Frontier Fiber Internet Review 2023

Frontier Fiber Internet Review 2023

  • Review
Frontier Fiber 500

$49.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • Speed upto 500 Mbps
  • No Data Cap
  • No Contract

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815
Frontier Fiber 1 Gig

$69.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • Speed upto 1000 Mbps
  • No Data Cap
  • No Contract

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815
Frontier Fiber 2 Gig

$99.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • Speed upto 2000 Mbps
  • No Data Cap
  • No Contract

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815
Frontier Fiber 5 Gig

$154.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • Speed upto 5000 Mbps
  • No Data Cap
  • No Contract

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815

Did you know that in the past 45 years, we have deployed over 3 billion mile-route of fiber-optic cables throughout the world? If you were to link all the separate sections of fiber-optic cables across the globe, the entire length would be enough to go around the Earth 12,4782 times. 

That brings us to the next burning question. If we have managed to construct such a vast network of fiber-optic cables, then why does only 43 percent of the USA have access to it? The answer can be found in the tragic reality of our modern-day world. The biggest misfortune of mankind is that we have all the resources we need to feed, clothe, shelter, and uplift every human being on the surface of this Earth. But those resources are concentrated in the hands of a few. 

Aptly named to fit its purpose, Frontier Fiber is breaking frontiers and has embarked on a mission to make high-speed Internet accessible to all. Join us as we review this provider and help you navigate America’s changing digital landscape.

Table of Contents

Frontier Fiber-Optic Internet Review 

Frontier Communications is an American telecommunications company that offers fiber and DSL internet service to over 4 million active subscribers across its 25-state footprint. Founded in 1935 in rural Norwalk, Connecticut, Frontier Communication has established its reputation as a “by the country folk, for the country folk” internet provider. Frontier’s DSL internet service is broadly available in rural America. Customers can get up to 100 Mbps of download speed on Frontier’s DSL internet network for an average monthly fee of $40. 

Frontier is continuing to expand its fiber internet service that was first launched in May 2009, when the company acquired Verizon’s fiber-optic system in Fort Wayne, Portland, and Seattle. Currently, Frontier boasts 180,000 route miles of fiber cable, covering more than 300 residential communities, mainly in California, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Connecticut, and Indiana. Frontier Fiber is one of the fastest internet providers in the country. For a starting price of $49.99 per month, subscribers of Frontier Fiber Internet can get up to 5000 Mbps of equal upload and download speeds. All the Frontier Fiber internet plans include unlimited data, a state-of-the-art Eero router, and no-contract service. 

Continue reading as we give you a lowdown on the Frontier Fiber Internet service and help you discover a fiber-fast life.

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 Pros:

Frontier Fiber’s extraordinarily-fast upload speed of up to 5000 Mbps (5 Gbps) is 1000 times faster than the upload speed of its DSL internet. Below, we have listed all the advantages of Frontier Fiber internet service that are bound to convince you to upgrade. 

  • A WiFi router gateway is included in the monthly fee.
  • Widescale availability throughout the country 
  • Ultrafast symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gigs 
  • No-annual contracts 
  • No data caps


 Cons:

Even though the disadvantages of Frontier Fiber internet are few and far between, they can have a significant impact on your purchase decision, especially if your priority is a budget and customer-friendly internet service. 

  • Slightly poor customer service 
  • Second-year price hikes

Review of Frontier Fiber Internet Plans 

Frontier Fiber offers four tiers of internet speeds with varying monthly prices. All the Frontier Fiber internet plans deliver equal upload and download speeds with unlimited data and a contract-free service. The monthly internet fee includes the equipment rental charges for an advanced Eero router. 

The Frontier-provided WiFi 6 router can handle ultrafast multigigabit speeds and offer whole-home WiFi coverage with enhanced security. Frontier Fiber optic internet plans are best suited for multi-device connectivity and support heavy-duty online activities like streaming in high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) qualities, competitive gaming, conference calling, sharing large audio-video files, and creating cloud backups. 

As a new Frontier Fiber internet customer, you must be mindful that slow-speed tiers are available in most urban and suburban neighborhoods within Frontier’s 25-state coverage area. However, the multigigabit speeds of 2 Gigs and 5 Gigs are limited to a select few cities and towns. It is best to inquire about the speed tiers on offer after you have established Frontier Fiber availability in your area. 

Frontier Fiber Optic Internet Plans
Plan  Price Speed 
Frontier Fiber 500 $49.99/mo. 500 Mbps 
Frontier Fiber 1 Gig $69.99/mo. 1000 Mbps 
Frontier Fiber 2 Gig $99.99/mo. 2000 Mbps 
Frontier Fiber 5 Gig $154.99/mo.  5000 Mbps
**All the prices shown in the table above are with AutoPay.

