Frontier Internet Review | Cheap Internet Service Provider

Tue, Jan 31, 2023 8:20 AM Internet Bundles Broadband Deals

Frontier Internet offers a lot of advantages, including no data limits, no contracts, and a fiber-optic network.

We believe FiberOptic is the better deal amongst Frontier's FiberOptic and DSL internet services. However, we recognize that not everyone has access to fiber internet. Frontier's DSL internet, on the other hand, isn't a bad deal, but we wish it offered higher speeds than the maximum of 115 Mbps.

So, do you sign up for Frontier's internet service? Let's look at the specifics and see if Frontier's rates, internet speeds, and data caps pass the test.

Pros:

Great prices for fiber internet plans
DSL internet options for rural areas
Unlimited data for all internet plans

Cons:

DSL speeds max out at 115 Mbps

DSL Internet Prices

Plan: Frontier Basic Internet    
Price: $37.99‡    
Download Speed: Up to 6 Mbps    
Data Cap: Unlimited    

Plan: Frontier Internet    
Price: $44.99^    
Download Speed: Up to 25 Mbps    
Data Cap: Unlimited    

Plan: Frontier Internet    
Price: $54.99^    
Download Speed: Up to 115 Mbps    
Data Cap: Unlimited    

Even so, if Frontier DSL is all you have, rest assured that it will suffice. You can get up to 115 Mbps download speeds and unlimited data for about $55 a month. As opposed to other DSL internet providers, that's not a bad deal—most of which won't give you unlimited data on top of a decent deal.

However, for those doing serious online activities, we wouldn't suggest download speeds as slow as Frontiers up to 6 and up to 45 Mbps plans. (Consider working from home, gaming, or binge-watching YouTube videos.) And if you have more than two people in your house who use the internet, you'll probably need more speed.

That being said, we understand that Frontier DSL internet can be your only — if not only — option in your region. Still, to see if you have any other choices, we suggest looking at these other rural internet options.

Plans and Prices

Frontier's FiberOptic packages are reasonably priced, but its DSL plans can provide better value.

If you live in an area where Frontier FiberOptic internet is open, we suggest that you get it.

This form of fiber internet is typically faster and more secure than cable or DSL internet. Frontier's fiber internet is also among the most affordable for the speeds it provides.

FiberOptic Internet Prices

Plan : FiberOptic 50 Mbps Internet
Price:  $49.99*    
Download Speed: 50 Mbps            
Data Cap: Unlimited    

Plan : FiberOptic 500 Mbps Internet 
Price:   $59.99*     
Download Speed: 500 Mbps       
Data Cap: Unlimited    

Plan : FiberOptic Gig Service
Price:   $79.99†    
Download Speed: 940 Mbps            
Data Cap: Unlimited    

The cheapest Frontier fiber plan, with speeds of 940 Mbps, costs about $80 per month. When compared to other internet providers, that is a fairly standard price for gig speeds. And if you want the best internet available, those speeds would undoubtedly suffice.

However, if you have a small family and only watch an HD movie or two on the weekends, you do not need gigabit internet speeds. Frontier's 50 Mbps and 500 Mbps plans are both less expensive than the company's gigabit service. But, if you go for one of these plans, we'd suggest you're looking at a win-win situation.

You're not out of luck if you don't live in a region where Frontier FiberOptic is accessible. Frontier also offers DSL services at reasonable rates, but its DSL speeds are limited to 115 Mbps.

 

Where can you get Frontier Internet?

Frontier Internet is available across most of the US, but you’ll mainly find it in West Virginia, Connecticut, and Illinois.

Internet Speed

Frontier ranks 12th out of 38 ISPs we looked at in terms of internet speed.

Frontier's FiberOptic internet service is available at download speeds of 50, 500, and 940 Mbps, so it can accommodate almost any need. The 50 Mbps plan is ideal for two to three people who mostly use Pinterest to find dream home inspiration and sometimes watch home improvement shows on weekends.

The 500 Mbps plan is ideal for medium- to large-sized families—or households with multiple roommates. These download speeds should be sufficient for multiple users to stream, game, and work from home at the same time. (Especially because it's a fiber link, which means you'll get consistently quick upload speeds as well.)

Internet Download and Upload Speeds

Plan: FiberOptic 50 Mbps Internet    
Download Speed: 50 Mbps        
Upload Speed: 50 Mbps

Plan: FiberOptic 500 Mbps Internet    
Download Speed: 500 Mbps    
Upload Speed: 500 Mbps

Plan: FiberOptic Gig Service        
Download Speed: 940 Mbps    
Upload Speed: 880 Mbps

You may want to choose the Gig Service plan if you mainly use the internet for your home company, freelancing, or YouTube streaming. With download speeds of 940 Mbps, you won't have to think about your hour-long Zoom meeting interfering with your kids' Disney+ time.

