Frontier Internet Review 2023

Fiber 500

$49.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • 500 Mbps
  • No Data Caps
  • Supports Up to 6 devices

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815
Fiber 1 Gig

$74.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • 1000 Mbps
  • No Data Caps
  • Supports Up to 8 devices

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815
Fiber 2 Gig

$149.99/mo.

for 12 mos.*

  • 2000 Mbps
  • No Data Caps
  • Supports Up to 16 devices

Call to Order

(877) 592-5815

A reliable internet connection is crucial for many aspects of modern life, including entertainment, work, education, and communication. This is why choosing the most suitable internet provider is necessary for having a smooth internet experience. However, choosing the most suitable provider can take time and effort, as many options are available in the market. Some providers even use misleading marketing tactics or make exaggerated claims, making it hard to trust the information they provide.

Frontier Internet’s reliability, speed, cost, coverage, additional services, and reputation make it a top choice for many people. The company might use two networks to provide broadband connection, DSL and fiber. But between them, fiber internet delivers the best value. Read this Frontier internet review to find all the crucial details about their internet service.

Table of Contents

Frontier Internet at a Glance

Frontier Internet is a broadband service by Frontier Communications, a telecommunications company that serves customers in 25 states in the United States. The company, founded in 1935, is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. It operates primarily in rural and suburban areas, serving customers via fiber and DSL technologies in both residential and business markets.

Frontier offers a variety of internet plans to suit the needs of different customers, with speeds ranging from 6 Mbps to 2000 Mbps. In addition to this, the company provides several other features, such as Wi-Fi hotspots, parental controls, and online security tools, to enhance the customer’s experience. The provider also offers bundled packages that include Frontier internet, home phone, and DISH TV services.

Frontier Internet is available in many states across the US, including California, Florida, Texas, and New York. The provider offers special promotions and discounts for new customers, seniors, and veterans. While Frontier’s fiber internet service is exceptional, its DSL internet is also an excellent option for rural communities. Overall, Frontier Internet plans are a reliable and affordable option for those living in its footprint.

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 Pros:

  • Affordable internet plans
  • Price lock guarantee
  • Bundle options
  • High-speed fiber internet
  • No monthly equipment rental fee
  • Unlimited data
  • Available in rural areas


 Cons:

  • Limited fiber footprint
  • Slow DSL speeds
  • Special bonuses depend on a contract
  • Below-average ratings for customer satisfaction

Frontier Internet Plans & Prices

Frontier offers a variety of internet plans and features to suit different needs and budgets. The company offers two types of internet packages, DSL and fiber, at a similar starting price of $49.99. However, Frontier internet availability and speeds vary based on your address and may be subject to change. Due to this, even though we are listing a broad list of Frontier internet plans, we advise checking their availability at your address before committing to their service.

DSL Internet Plans

Frontier provides a single DSL internet plan with varying speeds, starting at $49.99. The available internet speed depends on your address; the farther you live from a local transmitting station, the slower the download speed you’ll get. Hence, your Frontier DSL internet plan can range from 6 to 115 Mbps internet speed. But unfortunately, only 11% of homes in Frontier’s DSL network receive download speeds above 100 Mbps. The others have to rely on a slower internet connection.

Now on to the positives. Unlike other DSL options, Frontier’s DSL plan has unlimited data, no monthly equipment rental charges, and a price lock guarantee of 2 years. This makes it a decent and affordable choice for rural communities, who often have to rely on expensive satellite internet.

DSL Internet Plan Starting Price Internet Speed Data Caps
Frontier Internet $49.99/mo. Depends on your address None
*with Autopay

Fiber Internet Plans

Frontier has a well-established reputation because of its faster and more reliable fiber internet service. The provider currently offers three fiber internet plans ranging from 500 Mbps to 2000 Mbps and also start at $49.99, like its DSL service. The recent launch of its multi-gigabit package across the entire fiber footprint has further elevated its ranking.

All Frontier Fiber Internet plans also come with unlimited data, symmetrical speeds, no equipment rental charges, and a price lock guarantee. But the duration of this guarantee varies with your chosen plan. The unique thing about this service is that, unlike other fiber internet providers, Frontier requires you to sign a contract if you want additional bonuses like gift cards and more.