Frontier Fiber 500

Frontier 500 Mbps Internet Plan – At a Glance 
Starting Price  $49.99/mo. (with AutoPay)
Download Speed  500 Mbps 
Upload Speed  500 Mbps 
Data Cap  None 
Contract  Not required 
Installation Fee  Free 
Equipment Rental  Included in the price
WiFi Coverage  Up to 1500 sq. ft.
No. of Connected Devices  Up to 6 
Best For  HD Streaming & Casual gaming

Frontier 500 Mbps fiber internet plan is an entry-level plan, delivering up to 500 Mbps of equal upload and download speeds for a starting price of $49.99 per month. The advertised price includes the $10 discount that subscribers receive when they opt for the AutoPay payment method. Without the AutoPay discount, the introductory price of the Frontier 500 Mbps fiber internet plan is $59.99 per month. It must be noted that the promo pricing period lasts for 12 months, and even though it is difficult to find information about the second-year price hikes, customer reviews indicate that the price of your Frontier Fiber 500 plan can increase between 15 and 18 percent after 12 months of service. Based on those calculations, the regular price of your Frontier 500 Mbps fiber internet plan will be $58.99 per month (with AutoPay). 

The good news is that even with the second-year rate hikes, the price of the Frontier Fiber 500 plan is cheaper, or at par with its competitors that offer the same speed and similar perks. Speaking of perks, Frontier Fiber 500 plan comes with unlimited data, a compatible Amazon Eero WiFi 6 router, a self-installation kit, and no-contract service. You can also get a $10 discount on YouTube TV service if you bundle the two services in one monthly plan. 

So, now let’s answer the million-dollar question. Who should subscribe to this plan? Frontier Fiber 500 is ideal for a small family with basic to moderate internet usage. You can simultaneously connect up to 6 devices and enjoy buffer-free streaming in HD and UHD quality, play online video games without lags, and attend your Zoom lectures or meetings from the comfort of your home. 

Frontier Fiber 1 Gig 

Frontier 1 Gig Internet Plan- At a Glance 
Starting Price  $69.99/mo. (with AutoPay)
Download Speed  1000 Mbps 
Upload Speed  1000 Mbps 
Data Cap  None 
Contract  Optional
Installation Fee  Free 
Equipment Rental  Included in the price 
WiFi Coverage  Up to 4000 sq. ft. 
No. of Connected Devices  Up to 8 
Best For  HD-UHD streaming & Online gaming

Frontier Fiber 1 Gig plan promises gigabit connectivity on upstream and downstream channels. Unlike the cable internet plans that can deliver a maximum upload speed of 50 Mbps on their 1000 Mbps plans, Frontier Fiber’s 1 Gig plan truly opens the door to a “new frontier”. The upload speed for this plan is 20 times faster than that of a coaxial cable internet service, allowing you to transfer large and heavy audio-video files in split seconds. The plan costs $69.99 per month for the first 12 months, with AutoPay, and in the second year, the price shifts back to a regular rate of $82.59 (based on an 18 percent price hike). You get unlimited data with no annual term commitments unless you want to claim your $100 Reward Card as a complimentary gift for newbies. The price includes the monthly rental for your Amazon Eero WiFi router, and you will get a free starter kit to self-install your Frontier Fiber 1 Gig connection. 

The Frontier Fiber 1 Gig plan easily supports up to 8 devices, and it is ideal for a large family with moderate to heavy internet usage. The 1000 Mbps of superfast upload and download speeds with unlimited data allowance are perfect for simultaneous HD streaming, lag-free online gaming, and heavy file sharing. 

Frontier Fiber 2 Gig 

Frontier 2 Gig Internet Plan- At a Glance 
Starting Price  $99.99/mo. (with AutoPay)
Download Speed  2000 Mbps 
Upload Speed  2000 Mbps 
Data Cap  None 
Contract  Optional
Installation Fee  Free 
Equipment Rental  Included in the price 
WiFi Coverage  Up to 4000 sq. ft. 
No. of Connected Devices  Up to 12 
Best For  UHD streaming & Professional gaming

Frontier Fiber 2 Gig internet service has been termed as a top-tier broadband connection at a mid-range price. The plan costs $99.99 per month for the first 12 months, and users get symmetrical internet speeds up to 2000 Mbps. After the promo period, the price is increased to $117.99 per month (when an 18 percent hike is applied to the introductory price). Like all the other Frontier Fiber optic internet plans, the 2 Gig plan comes with unlimited data, an Amazon Eero WiFi router, and a self-installation kit. Subscribers can choose to sign an annual contract in which case they will receive a $200 gift card with 6-month validity. 

