Frontier 500/500 Fiber Internet Review

Frontier Fiber 500 Plan

Starting From

$39.99/mo. with AutoPay

4.5/5

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815

Frontier 500 Mbps plan is the best deal, with speeds of 500 Mbps for $39.99 per month. This means you pay 8 cents for every Mbps, which is much lower than the national average of 64 cents per Mbps. 

Did you know that the United States ranks third in the world in terms of internet users, with over 307 million people connected to the web? However, not all Americans enjoy the same quality and affordability of internet service. For some households, especially those with low income or living in rural areas, paying for internet can be a significant financial burden.

That’s why Frontier offers a 500 Mbps internet plan that balances speed, reliability, and budget-buying. But is Frontier 500 worth it? There are many factors to consider to answer this question. So, in this Frontier Fiber 500 review, we will discuss all about this plan to help you decide. 

Table of Contents

Frontier Fiber 500 Mbps Speed

Frontier is one of the few leading fiber internet providers that offer fiber-optic internet in America with speeds up to 5 Gbps. Fiber-optic internet is ideal for online activities that require high bandwidth, including 4k streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. 

Currently, Frontier offers 4 fiber internet plans with different speeds. One of the plans is the Frontier 500, which costs $49.99. Surprisingly, you can get this plan for $39.99 per month when you opt for the auto-pay payment method. This plan provides a maximum wired speed of 500 Mbps for both downloads and uploads, which means you can enjoy symmetrical speeds that are consistent and stable. It can support wireless connectivity on at least 15, at once.

But here is the thing. Just because you see a big number, 500 Mbps, it does not mean you will always get that. Think of it like the maximum speed limit, not the speed you will drive at every moment of your journey. It is always a good idea to ask around, maybe talk to neighbors who use the same service, to see if they are getting the advertised speeds.

Frontier 500 Mbps plan is a middle-ground option that is neither the slowest nor the fastest, but is fast enough for most people’s needs. It is built for those who want to do more online.

With this plan, you can also get:

  • Amazon eero Wi-Fi 6+ router
  • $10 off YouTube TV (for one year)
  • Expert installation
  • Unlimited data

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 Pros

  • Fast and symmetrical speeds
  • Reasonable price
  • Unlimited data
  • No contract 
  • Equipment included


 Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Speed may vary by location
Frontier Fiber 500 Plan
Price $49.99/mo. ($39.99 with Auto Pay)
Download Speed 500 Mbps
Upload Speed 500 Mbps
Contract Not Required
Data Cap Unlimited
Supported Devices Up to 15
Expert Installation Included
Equipment  Included
Actual price and performance may vary.**

Additional Costs

Frontier has simplified its billing process by eliminating some of the confusing fees that used to be charged. This makes it easier for you to understand and manage your internet expenses.

Installation

You will get free expert installation with the Frontier Fiber 500 plan. Some providers charge you extra for this, but thankfully, that is not the case with Frontier. Frontier will send a professional technician to your home to set up your fiber-optic connection and test the signal strength and quality. The installation process usually takes about two to four hours, depending on your home layout and wiring.

Equipment

For some providers, you may have to cover a rental fee for the equipment. But the Frontier Fiber 500 plan includes an Amazon Eero Wi-Fi router. That is a nice touch because Eero is known for top performance. 

But here is a heads-up: if you decide to part ways with Frontier and do not send back the equipment, an unreturned equipment fee is imposed of up to $150 per device.

If you like to receive your bills as a hard copy, that will cost you an extra $2.99 per month. 

Even though the printed bills add to the overall cost of Frontier Fiber internet, the old-school practice offers peace of mind and comes in handy for tax filings. 

Frontier 500/500 Price after 12 months

Frontier 500/500 promotional price ($49.99/mo.) is set for the first year only. After this introductory period, the price may increase depending on your location and Frontier’s policies. According to some Frontier customers on Reddit, the price may go up by at least $10 per month after the first year, which is $59.99 or $49.99 with AutoPay.

Some customers also reported that they could negotiate a lower price or get a promotional offer by reaching out to Frontier’s customer service. Therefore, if you are interested in the Frontier 500 Mbps plan, you should be aware of the potential price increase after 12 months and be prepared to pay more or switch to another plan.