Frontier's DSL plans are on the other end of the speed spectrum. DSL is less efficient in terms of speed efficiency, despite the fact that its fastest plan will achieve speeds of up to 115 Mbps. This is due to the fact that it is an older technology.

If you can avoid it, we wouldn't suggest getting anything slower than Frontier's up to 25 Mbps DSL package.

Even 25 Mbps is sluggish, especially if you have multiple people or devices using your internet at the same time. That's because the more people or devices who use your internet, the more speed you'll need to ensure that everyone's link stays up and running.

Download Speeds

Plan: Frontier Basic Internet        
Download Speed: Up to 6 Mbps

Plan: Frontier Internet        
Download Speed: Up to 25 Mbps

Plan: Frontier Internet        
Download Speed: Up to 115 Mbps

How fast is their internet?

However, how does Frontier's internet speed compare? Really, it's not that bad.

Frontier was ranked 12th out of 38 ISPs in our most recent survey of the fastest internet providers in the United States. This brings it ahead of well-known internet providers such as Spectrum, AT&T, and Cox Communications.

One thing to keep in mind is that this weighted score isn't indicative of Frontier's download speeds. Instead, Frontier internet users saw a mix of average download and upload rates, as well as latency, in over 1 million speed tests conducted between January and December 2019.

Frontier's ranking, on the other hand, is significantly lower than we expected. Other fiber internet providers ranked even higher: Google Fiber came in first with a score of 75.6 out of 100, followed by Verizon Fios Home Internet with a score of 65.1 out of 100.

Frontier's poor performance is due to its slow DSL internet connection. As a result, we can expect Frontier FiberOptic internet speeds to be decent, but DSL speeds to be disappointing.

Related: Learn How to Watch Frontier TV Anywhere You Go!

Data Caps

Frontier's plans do not have any data limits, which is a major selling point. That's right, there are no limits on its DSL plans.

Frontier also doesn't do the sly thing that other internet providers do, where their data is "technically" limitless but has soft data limits after which your speed slows to a crawl. (Satellite internet providers, we're talking to you.)

In today's world, where most of us work, study, and play from home, having unlimited data is particularly valuable. If you're anything like us, you've seen a significant increase in your data use in 2020. But not having to pay for additional data is a huge plus.

Contracts, Equipment, and Fees

Frontier recently eliminated a number of perplexing fees, making it easier to understand your monthly bill.

We're overjoyed that contracts aren't included in either the Frontier FiberOptic or DSL plans. That doesn't rule out the possibility of an increase in your monthly bill after the 12-month promotional span, but it does allow you the flexibility to make changes without incurring a charge.

Service Fees

Frontier's service has a few costs, just like every other internet provider. Though we're pleased to report that these fees have recently been reduced. So, apart from taxes, which vary depending on your venue, here are the Frontier fees you can expect to pay:

Activation fee: $85 one-time fee
Disconnect fee: $10 one-time fee when your service is disconnected
Installation fee: None
Equipment rental fee: None, equipment is included with your FiberOptic internet plan

We consider using online chat instead of phone calls, as do most ISPs. However, be aware that Frontier's live chat functionality can be unreliable. It isn't available 24 hours a day, and there are moments when you'll wish you'd just called.

So, if you don't get a response on talk, set up a callback or pick up the phone and call Frontier.

Frontier customer service phone number: 1-800-921-8101
Frontier tech support: 1-800-239-4430
Pay your Frontier bill: 1-800-801-6652
Frontier online chat
Schedule a callback
Facebook: @FrontierCorp
Twitter: @AskFrontier

Recommended Frontier Internet Plan

FiberOptic 500/500: For Most Families

Good for families that use a lot of data. This package offers a fantastic combination of high speeds and a low price. Its high-speed fiber link will keep your family happy—as well as your wallet. Simply check to see if it's available in your area.

Download speed: 500 Mbps
Data cap: Unlimited
Price: $59.99 a month

So, Is Frontier Internet Good for you?

While we believe Frontier's FiberOptic internet service is the better deal, we appreciate that it still provides DSL service to those who live in rural areas. Even if customers have Frontier's DSL internet, they will enjoy the limitless data fantasy.

We're also grateful that Frontier recently reduced its fees and switched to a no-contract model. Oh, and your internet plan now includes your equipment. In terms of customer support, it also has some work to do.

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