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Consolidated Communications Staff Review
Consolidated Communications becomes Fidium - offering DSL and fiber nationwide.
Consolidated Communications has undergone a major rebrand, uniting all its services under the Fidium brand name. This mid-size national internet provider offers service in 23 states and now operates as Fidium across all business lines. The company provides both DSL internet and fiber internet, with the Fidium brand representing all fiber-based solutions nationwide and serving more than 75% of its broadband customers [5]. Previously, Consolidated Communications offered fiber services in 8 states under the name "Fidium Fiber" as a separate brand. However, the company has now unified all residential, business, and wholesale services under the single Fidium identity. Available in more than 700 communities, Fidium delivers fast, reliable internet with its all-fiber connections [5]. Its DSL service is much slower and will cost far more for the speed you get. This is standard for all companies that offer both DSL and fiber. Our recommendation: fiber is a good bet. If your only option is DSL, consider different providers, including fixed wireless options.Pros
Fiber internet provides fast, reliable connections DSL reaches areas with no other wired internet option No data caps or contracts
Cons
Fiber is still limited to select areas DSL prices are high for the comparatively low speeds you get Available speeds vary widely by location
Pricing
Fiber pricing offers better value than DSL.
DSL is the oldest internet technology still in wide use today. There isn't really such a thing as a "good deal" on DSL, because unfortunately, the speeds are very slow compared to other technologies, such as fiber and cable internet. Fidium (formerly Consolidated Communications) does offer something unusual in its DSL pricing: speed tiers. Many other DSL providers offer their DSL at one monthly price, no matter what your speeds are. The speeds offered by DSL are really slow by today's standards. They do not even meet the FCC's benchmark of 100 Mbps download speed for high-speed internet. However, if you are living in a rural area, this still may be your best option. You can also consider satellite alternatives, such as Starlink. Fidium offers significantly better value with its pricing for fiber internet service. The monthly basic fee is $30 for up to 100 Mbps.Reliability and Performance
Fiber internet offers lightning-fast symmetrical speeds; DSL lags far behind.
Fidium can provide gigabit internet speed and multi-gig speeds through its fiber plans. All 100% fiber connections provide symmetrical upload and download speeds. If your download speed is 200 Mbps, your upload speed will also be 200 Mbps. A quick reminder: 1 Gigabit per second is 1000 megabits per second. If the slowest DSL plan is 10 Mbps, your DSL download speed would be 100 times slower than your maximum fiber download speed. The upload speed picture is even more stark. While a fiber gigabit plan would provide you with a 1000 Mbps upload speed, DSL may sometimes offer only 1-3 Mbps upload speed. What does this mean for your digital life? With only 10 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload, you will have trouble with HD streaming or online gaming, especially if there are multiple devices on your network. You also may find that slow DSL is glitchy for large file uploads or video conferencing. If Fidium only offers DSL in your town, there may be better news on the way. The company has invested approximately $1.7 billion in fiber infrastructure since 2020 and is committed to a rapid fiber buildout. This expanded footprint has earned recognition as one of the nation’s top fiber networks by route miles [5].Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features
Fiber includes free equipment. DSL has an extra fee.
Fiber customers continue to get the better deal from Fidium with the free equipment that is included in their plan. Although the FCC Broadband Label indicates a Whole-Home Wi-Fi fee of approximately $12, that fee is listed as "waived." There is also no installation or activation fee for fiber internet. Activation for DSL plans will incur a one-time charge of $99. DSL plans also have a $12 per month rental fee for your Wi-Fi gateway. You may use your own router if it is compatible with the network.Customer Experience & Support
Fidium (previously Consolidated Communications) shows average performance for customer satisfaction.
Since the Fidium brand launched in 2021, it has grown rapidly and earned one of the industry's highest Net Promoter Scores by redefining home and small business internet service with fiber-optic speed, reliability, and simplicity [5]. Fiber customers of Fidium are quite happy with their service, while DSL customers complain of slow speeds and occasional outages. This split is characteristic of all ISPs that provide both DSL and fiber services. Customer satisfaction continues to improve as the fiber buildout expands. Fidium offers 24/7 tech support by phone and internet. The company's new tagline, "Fiber Up," reflects its commitment to helping people, businesses, and communities grow, innovate, and prosper together.FAQ's
Yes, Fidium has invested approximately $1.7 billion in fiber infrastructure since 2020 and is on track to reach more than 80% of its footprint with fiber within the next few years.
For fiber customers, yes, the Whole-Home Wi-Fi equipment is included at no extra charge. DSL customers pay a $12 monthly rental fee for Wi-Fi gateway equipment.
No, Fidium does not require annual contracts.
There are no data caps for either fiber or DSL plans from Fidium.
Fidium is the new unified brand for Consolidated Communications. Consolidated Communications has roots that go all the way back to 1894. In that year, a company was founded under the name Mattoon Telephone Company that later became the Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company. The company acquired the name Consolidated Communications in 1984. The complete transition to the Fidium brand was announced in September 2025, building on the Fidium Fiber brand that launched in 2021.
Sources
[1] Wikipedia.org. "Consolidated Communications." [2] FierceNetwork.com. "Consolidated Says Fiber Build Will Slow Without Private Equity." [3] FierceNetwork.com. "Fiber Sets Net Add Record." [4] FCC.gov. "Broadband Labels." [5] Businesswire.com. "Consolidated Communications Becomes Fidium, Uniting All Services Under One Bold Identity." [6] FidiumFiber.com
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Top reviews
Roseanne Arseneau
from Machiasport, ME on August 2025
I think the experience with the humans in this company has been fine over the years. If electricity works, my computer works, very rarely has the phone line gone down. Sadly, my speed is never over a 3 .... which is pathetic in today's world. I think you can see why I am not happy with my situation with this company.
Paul M
from Brownington, VT on April 2025
Consolidated requires that I have their unlimited long distance service on my landline in order to get the internet services they provide. The problem is that their service costs have increased about 30-40% in the past 2 years. Every other month or so, the price goes up between $3 to $6 dollars per month, and this has been happening for about 2 years, when my bill used to be under $100, and my new bill is $132+ for the month. I can understand inflation, but this is getting out of hand. If I can find another service provider, I would cancel my telephone service and just use my cell phone.
Jodi L
from Groveton, on December 2024
Just went up $13.00 this month and we always loose service.
Dave
from West Townshend, on December 2024
They are THE WORST customer service. November 23rd line came down across my driveway in a storm. Over 2 weeks later, IT'S STILL NOT FIXED.
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