Perks or Special Features

It is not just about how fast the connection is or how much it will set you back each month. The real sweeteners are the perks and special features that come with the plan. Let’s break down what Frontier Fiber 500 Mbps Internet brings to the table that enhances the overall value of the plan.

Save $10 with AutoPay and Paperless Billing

We are all trying to cut down on clutter and save a few trees. In this regard, Frontier’s offer to knock $10 off your monthly bill for going paperless and setting up Auto Pay makes sense. It is a win-win: This is a straightforward way to reduce your bill while being environmentally conscious.

Free Equipment

Frontier takes the guesswork out of the equation by providing a top-notch Amazon Eero Wi-Fi router at no extra cost. It is designed to give you a strong and steady wireless signal all over your home so you can say goodbye to those annoying dead zones.

Save up to $30 with an ACP:

Frontier is one of the ACP internet providers. If you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you could see up to $30 shaved off your monthly internet bill. This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program is an effort to ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

No Data Cap

Beyond these highlighted features, Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan comes with no data caps. This is a significant perk for heavy internet users who do not want to monitor their data usage constantly.

Contract

You can cancel or switch your Frontier Fiber 500 plan at any time without paying an early termination fee. Why? Frontier Internet plans do not require any contracts. You can enjoy the fast and reliable service without being tied to a long-term agreement. This gives you more flexibility and control over your internet needs. However, you should be aware that Frontier’s prices are subject to change after the promotional period.

Frontier Fiber 500 Availability

Frontier’s internet coverage map spans 25 states, offering a mix of DSL and Frontier Fiber services. The exact availability can vary by state and even within the city, but the company’s goal is to provide consistent and reliable internet service across its coverage area. Notably, in 2020, Ziply Fiber took over Frontier’s coverage in parts of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, continuing to offer fiber-optic services in those regions.

Frontier fiber-optic internet is currently available in 19 states to approximately 16.2 million people. The states with the most coverage include Connecticut, Florida, and California, with significant availability in Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas.

As of the latest updates, Frontier has committed to extending its fiber services to 10 million locations by 2025, with a strategic plan that may surpass its current footprint. 

For those in rural areas, Frontier’s DSL service remains a strong connection point, with the company serving as one of the largest DSL providers in the country. This service is particularly widespread in West Virginia, Connecticut, and Illinois.

For those interested in the Frontier Fiber 500 Mbps plan, it is advisable to check the latest coverage maps.

Frontier Fiber 500 Coverage States
California Connecticut 
Florida  Georgia
Illinois Indiana 
Minnesota  Michigan
New York  North Carolina 
Ohio  Pennsylvania South Carolina 
South Carolina  Texas 
Wisconsin 

Frontier 500 Mbps vs Competitors

Before purchasing Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan, you might be interested in comparing it with other providers that offer similar speeds. Let’s compare them.

Frontier Fiber 500 vs Competitors
Plan Download Speed Upload Speed Price
Frontier 500 500 Mbps 500 Mbps $44.99/mo.
Spectrum Internet Ultra 500 Mbps 20 Mbps $69.99/mo.
AT&T Internet 500 500 Mbps 500 Mbps $65.00/mo.
Optimum 500 500 Mbps 500 Mbps $60.00/mo.
Verizon Fios 500 500 Mbps 500 Mbps $69.99/mo.
All the prices shown in the table above are with AutoPay and paperless billing discounts and without bundling. For the providers offering promotional rates, the monthly fees are subject to change after the offer expires.

When deciding between these plans, considerations such as the upload speed, technology type, and additional perks should be weighed alongside the cost. 

Fiber-optic plans from Frontier, AT&T, and Verizon offer symmetrical speeds, which could be a significant advantage for certain users. On the other hand, Spectrum and Optimum offer slower upload speeds but may have competitive pricing or other offers that could be appealing, depending on individual or household preferences.

Conclusion

The Frontier 500 Mbps Internet plan is an attractive option. Priced at $39.99 per month with Auto Pay, it undercuts the average cost per Mbps. The plan offers substantial value for money through perks, enhancing its appeal to a cost-conscious consumer who does not want to compromise on the quality of the service. 

Ultimately, for users who prioritize speed, cost-efficiency, and flexibility without a long-term commitment, the Frontier Fiber 500 plan is a worthy option to consider. It stands out particularly well against competitors.

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