Let’s be real—upload speed isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when people think about internet service. Most folks focus on download speed because, well, that’s what we use to stream, browse, and watch videos. But when you’re running a business, upload speeds actually matter just as much—sometimes even more.

If you’re using Spectrum Business Internet, or you’re thinking about switching, understanding upload speeds can help you avoid slow file transfers, laggy Zoom calls, and frustrated customers.

So, let’s break it all down in plain English—no tech degree required.

What Is Upload Speed and Why Should You Care?

Upload speed is how fast your internet can send data from your computer (or device) to the internet. Think of it like this: download is pulling stuff in, and upload is pushing stuff out.

Here are just a few things that need good upload speed:

  • Sending large email attachments
  • Uploading files to Google Drive or Dropbox
  • Hosting video calls or webinars
  • Running cloud-based tools or apps
  • Using VoIP (voice over internet protocol) phone systems
  • Sharing real-time data with remote teams

If your upload speed is slow, these tasks take longer—or worse, they freeze, lag, or just don’t work properly.

How Fast Is Spectrum Business Internet Upload Speed?

Spectrum has a few business internet packages. Each comes with different download and upload speeds. Here’s what they typically offer:

Spectrum Business Internet (Standard Plan)

  • Download speed: Up to 300–400 Mbps
  • Upload speed: Around 10 Mbps

This is good for small offices doing basic things like emails, web browsing, and light cloud usage. But if you’re uploading large files regularly, 10 Mbps might feel a little slow.

Spectrum Business Internet Ultra

  • Download speed: Up to 600 Mbps
  • Upload speed: Up to 35 Mbps

This is a solid option for businesses that work with cloud storage, manage social media uploads, or do regular video conferencing. You’ll notice the boost in upload speed here.

Spectrum Business Internet Gig

  • Download speed: Up to 1 Gbps
  • Upload speed: Still around 35 Mbps

You’d expect upload speeds to jump here, but they don’t. The upload speed caps at 35 Mbps just like the Ultra plan. That said, the super-fast download speed makes everything else snappy.

Important: Upload speeds on Spectrum Business Internet are asymmetric, meaning they’re much slower than download speeds. That’s typical for cable internet.

Is 10–35 Mbps Enough for a Business?

That depends. For some businesses, 35 Mbps upload is more than enough. But others might find it limiting.

Works Fine For:

  • Running a small office with under 10 employees
  • Light video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
  • Sending regular email attachments
  • Uploading social media content

Might Be Too Slow If:

  • You send or upload large files daily
  • Your team does frequent HD video calls
  • You’re using remote desktop tools
  • You run servers or host apps
  • You back up data to the cloud constantly

If any of those apply, you might hit that 35 Mbps ceiling fast—especially if multiple people are uploading at once.

Why Are Upload Speeds Slower Than Download?

This is a good question, and it comes down to how cable internet networks are built.

Cable internet (which Spectrum uses) is designed for download-heavy tasks. Most customers stream, browse, and download far more than they upload. So the infrastructure gives more bandwidth to downloading.

Upload speeds get less room on the network. That’s why you see a huge gap between 600 Mbps download vs. 35 Mbps upload on Spectrum.

Can You Improve Your Upload Speed?

Yes—and no.

You can’t magically boost Spectrum’s upload speed beyond what the plan allows. But you can do a few things to make the most of what you’ve got.

Tips to Get Better Upload Performance

  1. Use a wired connection: Ethernet is more stable and faster than Wi-Fi.
  2. Upgrade your modem/router: Old equipment may not support higher speeds.
  3. Minimize network traffic: Avoid heavy uploads or video calls on multiple devices at once.
  4. Run speed tests regularly: Keep track of what speeds you’re really getting.
  5. Call Spectrum support: They might reset your connection or suggest a better plan.

What If You Need Faster Upload Speeds?

If your business relies on upload-heavy tasks, there are better options.

1. Switch to Fiber Internet

Spectrum also offers fiber internet for businesses. It’s a different kind of service with symmetrical speeds—which means your upload and download speeds are the same.

You can get upload speeds up to 1 Gbps or even 100 Gbps with dedicated fiber. That’s great for businesses that:

  • Host servers
  • Manage large remote teams
  • Handle huge data backups
  • Operate content production (like YouTubers, podcasters, or designers)
  • Need ultra-reliable video conferencing

It costs more and isn’t available everywhere, but it’s worth checking if it’s in your area.

2. Compare Other Providers

If Spectrum’s upload speeds don’t meet your needs, see what else is available.

  • AT&T Business Fiber offers symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps in some areas.
  • Frontier Business Fiber has upload speeds up to 2 Gbps.
  • Verizon Fios (in select regions) also offers symmetrical plans.

You might find faster upload options at a similar price.

How Does Spectrum Compare to Competitors?

Let’s break it down in simple terms:

ProviderDownload SpeedUpload SpeedType
Spectrum Business300 Mbps to 1 Gbps10–35 MbpsCable
Spectrum FiberUp to 100 GbpsUp to 100 GbpsFiber
AT&T Business FiberUp to 5 GbpsUp to 5 GbpsFiber
Frontier BusinessUp to 2 GbpsUp to 2 GbpsFiber
Verizon Fios BusinessUp to 940 MbpsUp to 880 MbpsFiber

Cable is cheaper and easier to install. But fiber is the future, especially for businesses needing high upload speeds.

Does Upload Speed Affect Video Calls?

Absolutely. If you’ve ever had your voice drop or your screen freeze on Zoom, it’s likely due to poor upload performance.

For one-on-one video calls, you’ll need around 2–3 Mbps. For group calls or HD video, it jumps to 5–10 Mbps per user. That means if 5 people are on HD calls at once, you might need at least 25–30 Mbps just for that.

That’s why businesses with a lot of meetings or client calls should seriously consider upload speeds when choosing an internet plan.

What Upload Speed Is Right for Your Business?

Here’s a quick guide to help:

  • Under 10 Mbps: Fine for solo business owners or tiny teams doing light tasks
  • 10–25 Mbps: Okay for small teams with moderate cloud usage
  • 25–35 Mbps: Good for medium teams, regular video calls, and file uploads
  • Over 100 Mbps: Needed for data-heavy businesses or large remote teams

If you find yourself waiting on uploads, dropping calls, or dealing with lag—your upload speed might be holding you back.

Final Thoughts: Is Spectrum Good for Business Upload Speeds?

For most small to mid-sized businesses, Spectrum Business Internet gets the job done. It’s reliable, affordable, and widely available.

But the upload speeds—10 to 35 Mbps—might feel limited if your business is heavily digital or remote-focused. If that’s the case, check out Spectrum Fiber or other providers offering symmetrical speeds.

It’s all about matching the service to your business needs. If uploading plays a big role in your day-to-day, don’t overlook this key detail.

Want the Best Upload Speeds for Your Business?

  • Test your current speeds at speedtest.net
  • Talk to Spectrum about fiber availability in your area
  • Compare plans from other providers based on upload speed
  • Make sure your network hardware is up to date

Because when your upload speed works, your whole team works better.

Categorized in:

Internet Services,

Last Update: April 11, 2025