For tech enthusiasts seeking a reliable and high-speed internet service provider (ISP), Consider Frontier Communications. As the 4th largest digital subscriber line (DSL) provider and a leading fiber optics provider, Frontier offers robust services for home and business use across 25 U.S. states. This guide will explore Frontier’s offerings for the discerning internet user.
Overview of Frontier Internet Services:
Frontier sets itself apart by providing both DSL and fiber optic internet services to its customers. Frontier’s dual approach extends broadband internet access to underserved rural and suburban regions.
Availability varies by region, but Frontier fiber is accessible to nearly 4 million households nationwide. Fiber cities enjoy blazing-fast speeds, with download speeds up to 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps) and upload speeds up to 5 Gbps. This symmetrical connectivity empowers activities like video streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Frontier’s DSL network reaches over 5,000 zip codes across the U.S. Top download speeds max out around 75 Mbps depending on proximity to internet hubs. With no contracts and guaranteed pricing, Frontier provides flexibility both in speed offerings and commitment periods.
Enhance your home connectivity with Frontier Cable and Internet, delivering seamless entertainment and high-speed internet services for an immersive digital experience.
Pricing and Plans
Frontier offers tiered pricing models to cater to both light and heavy internet users. Their fiber optic plans range from 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps:
- Fiber 500 at $44.99/month offers 500 Mbps download & upload speeds.
- Fiber Gig at $59.99/month provides 1,000 Mbps symmetrical speeds.
- The Fiber 2 Gig plan starts at $79.99 per month with 2 Gbps download and upload speeds.
- The blazing-fast Fiber 5 Gig comes in at $154.99/month.
These fiber prices compare favorably against cable competitors like Xfinity and Spectrum. It’s important to note that Frontier fiber plans have no data caps.
Frontier’s DSL plans cover speeds from 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps for $34.99 to $44.99 monthly. You can lower your internet pricing further by bundling TV and phone services. Overall, Frontier outperformed its rivals in a 2022 pricing satisfaction survey, thanks to its upfront rate transparency and contract flexibility.
Customer Experience and Service
Reviews of Frontier’s customer service and overall internet performance are decidedly mixed among consumers. While some users praise the reliability and speeds delivered by Frontier Fiber in covered neighborhoods, others complain of multi-day service outages, inconsistent speeds, and frustrating interactions with technical support and customer service staff.
Frontier’s rating profile typifies these inconsistent experiences. Its profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website sits at just 1 out of 5 stars, with a low customer review score of 1.1 out of 5. This indicates widespread issues with Frontier’s service and support quality based on BBB data.
Yet on sites like HighSpeedInternet.com, Frontier earns 3 out of 5 stars reflecting more mediocre satisfaction. Frontier grabs a 6 out of 10 internet provider score from Allconnect, middling but not the lowest-rated provider. While far from stellar, some sites suggest Frontier still outperforms certain competitors.
Specific issues highlighted by frustrated Frontier customers include frequent service disruptions, slow repairs, overseas call centers, and representatives lacking helpfulness or technical knowledge.
Alternatively, positive feedback recognizes Frontier’s efforts to appease customers and fix issues. Offerings like gift cards, bill credits, free speed boosts, or swag like Apple TV 4K boxes are used to smooth over poor experiences. Frontier’s 30-day money-back guarantee on new services also makes it easy to switch providers quickly if dissatisfied.
Ultimately, the Frontier customer experience varies widely based on location. Regions with access to Frontier fiber experience far fewer issues compared to areas limited to slower DSL. But even fiber customers encounter billing problems, long wait times for support, and network reliability complaints occasionally. Optimizing the Frontier service experience involves making wise package choices and selecting the right equipment. However, quality concerns persist, which may encourage customers to consider other providers offering better service.
Installation and Equipment
Frontier offers both professional installation and self-setup options, providing flexibility for different user comfort levels. Professional installation starts at $99, while self-installation kits ship for free. Professional installation, completed in 1-5 days, includes configuring and placing equipment.
Equipment provided varies by plan. Fiber plans include:
– eero Pro 6 router (Fiber Gig plan)
– Ultrafast Wi-Fi 6E router (Fiber 2 Gig)
– Archer AXE300 Wi-Fi router (Fiber 5 Gig)
Certain fiber plans also include mesh Wi-Fi extenders to bolster in-home signals. DSL customers receive an Amazon Eero mesh router as part of their package. Consumers can use their router with Frontier Fiber, avoiding equipment fees.
How Frontier Compares to Other Providers
As a prominent DSL and fiber ISP, Frontier competes for customers against cable and fiber companies alike. Here’s how Frontier stacks up:
Speed – Frontier Fiber provides symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps, rivaling Google Fiber and surpassing most cable ISPs. However, Frontier DSL maxes out at around 75 Mbps, which is slower than cable.
Availability – Frontier DSL covers 25 states. But its fiber network is smaller, spanning just 50 metro areas. Cable companies, such as Xfinity, have broader coverage.
Reliability – Reviews suggest that Frontier Fiber is very reliable, but DSL consistency requires improvement. Cable companies also field mixed reliability feedback.
Customer Service – Frontier gets low ratings for customer support and service quality from JD Power and BBB. n terms of customer service, cable providers like Spectrum tend to perform better.
Price – Frontier fiber plans compete strongly on price. DSL is affordable but slower than cable. Both options offer more competitive pricing than satellite internet.
Frontier distinguishes itself with competitive fiber speeds and expanding coverage, emphasizing its technical capabilities and rural access. However, spotty ratings for DSL reliability and support highlight areas for improvement.
Bundles, Perks, and Added Values
In addition to standalone internet, Frontier offers money-saving bundles that pair internet with TV and phone services. Double Play packages combine internet with TV or phone access while Triple Play bundles all three. Frontier also integrates its services with streaming providers, such as YouTube TV.
Fiber customers enjoy added perks like a $100 Visa gift card, access to Apple TV+ for 6 months, or a free Apple TV 4K box—all helping sweeten these premium plans. Considering Fiber’s substantial speeds, these freebies offer even greater value for cord-cutters and smart home users.
FAQs
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What’s the difference between Frontier’s DSL and fiber optic internet services?
Fiber optic internet transmits data via light through glass cables, enabling faster speeds up to 5 Gbps. DSL uses existing copper telephone lines to provide internet, typically maxing out at around 75 Mbps.
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Does Frontier have any hidden fees?
Frontier pledges transparency in its internet pricing. There are no hidden monthly fees, price hikes after 12 months, or data overage charges. However, equipment fees, installation costs, and taxes/fees vary by area.
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How does Frontier’s internet reliability compare to top cable providers?
Frontier fiber is very reliable but DSL consistency is mixed, according to consumer reviews. Top cable providers like Xfinity and Spectrum earn moderate to high marks for reliability from JD Power and other reviewers.
