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Metronet vs. EarthLink Internet Providers Compared

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Metronet Vs EarthLink

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated Dec. 22, 2025

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Metronet Vs EarthLink

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Plans starting at: $60

Popular Package: 2 Gig

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

Call today & find the best MetroNet internet deals
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Plans starting at: $39.95

Popular Package: 5 Gigs

Download speeds up to: 5 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber

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MetroNet Staff rating

4.4
Metronet offers fiber internet's superior performance with competitive pricing and rapid expansion In 2024, Metronet earned recognition as PCMag's "Fastest ISP in the United States" for both 2023 and 2024 [1]. In a significant development, a joint venture between T-Mobile and KKR completed the acquisition of Metronet in July 2025, with residential fiber customers now served under the T-Mobile Fiber brand while Metronet continues to manage network buildouts and infrastructure [2]. The company currently delivers multi-gigabit internet service to more than 3 million homes and businesses across 300+ communities in 19 states [3]. Metronet's coverage spans three major regions: a large portion of the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, the South and Southwest (including Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado), and Florida in the Southeast. With an ambitious expansion plan targeting 6.5 million homes passed by the end of 2030, Metronet is adding fiber availability to underserved markets at an unprecedented pace [4].

All Metronet connections utilize 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology, delivering symmetrical upload and download speeds that cable and DSL providers cannot match. Metronet strategically builds in areas that lack another fiber provider, bringing high-speed options to communities previously limited to slower connection types.

States with Metronet service: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Major cities include Colorado Springs, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Lexington, Norfolk, Tallahassee, Dayton, Aurora (IL), Lansing, and Rochester (MN), with over 300 total communities served. In 2025 alone, Metronet announced fiber expansion plans in 32 new cities. Following the T-Mobile/KKR joint venture completed in July 2025, Metronet residential customers transitioned to T-Mobile Fiber branding for retail services, while Metronet focuses on network engineering, design, deployment, and installation [5]. The company maintains its commercial services business independently.

PROS

Fiber internet brings fast, symmetrical speeds Competitive prices for 2 years No data caps or contracts required

Cons

Limited area of coverage Extra fee for tech support Multi-gig plans still rare
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EarthLink Staff rating

3.5

Earthlink is known for great customer service but higher initial prices

Earthlink’s chief difference from most other national ISPs is that Earthlink is a third-party seller. In other words, Earthlink is partnering with other major internet companies who actually provide the technology for your internet service. Your service through Earthlink might come from AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, or Viasat. That means your type of connection through Earthlink can vary from super-fast fiber internet all the way to slower satellite internet. You will know which type of internet connection you are purchasing when you sign up for service. Just as with any other provider, you will have an idea of your approximate speed and performance when you buy. The catch is, you will pay more because Earthlink doesn’t own the networks it uses. Why would you choose a service that costs more? Well, Earthlink is known for very solid customer service in an industry that has historically struggled in that area [1]. And Earthlink offers service in less-populated areas without many other providers. That means there may be some places where Earthlink is one of your top options for internet speed or reliability.

PROS

Widespread coverage across the nation High ratings for customer service No data caps on fiber plans

Cons

As a 3rd party seller, tech outcomes will vary Prices are higher than most Plans vary significantly by region
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Metronet Pricing