Frontier 2 Gig fiber optic plan is best for shared accommodations and multi-story/ dual-family homes. The WiFi range of 4,000 square feet will cover every nook and cranny of the built-up space and the curtilage. You can connect up to 12 devices on the network at once and enjoy ultra-high-definition streaming or multi-player gaming. The Frontier Fiber 2 Gig plan is also suitable for running a home-based business. Its blistering-fast upload speed of up to 2 Gbps will allow you to set up and manage an e-commerce website with heavy graphics and high-quality images. 

Frontier Fiber 5 Gig

Frontier 5 Gig Internet Plan –  At a Glance 
Starting Price  $154.99/mo. (with AutoPay)
Download Speed  5000 Mbps 
Upload Speed  5000 Mbps 
Data Cap  None 
Contract Not required 
Installation Fee  Free 
Equipment Rental  Included in the price 
WiFi Coverage  Up to 4500 sq. ft. 
No. of Connected Devices  Up to 15 
Best For  UHD Streaming & Competitive Gaming

Frontier 5 Gig fiber internet plan is the epitome of lightning-fast speeds, 99.99 percent network reliability, and affordable connectivity. It is an elite-level plan that offers supremely-fast upload and download speeds of up to 5000 Mbps. The plan costs $154.99 per month for the first 12 months. In the second year, the price is increased by 18 percent, and customers must pay a monthly fee of $182.89 (with AutoPay) for their 5 Gig internet service. Like all the other Frontier Fiber internet plans, the 5 Gig plan too includes unlimited data and contract-free service. Customers get a free TP-Link Archer AXE300 6E router to handle the blistering fast 5 Gig speeds and enable whole-home WiFi coverage for up to 4,500 square feet. 

The multigigabit speeds of the 5 Gig plan are ideal for small offices and apartments. You can simultaneously connect up to 15 devices on the network and use the ultrafast connection for UHD streaming, professional gaming, and network sharing. Frontier Fiber’s 5000 Mbps symmetrical speeds can support bulk data transfers, allowing you to download up to 200 movies at once or back up raw videos and image files in less than a minute. You can get $10 off on your YouTube TV subscription when you bundle your Frontier Fiber 5 Gig plan with the TV streaming service.   

Hidden Cost of Frontier Fiber Internet 

In the past, a handful of internet service providers have received flak (some have even faced lawsuits) for not disclosing the hidden costs of their broadband services. Misleading advertisements that omitted additional costs, such as installation fees, equipment rental, and government-imposed taxes, were used to lure customers and make them believe that their service was the cheapest in town. It was only when they received their first internet bill that the customers found out about the marketing gimmick and took their concerns to the authorities.  

Luckily, Frontier Fiber is transparent about the additional costs associated with its internet service. It may take a while to read through the fine print and open additional tabs for details and clarity, but at least you get the assurance that you are not getting duped.

In the table below, we have compiled a list of all the extra charges you may have to pay on top of your monthly internet bill. Some charges, like the expert installation fee, are a one-time out-of-pocket expense. Whereas, other costs, like the equipment rental for your WiFi extenders, are recurring expenses. 

Extra Services  Additional Costs 
Professional Installation Fee $75.00 
Self-Installation Fee Free
Equipment Rental (WiFi Extenders) $10.00/mo. 
Second-Year Price Hike  Up to $10.00/mo.
Equipment Non-Return Fee $150
Late Payment Fee  $10.00/mo. 
Federal and State Taxes  Up to $12.00/mo. 
Printed Bill Fee (if applicable) $2.99/mo.
Service Cancellation Fee  $9.99
Early Termination Fee (if applicable) $400
**The exact amount for the taxes on your Frontier Fiber Internet service will vary from state to state.

Frontier Fiber Availability Review

Frontier has a vast fiber-optic network that runs through at least 30 states of the USA. In fact, Frontier’s fiber empire was so huge that in April 2020, it handed over its transmission lines in the Northwest Territory (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana) to Ziply Fiber for improved operations and better management. Frontier retained its fiber internet coverage in the remaining 25 states, which are stated in the table below.  

