Item: Frontier Internet Review 2023
Rating: 4

Frontier Staff Review

Frontier has good fiber pricing, but DSL will be much slower and more expensive for the speed you get

Frontier has the same split profile as other internet providers that offer both fiber and DSL. Frontier’s fiber internet offerings are outstanding across the board for both performance and pricing. But their DSL internet speed and cost will be mediocre compared to Frontier Fiber. About 42% of customers In Frontier’s coverage area are currently able to choose fiber. With an aggressive fiber buildout plan, Frontier plans to expand its fiber footprint to 10 million locations by 2025 [1]. And those fiber connections will be FTTP, meaning all fiber-optic line, all the way to your home. That’s good news, because the difference between DSL and fiber is night and day. Fiber internet will be much faster and more reliable, and you’ll get much more internet speed for the price you pay.

PROS
Some of the best fiber prices in the country	No data caps, no equipment fees	24-month price guarantee for DSL, no automatic hikes

CONS
DSL is more expensive and slower	Below-average customer satisfaction	Fiber is not available to all customers at present

Pricing

Frontier will give you a good deal on fiber, but DSL varies widely and comprises over 64% of the network

Frontier is the 8th-largest internet service provider in the United States, with 2.8 million broadband subscribers [1]. The company has a total of 9.9 million copper passings and 5.5 million fiber passings, which means that in mid-2023, over 64% of their potential customers will still have only a DSL option [2]. Frontier’s main distinction among fiber internet providers is that you will get faster speeds compared to the competition. For example, Frontier’s first-tier fiber plan costs about $50/month at present, like many of its rivals. But that Frontier plan will give you 500 Mbps download and upload speeds, where the other fiber providers tend to start at 200 Mbps and 300 Mbps. With no equipment fees and no data caps, Frontier Fiber offers the kind of simple, clear pricing that earns high ratings from us. The only drawback is that Frontier Internet (the name for their DSL plans) does not provide the same kind of bargain. Frontier pricing is just average for DSL in the industry at $49.99/month. Plus, the DSL speed you will be able to get at your address will vary depending on infrastructure. (DSL usually ranges from 3-50 Mbps download and 1-3 Mbps upload.) Average DSL pricing in the industry is not a great deal for customers compared to cable and fiber pricing. That’s why Frontier and many other providers are moving away from copper-based service in favor of fiber. Frontier’s DSL service does have one pricing perk though. For 24 months, your price will be locked at your initial rate. That’s a nice, long price guarantee, compared to many other providers that only lock their rates for 6 months or a year.

Reliability and Performance

Frontier Fiber offers speed and reliability, but their widespread DSL lags behind

Just like pricing, performance for Frontier plans is heavily split depending on whether you get fiber or DSL. With Frontier Fiber, you can get anywhere from 500 Mbps to 5000 Mbps symmetrical upload and download speeds. That’s right up there with the top few providers in the fiber internet business. And $99.00/month for the 2 Gig plan is cheaper than comparable offerings from other ISPs, as is the pricing for the 5 Gig plan. These multigigabit speeds will be more than sufficient for very large households with many devices all streaming or gaming simultaneously. Even 500 Mbps is still a lot of speed and will be more than capable of supporting a five- or six-person home and all the devices in it. DSL performance will be unpredictable, but the only constant is that it will not deliver fiber-like performance. If you’re very lucky, you’ll get a speed above the FCC’s standard of broadband internet (25 Mbps/3 Mbps). With that speed, you’ll be able to do most standard internet activities such as streaming and browsing, though you’ll have to watch how many devices are online at once. But if you get a speed that’s 10 Mbps or lower, you may find your service glitching or freezing during heavy-data tasks.

Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

No equipment fee for modem/router but mandatory installation fee for DSL

Frontier provides your basic modem/router at no charge when you get DSL or fiber internet. There’s an odd quirk about Frontier installation, though. Usually, companies that offer both DSL and fiber are more likely to have a free self-install for the DSL, and mandatory tech installation for the fiber. But in Frontier’s case, the charges are reversed. DSL customers will have a required tech installation that costs $85. Fiber customers can self-install their own fiber if their household is eligible for a self-install kit. If not, they will pay a $50 tech installation fee. So yet again, Frontier gives a much better deal to its fiber customers than its DSL customers.

Customer Experience & Support

Frontier has improved its customer service, but DSL seems to cause most complaints

Frontier receives lower ratings than many other service providers on public sites and with objective third-party surveys such as the J.D. Power Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction study [3]. The nature of most customer complaints hints that the problem is the DSL service, with references to outages and slow speeds. But there are also comments about poor customer service, so be aware that there may still be issues even if you get fiber internet. However, Frontier’s customer ratings appear to be improving since the expansion of fiber service. We hope that’s a promising sign that if you get Frontier Fiber, you have a good chance of being happy with your choice.

FAQ's

Where can I order Frontier internet service?

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BuyFrontierNow.com.

What is fiber-optic internet offered by Frontier?

Fiber-optic internet is the most advanced type of internet service offered by Frontier. Fiber-optic cables transmit data with light signals, providing faster and more reliable internet speeds compared to traditional DSL connections. Fiber-optic internet is ideal for customers who require high-speed internet for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.

Does Frontier offer DSL internet service?

Yes, Frontier offers DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet service.DSL uses existing copper telephone lines to provide internet connectivity to customers. DSL is a reliable and widely available option for those who prefer a wired internet connection.

What are the benefits of choosing Paperless Billing with Frontier?

Opting for Paperless Billing with Frontier offers several benefits. First, you will not be charged the Printed Bill Fee. You will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing paper waste. Finally, all your bills will be organized in one place and easily accessible online.

What is the process for installing Frontier Internet?

When you sign up for Frontier Internet, a professional technician will be scheduled to install the service at your home. They will ensure that the necessary equipment is properly set up and connected, allowing you to start using Frontier Internet.

Can I keep my current email address with Frontier Internet?

Yes, you can usually keep your current email address when you switch to Frontier Internet. However, it's important to check with Frontier's customer support to confirm the details and requirements for email address migration.

Does Frontier have data caps on their internet plans?

No, Frontier does not enforce data caps on their internet plans. Frontier provides customers with unlimited data usage, allowing you to stream, browse, and download without worrying about exceeding any data limits or incurring additional charges.

Sources

[1] Techblog.com. "Fiber is the Future at Frontier."

[2]FierceTelecom.com. "Frontier CEO Says Copper Decommissioning 3-5 Years Out."

[3] J.D. Power.com. "2022 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study."

Frontier Internet Definitive Buyers Guide

View plans, compare prices, see ratings & understand hidden fees for Internet providers with just a zip code.

It looks like you’re using Google LLC Internet