4.0
Metronet's prices start competitively with gradual increases and transparent rate structures Metronet offers fiber internet plans ranging from 500 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with promotional pricing that increases in stages rather than dramatic jumps after the first year [6]. With the entry-level plan, you’re paying roughly $0.09 per Mbps, which is a good competitive rate. Plans also include optional price locks that guarantee rates for up to 24 months. Current Metronet pricing:
  • 500 Mbps: $44.95/mo for 12 months without price lock, or $60/mo with 24-month price lock
  • 1 Gig: $49.95/mo for 12 months, $59.95/mo (month 13), $69.95/mo (month 25), then $89.95/mo regular rate; or $70/mo with 24-month price lock
  • 2 Gig: $69.95/mo for 12 months, increasing to $119.95/mo regular rate; or $80/mo with price lock
Mandatory and optional fees: All plans include a mandatory $12.95/mo TechAssure fee that covers service calls, technician visits, and all repairs to Metronet-owned equipment and wiring both inside and outside your home. While this adds to the monthly cost, it eliminates surprise charges for technical support or equipment fixes. Installation typically costs $75, but is frequently waived during promotional periods [7]. New customers often receive the first month of service free. Metronet does not charge equipment rental fees, with an eero Pro 6E wireless router included with all plans up to 2 Gig at no additional cost. Customers must return equipment upon cancellation or face a non-return fee of up to $150. Optional add-ons: WholeHome WiFi powered by eero mesh network technology costs $9.95/mo and extends coverage throughout larger homes. The eeroPlus premium service — which includes ad blocking, parental controls, and additional security features — is available for $1/mo for the first six months with 2 Gig purchase (normally $9/mo). Metronet also offers a $25 account credit when customers enroll in ACH autopay. Unlike many internet providers, Metronet has no contracts, no data caps, and no early termination fees.
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EarthLink Pricing

3.0

Earthlink will charge you more initially, but prices even out by the second or third year

Many internet service providers will offer you a great promotional price for a year or two, but then raise prices much higher. Earthlink will not offer you initial promotional prices, so their plans may initially give you sticker shock. For initial prices, Earthlink will charge you more for every type of internet service: fiber, fixed wireless, or satellite. But in some cases, over the course of a few years, you may even end up saving a little money with Earthlink. Only a head-to-head comparison of specific providers in your area will tell you, so check out our price plan comparisons using your zip code.

Pricing will also vary significantly based on your internet connection type

The biggest difference between Earthlink plans is whether your chosen plan has a data cap. Earthlink Fiber internet won’t have data caps. Earthlink satellite internet and fixed wireless (4G LTE or 5G) will have data caps. If you have a plan with data caps, you may end up having to buy extra data at the end of the month. Because of these unpredictable charges, satellite pricing and fixed wireless pricing for Earthlink are less stable than for their other plans. But here’s an unusual benefit of Earthlink Wireless Home Internet. Most Earthlink plans require a one-year contract, but Earthlink’s Wireless Home Internet plans do not require a contract [2].
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Metronet Reliability and Performance

5.0
All-fiber technology delivers consistently fast symmetrical speeds Metronet's 100% fiber-optic network provides a significant performance advantage over cable and DSL connections. The company earned PCMag's "Fastest ISP in the United States" designation for both 2023 and 2024, reflecting independently verified speed test results. Fiber advantages Because Metronet runs fiber directly to customer homes without using coaxial cable or copper phone lines for the final connection, customers receive dedicated bandwidth that isn't shared with neighbors. This gives symmetrical speeds where upload performance equals download speed, which is a critical feature for remote work, video conferencing, content creation, live streaming, and uploading large files to cloud storage. Real-world speed tests from Metronet customers consistently show performance that meets or exceeds advertised rates. Users report receiving 520-540 Mbps on 500 Mbps plans and over 900 Mbps on 1 Gig plans. Symmetrical speeds mean a 1 Gig plan provides 1,000 Mbps upload alongside 1,000 Mbps download, while cable internet typically offers only 30-35 Mbps upload even on gigabit download plans. Fiber connections maintain consistent performance during peak usage hours when cable networks often experience slowdowns from neighborhood congestion. The technology also remains unaffected by weather conditions that can disrupt satellite or fixed wireless services. Additionally, fiber-optic cables are significantly more difficult to tap or intercept than traditional copper wiring, providing better security advantages. Future-ready infrastructure As emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI-powered applications demand greater bandwidth, Metronet's fiber infrastructure can accommodate these needs. Metronet reports 99.9% uptime reliability across its network. Customer reviews highlight strong consistency, with users noting reliable performance for demanding applications including competitive gaming (ping under 15ms), 4K streaming on multiple devices, and professional video conferencing.
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EarthLink Reliability and Performance

