Internet Speed – Fidium Fiber vs Comcast
Internet speed. The make-it-or-break-it factor when it comes to choosing an internet service provider. Well, when it comes to Fidium Fiber and Xfinity, we’ve got some fleshy details for you.
Let’s start with Fidium Fiber, which boasts speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to a mind-blowing 2,000 Mbps. And get this: their speeds are 100% symmetrical, meaning you’ll get the same upload and download speeds. So, if you’re on the 250 Mbps plan, you can expect 250 Mbps for both downloads and uploads.
But wait, there’s more.
Our team put Fidium’s fiber internet to the test, and let me tell you, we were blown away. We consistently received speeds between 105% and 110% of the advertised speeds, with no drops or interruptions. And on higher-level plans, we saw speeds that were maxing out the limitations of our testing equipment. We’re talking 948 Mbps download and upload speeds with the 1 Gbps Fidium plan. That’s as high as a standard 1 Gbps ethernet port will allow, folks.
As for Xfinity, they also over-deliver on their advertised speeds, giving you an extra 15% to 20% faster download and upload speeds than what you paid for. On their 200 Mbps package, we were almost always getting download speeds of 235 Mbps or higher. However, their upload speeds are not as impressive as Fidium’s, but they still averaged 120% of the promised speeds. Kudos for honesty in advertising, Xfinity.
But, let’s be real, Xfinity’s Fiber 6 Gbps plan falls short of the promised speeds. So, if you’re looking for lightning-fast internet speeds, Fidium Fiber may be the way to go.
Data Caps
Nobody likes data limits, and they always seem to come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, if you’re a Fidium Fiber customer, you won’t have to worry about them. That’s right, no data caps in any of their plans. Stream, game, and surf to your heart’s content without any restrictions.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Xfinity. With the majority of their plans, you’ll be tethered to a 1.2TB data cap. That might sound like a lot, but with the rise of streaming services and high-definition content, it can be surprisingly easy to hit that limit. If you do, Xfinity will charge you an extra fee for every additional 50GB of data you use.
However, Xfinity does offer an option to escape the data cap woes. For an additional $30 per month, you can upgrade to their unlimited data plan. This might be worth it for heavy internet users who don’t want to worry about keeping track of their data usage or facing extra fees.
Now, let’s be real, nobody wants to pay extra for something that should be included in the first place. So, it’s a big thumbs up for Fidium Fiber in this category, providing you with the unlimited data you deserve without any additional fees.
Installation Options & Cost
The joys of getting internet installed in your home. It can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Fidium Fiber understands this and offers free installation with all their plans. Talk about customer-friendly service!
But wait, what about Xfinity? Well, they may have some fees lurking in the shadows. If you want a technician to come out and do all the heavy lifting for you, be prepared to fork over $100. Ouch! But, if you’re feeling confident and want to give it a go yourself, Xfinity will send you a Getting Started kit for just $15 (depending on your location).
Of course, Xfinity’s self-installation process may be a bit daunting for some, so the option to pay extra for a technician is always there. But if you’re feeling brave and want to save some cash, go ahead and give it a shot. After all, who doesn’t love a good DIY project?
Equipment Required – Fidium Fiber vs Comcast
To get on the Fidium Fiber train, you’ll need a couple of key devices. First up is the ONT, which is like the conductor that turns the fiber optic signal into something your computer can understand. You’ll also need a router that can handle PPPoE, which is like a secret handshake that Fidium Fiber uses to authenticate your connection. But don’t worry, Fidium Fiber will hook you up with both of these devices for free as part of their service. If you need extra WiFi coverage, they also partner with Plume to provide pods.
If you’re hopping on board with Comcast, you’ll need a modem that supports DOCSIS 3.1, which is a standard for cable internet. And of course, you’ll need a router to connect all your devices and get that sweet WiFi going. Comcast is happy to rent you these devices, but if you’re feeling savvy, you can also buy your own modem and router (as long as they’re compatible with Comcast’s network). They make it easy to check the compatibility of your gear on their website.
Coverage Area – Comcast vs Fidium Fiber
Let’s take a closer look at where you can get your internet fix with Fidium Fiber vs Xfinity.
Fidium Fiber has a pretty impressive coverage area in northern New England, along with select areas in Pennsylvania, California, Texas, and Florida. But they’re not stopping there – they’re rapidly expanding into new service regions and have been boosted by federal rural broadband initiatives, which means they’re also covering some of the more remote areas.
Now, if you’re looking for sheer coverage heft, Xfinity is the way to go. With service in a whopping 39 states, they’re one of the largest internet providers in the good ol’ US of A. So whether you’re in the heart of the city or the boonies, chances are Xfinity has you covered.
Customer Service – Comcast vs Fidium Fiber
The thorn in the side of every internet service provider: Customer Service. In the battle of Fidium Fiber vs Xfinity Internet, who will come out on top in the quest for the best customer support? Well, we’ve done our homework, and here’s the tea:
While Fidium Fiber’s customer service isn’t quite up to par with some of the big players in the ISP world, they’ve managed to hold their own and even outperform some of their competitors like Breezeline, Verizon, and Optimum. Plus, their support team is reportedly friendly and knowledgeable, which can make all the difference when you’re dealing with tech issues.
But, as always, there’s a catch. Fidium has its wait times for technical support, especially during peak hours. So, if you’re able to call during off-hours, you may have a better chance of getting through to an agent quickly.
As for Xfinity, they’ve made strides in improving customer satisfaction over the past few years. Their score of 66 out of 100 in the most recent American Customer Satisfaction Index puts them above the industry average and in first place among cable providers. They even rank fourth among all ISPs, trailing only Verizon Fios, T-Mobile Home Internet, and AT&T.
Of course, everyone’s experience with customer service can vary, so take these ratings with a grain of salt. But overall, it seems that both Fidium Fiber and Xfinity Internet are making an effort to provide better support to their customers.
Final Verdict – Fidium Fiber or Comcast?
As we wrap up this comparison of Fidium Fiber vs Comcast Xfinity, it’s clear that both providers have their pros and cons.
Let’s start with Fidium Fiber, the up-and-coming fiber internet provider that’s making waves in the northern New England area and beyond. Their lightning-fast speeds, reliable service, and friendly customer support have won over many customers, especially those in rural areas where reliable internet access can be hard to come by.
But what about Comcast Xfinity, the behemoth of the cable and fiber internet industry with coverage in 39 states? They may not have the same personal touch as Fidium, but they make up for it with widespread availability and a track record of solid customer satisfaction.
So which one is the winner? It all depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for lightning-fast speeds and friendly customer support, Fidium Fiber is a great choice. But if widespread availability and solid customer satisfaction metrics are your top priorities, Comcast Xfinity may be the way to go.
Whatever you choose, we hope this comparison has been helpful in making an informed decision.