing systemic safety failures and the company's use of a forged document to try to force the case out of court. The jury's $7.37 billion award was later reduced by a judge to $1.15 billion.
- Repeatedly raised prices while losing hundreds of thousands of customers, including hiking its low-income Spectrum Internet Assist plan by 25% and raising the Broadcast TV Surcharge to $25.75/month in early 2024.
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Common Questions
- Is Charter / Spectrum ethical?
- A New York AG lawsuit found Spectrum defrauded over 700,000 subscribers by promising internet speeds it knew it could not deliver, resulting in a record $174.2 million settlement. A Texas jury found Charter liable after a Spectrum technician robbed and murdered an 83-year-old customer, citing systemic safety failures and the use of a forged document to block the lawsuit — a $7.37 billion award later reduced by a judge to $1.15 billion.
- Why should I avoid Charter / Spectrum?
- Charter was found liable for the robbery and murder of an 83-year-old customer by one of its technicians, with a jury citing systemic safety failures — a $7.37 billion verdict later reduced to $1.15 billion. The company has repeatedly raised prices while losing hundreds of thousands of customers, including hiking its low-income Spectrum Internet Assist plan by 25% and raising a broadcast surcharge to $25.75 per month in 2024.
- What are the best ethical alternatives to Charter / Spectrum?
- Sonic is an independent ISP known for privacy protection and gigabit fiber speeds. For TV, YouTube TV and Philo offer no-contract live streaming without hidden fees. A one-time over-the-air antenna purchase delivers free local broadcast channels with no monthly bill.