All the States where Frontier Fiber Internet Service is Available 
Alabama Georgia Minnesota  New York  Tennessee
Arizona Illinois Mississippi North Carolina Texas 
California Indiana Nebraska  Ohio Utah 
Connecticut Iowa  Nevada  Pennsylvania  West Virginia 
Florida  Michigan  New Mexico South Carolina Wisconsin 

Top States with Frontier Fiber Coverage

Frontier Fiber offers uninterrupted fiber internet service in 16 states of the USA. Its gigabit and multigigabit fiber internet plans are available in over 10 million customer locations, covering at least 100 metro areas. The following are the 16 states which guarantee more than 30 percent accessibility of Frontier Fiber internet service.

Best States for Frontier Fiber Internet  
Arizona  Illinois  New Mexico  South Carolina 
California  Indiana  New York  Texas 
Connecticut  Michigan  Ohio  West Virginia 
Florida  Minnesota  Pennsylvania  Wisconsin 

Top Cities with Frontier Fiber Coverage 

The following is a list of 10 cities known to be the best for Frontier Fiber internet coverage. Please note that only 43 percent of the USA can access fiber-optic internet services. Despite this sparsity, some megacities, like Tampa (Florida), Rochester (New York), and Long Beach (California), have achieved more than 85 percent availability of fiber internet, and are setting an example for other cities and towns to follow.

City/ Town  State Citywide Availability 
Rochester New York  96.8%
St. Petersburg Florida  95.4%
Durham  North Carolina  94.1%
Sarasota  Florida  93.6%
Lakeland  Florida  88.2%
Tampa  Florida  87.8%
Long Beach  California  86.7%
Irving  Texas 49.5%
Hartford  Connecticut 44.6%
Toledo Ohio 32.3%

Frontier Fiber Customer Service Review

Frontier is listed as the country’s 8th best internet service provider in the U.S. News and World Report’s ‘Best Internet Service Providers of 2023’ rankings. The slow but steady expansion of Frontier Fiber optic network has put it on the map, and it is going head-to-head with the nation’s top-rated internet carriers in terms of speed, affordability, and reliability. While Frontier’s flawless fiber optic network has garnered positive customer reviews over the years, its slow-speed DSL internet service, primarily reserved for the rural parts of America, has failed to live up to the promises. Generalized customer satisfaction surveys have tarnished the overall reputation of Frontier Communications, keeping potential Frontier Fiber customers at bay. Hence, we have taken it upon ourselves to clear the misconceptions surrounding Frontier Fiber’s customer service. In bold letters, Frontier Fiber promises round-the-clock tech support and account management service to its customers. Its dedication to providing timely customer support and troubleshooting technical problems is evident in the fact that in the ‘American Customer Satisfaction Index for 2022’, the customer satisfaction score of Frontier Communications improved by 7 percent. In 2021, Frontier received a score of 57 on a 100-point scale to indicate below-average customer service. But in 2022, the overall score increased to 61 and upgraded Frontier’s customer service to an “average” rating. All in all, Frontier Fiber’s customer service is neither great nor unbearable. So, might as well take the plunge and let time tell if you will sink or float.

Frontier Fiber Internet vs Competitors

“Foes are many, friends are few,

The harder I try, the deeper they cut through. 

It is this fight that makes me stronger, 

As they say, the hardest climb leads to the best view.”
Frontier Fiber is standing tall amidst all the competition. It is leveraging its pricing, widescale availability, and hyperfast internet speeds to push past its competitors and reach the finish line. You can refer to the table below to see how Frontier’s fiber internet service fares compared to the other fiber internet providers in the country.
Provider Price  Speed  Availability 
Frontier Fiber $49.99/mo. 5000 Mbps  25 states 
AT&T Fiber $55.00/mo. 5000 Mbps  21 states 
EarthLink Fiber $54.95.mo. 5000 Mbps  21 states 
Kinetic Fiber $39.99/mo. 2000 Mbps  18 states 
Metronet $39.95/mo. 2000 Mbps  9 states 
Fidium Fiber $35.00/mo. 2000 Mbps 8 states 
Ziply Fiber $20.00/mo. 10,000 Mbps  4 states 
CenturyLink Fiber $70.00/mo. 1000 Mbps  16 states 

Conclusion

Frontier is one of the largest fiber internet providers in the country. Its coverage area spans over 25 states offering multigigabit, symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gigs. For a starting price of $49.99 per month, you can get unlimited data, no-contract service, free equipment, and 99.99 percent network uptime on your Frontier Fiber internet plans. The price of their fiber internet plans increases by 18 percent in the second year of service, but even after the second-year price hikes and recurring additional costs, Frontier Fiber Internet is one of the most budget-friendly broadband services in the United States. At the moment, Frontier Fiber’s customer service may not be its strong point, but its ultrafast internet speeds, wide coverage area, and affordable monthly fees are giving it a vantage point over its competitors.

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