Frontier Fiber Internet Plans

Plans Starting Price Internet Speed Data Caps
Fiber 500 $49.99/mo. 500 Mbps None
Fiber 1 Gig $74.99/mo. 1000 Mbps None
Fiber 2 Gig $149.99/mo. 2000 Mbps None
*with Autopay

Frontier Fiber 500 Mbps

Starting at $49.99, Fiber 500 is Frontier’s entry-tier fiber internet plan, which is faster and more affordable than many other fiber internet providers’ initial plans. Moreover, its 12 monthly price guarantee ensures a worry-free internet experience, making it suitable for households that have higher bandwidth requirements and multiple devices. Frontier Fiber 500 features a free Amazon eero WiFi router, unlimited data, and symmetrical upload and download speeds, and can support up to 6 devices, making it excellent for:

  • Remote working
  • 4K streaming
  • Gaming  

 

Frontier Fiber 1 Gig

This mid-tier Frontier internet plan is made for gaming, giving you symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 1000 Mbps with virtually no lag. Furthermore, it is also an inexpensive solution for many small startups and home-based companies, supporting up to 8 devices and intensive data usage. Along with all the typical benefits of a fiber internet plan, like unlimited data and more, Frontier Fiber 1 Gig features a free Amazon eero WiFi system that covers your entire house with excellent coverage of up to 4000 square feet.

Unlike other Frontier internet plans, Frontier 1 Gig has the longest price lock guarantee, 3 years, giving you a worry-free and inexpensive online experience with faster internet speed. Further features of this package include free professional installation, round-the-clock technical support, and an additional $200 worth of VISA gift card, which comes at the cost of a yearlong contract. Besides gaming, this Frontier internet plan is ideal for:

  • Bandwidth-hogging activities
  • Smart homes with several devices

 

Frontier Fiber 2 Gig

Frontier has emerged as one of the fastest providers by rolling out this 2 Gig Frontier internet plan across its entire fiber footprint. This multi-gigabit plan, which starts at $149.99, offers the ideal atmosphere for supporting business operations and lets you connect up to 16 devices. Frontier Fiber 2 Gig is the best plan for developing a professional career in gaming and streaming since it offers upload speeds that are 50 times quicker than cable internet and has 2.5 times less latency.

This Frontier internet plan runs on a monthly rate and includes all the standard benefits of fiber internet. Frontier Fiber 2 Gig also has additional benefits, which include a free Amazon eero WiFi 6E System and a Digital Voice line. This plan is excellent for:

  • Running a small e-commerce business
  • Pursuing a career in e-sports
  • Professional streaming

 

Frontier Bundle Deals

We all know that combining many services into one bundle lowers monthly costs and facilitates bill management and payment. Frontier Communications offers various internet bundle packages that combine internet service with other services such as satellite TV, phone, and security.

However, Frontier does not offer its own TV service to new customers, and you have the option to combine Frontier’s internet plans with DISH TV packages. Nevertheless, these bundles typically help you save time and resources. The specific details and pricing of Frontier internet bundles may vary depending on your location, and the services available in your area. 

Frontier Internet Bundles

Bundle Deal Price Internet Speed Includes
Internet + Home Phone $54.99/mo. 115 Mbps
  • Unlimited Calling
  • Caller ID
  • Call Waiting
  • Voicemail
Fiber 500 + DISH America’s Top 200 $149.98/mo. 500 Mbps
  • 240+ channels
  • 35,000 On-Demand titles
  • 2 years contract
Internet + Frontier Secure $50.98/mo. 115 Mbps
  • Security for multiple devices
  • Identity Protection
  • Password Manager
*with Auto Pay and Paperless Bill

Internet Speed

Frontier’s internet speed depends on where you live in its service area and which internet type is available at your address. Although the company is attempting to expand its fiber infrastructure, its DSL service still covers the majority of its footprint. And while Frontier offers only one DSL internet plan, its download speeds can vary significantly, going as high as 115 Mbps and as low as 6 Mbps. Therefore, the slow and spotty DSL service can only support specific activities.

On the other hand, the internet speeds offered by Frontier’s fiber internet plans range from 500 to 2000 Mbps. This internet service is significantly more reliable and less affected by distance than its DSL service. Hence, Frontier Fiber Internet plans give you a stable connection with symmetrical upload and download speeds, allowing you to perform a wide range of online activities such as streaming high-definition videos, online gaming, downloading large files, and more with minimal lag.

Data Caps

If you routinely stream films, download huge files, or play online games, data limitations might be a problem. Internet plans with data caps often lead you to frequently monitor your data usage or spend a lot to get more data. Fortunately, Frontier internet plans do not enforce data caps. As a result, these unlimited data plans allow you to:

  • Avoid unexpected bills such as additional overage charges and budget more effectively.
  • Use the internet simultaneously with several family members without monitoring your activities.
  • Connect several smart devices, such as security cameras and other IoT gadgets.
  • Enjoy gaming and streaming without interruptions.
  • Upload and download as much content as you want.

 

Contracts

While Frontier advertises contract-free plans, you are required to sign a contract for availing of additional bonuses like reward cards and entertainment subscriptions. An agreement with Frontier Communications typically involves a commitment to use their service for a set period of time, usually one year. Hence, if the customer cancels the service before the end of the contract, they are subjected to a pro-rated early termination fee.

On the other hand, a month-to-month plan does not require a long-term commitment, and you can cancel or switch your service at any time without incurring any penalties. In the end, the choice is entirely yours, whether you want the additional bonuses or promotions or are you satisfied with a contract-free plan. If you opt for the former option, carefully review the terms and conditions, such as any fees, promotions, and limitations, of your contract before signing. 

Frontier Internet Price after 12 Months

Since all Frontier internet plans have a price lock guarantee, their prices remain the same after 12 months of service. This means that the customer can budget their monthly expenses without worrying about unexpected price hikes. However, this guarantee may not apply to certain fees or taxes and it may also not apply to certain promotions or discounts.

Additional Charges

Internet service providers charge additional fees to cover the costs of providing and maintaining their service. Hence, there are a few extra fees associated with Frontier internet plans. So, aside from taxes, here is what you can expect from this provider.

Installation Fee

Frontier internet plans are an affordable solution for your home as the prices of these plans include the charges for professional installation. The provider simplifies the whole process by absorbing the cost of sending a technician to your home.

Equipment Rental Fee

Most ISPs provide equipment to access their service, and they need to recoup the cost of providing and maintaining that equipment. Hence, they charge a monthly rental fee. However, Frontier’s equipment charges are included in its plans. Its fiber internet service comes with a free Amazon eero WiFi router, freeing you from paying this additional monthly fee while giving you all the benefits of advanced WiFi.

Activation Fee

Frontier may not charge an installation fee, but they charge an $85 activation fee when you sign up for a Frontier internet plan. This fee is typically a one-time charge that covers the price of activating the service at your location.

Other Charges

The other additional costs associated with your Frontier internet plans are as follows.

Other Additional Charges
Printed Bill $2.99/bill
Disconnect Fee $20.00/household
Unreturned Equipment $150.00/device

Frontier Internet Service Areas

Frontier is one of the largest internet providers in the country, covering 25 states. Frontier internet plans have a strong presence in the West Coast, Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest regions, but you can mostly find its DSL internet in these areas.

Its fiber internet plans, on the other hand, are currently restricted to the major metropolitan areas of 12 states, including New York, California, Texas, and Florida. You can subscribe to Frontier internet plans in the following states.

States with Frontier Internet Coverage
Alabama Massachusetts Pennsylvania
Arizona Minnesota South Carolina
California Mississippi Tennessee
Connecticut Nebraska Texas
Florida Nevada Utah
Georgia New Mexico West Virginia
Illinois New York Wisconsin
Indiana North Carolina Iowa
Ohio

Frontier Customer Service Review

Generally, customer satisfaction ratings of various internet providers can vary greatly depending on customers’ experiences and location. Usually, customers rate most providers based on internet speed, reliability, cost, and how effectively their providers solve their connection issues.

Frontier Communications is often criticized for its poor customer service and reliability issues. The poor ratings are mainly due to its DSL service, as its fiber internet predominantly receives positive reviews. The provider offers 24/7 technical support with this service, allowing customers to contact their team via phone or online chat at any time. This is why their customer satisfaction ratings may seem poor compared to others, but the reports from major customer reviewers show slight improvement.

ACSI Index Frontier Internet Industry Average
2022 61 64
2021 57 65

Frontier Internet vs Competitors

So, where does Frontier stand among other top internet providers? If your address has several other options, you may want to compare them with each other to reach a viable decision. Start with a few considerations like speeds, costs, data limits, and contracts, and trace them to your requirements.

Making a general comparison of Frontier Communications’ internet service to other providers may be difficult, as the quality and availability of internet service can vary greatly depending on location. However, Frontier Communications is generally a mid-tier internet company with a mix of positive and negative reviews.

Frontier is known for providing affordable internet plans and is famous for its exceptional fiber network and remarkable policies. But, if your address falls under its DSL network, it is better to consider a different option.

Frontier Internet Plans vs Competitors

Internet Providers Starting Price Max Speed Type Contact Providers
Frontier $49.99/mo. 2,000 Mbps DSL, Fiber Call Now
Spectrum $49.99/mo. 1 ,000 Mbps Cable Call Now
AT&T $55.00/mo. 5,000 Mbps IPBB, Fiber Call Now
EarthLink $54.95/mo. 5,000 Mbps DSL, Fiber Call Now
Kinetic by Windstream $39.99/mo. 1,000 Mbps DSL, Fiber Call Now

Conclusion

Frontier Internet is an affordable internet solution for many people but whether it is a good fit for you depends on your needs. If you look past its unfavorable customer satisfaction reviews, we think Frontier is an excellent internet service provider, especially if its fiber internet plans are available at your address. It also has an edge in rural areas where satellite internet is the only other alternative, giving you unlimited data at affordable rates.

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