3.5

Earthlink’s performance depends completely on the networks of major partners

One of Earthlink’s claims to fame is having “the largest network,” because Earthlink serves 90% of the United States [1]. The reality is that Earthlink does have a very large coverage area, but Earthlink does not own the networks in those areas. Differences between Earthlink’s partner networks will mean that your internet speed and performance will vary if you sign up with Earthlink. Just like Earthlink’s pricing, the quality of the service they can deliver depends on other providers. Most of the time, this works out fine because Earthlink partners with reputable ISPs. But Earthlink does not have control over your service, and that can be a disadvantage if something goes wrong. If you get Earthlink Fiber, you are probably going to be happy with your speed and reliability. Fiber is known for these advantages. Earthlink satellite or fixed wireless will often be too slow for real-timeactivities such as real-time gaming or videoconferencing. Reliability issues are going to be more likely with Earthlink’s satellite internet or Wireless Home Internet. Both satellite and wireless internet can be affected by weather. Fixed wireless can also slow down at peak times when thenetwork is congested with more traffic. Satellite internet tends to have high latency, which means a slight lag in the transmission of a signal. Latency is not noticeable for many internet activities but may affect real-time data transfer for gaming and videoconferencing.
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Metronet Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.5
Free router included with most plans, straightforward installation process Metronet includes a free eero Pro 6E wireless router with all internet plans up to 2 Gig at no monthly rental charge. This eliminates the equipment fees that many ISPs charge, though customers have to return the router when canceling service or face a non-return equipment fee of up to $150. The included eero Pro 6E is a WiFi 6E router that provides strong wireless coverage for most homes. Customers can optionally add Metronet's WholeHome WiFi service ($9.95/mo), which uses eero mesh networking technology to create a smart mesh network that eliminates dead zones in larger homes [8]. The mesh system automatically routes devices to the strongest signal and hands off connections as you move through your house. Tech-savvy customers on any plan can opt to use their own router instead of the provided eero. Installation Standard professional installation costs $75, though this fee is frequently waived during promotional periods. The installation process typically takes a few hours and requires an adult 18 or older to be present. Installation timelines vary, with some customers reporting quick turnaround within days, while others in new buildout areas may wait 2-4 weeks depending on infrastructure readiness [9]. The technician will run fiber directly to your home, install the optical network terminal (ONT), connect the WiFi router, and test the connection.  Metronet's mandatory TechAssure fee ($12.95/mo) covers all future service calls, equipment repairs, and technical support at no additional charge. This means if your router fails, your connection experiences issues, or you need a technician visit, there are no surprise charges — the monthly fee covers these services.
Call today & find the best MetroNet internet deals
1-844-637-5113

EarthLink Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

3.0

Earthlink’s installation fees and equipment fees vary

We can't give a score for any kind of consistent pricing or equipment fees because of Earthlink's 3rd party seller business model. Earthlink’s lower rating from us in this category results from the lack of simple, freely available information on pricing and fees on their website, as well as their higher prices for equipment and installation. This lack of transparency is one of the weaknesses of the telecom industry. We recommend that Earthlink, along with other internet providers, begin to be much more straightforward about which services are available across the United States and how much they cost in each area. Satellite equipment will cost you considerably more if you buy it upfront, which is typical of satellite. Earthlink will offer you the option to rent the equipment if that is more feasible. Satellite equipment will come from Viasat, Earthlink’s satellite internet partner. Because Viasat’s equipment fees are $12.99/month or $299.99 prepaid, consumers should estimate that Earthlink’s fees for Viasat equipment will be similar or slightly higher [3]. Earthlink’s bonus services include Easy Tech for unlimited tech support at $9.95 a month. Earthlink Guardian provides parental monitoring, Earthlink Protect gives security protection, and Earthlink Online Backup will protect you from data loss.
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Metronet Experience & Support

4.0
Metronet earns above-average ratings with strong marks for speed and reliability Metronet does not appear in major national customer satisfaction surveys like J.D. Power or the American Customer Satisfaction Index due to its regional footprint. However, multiple independent surveys and review platforms provide insight into customer experiences. According to CableTV.com's Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey, 77% of respondents reported being fully or highly satisfied with Metronet's internet service, placing the company sixth overall among ISPs [10]. Customer satisfaction with specific aspects showed 79% approval for internet speed and 79% for reliability — scores that trailed top performers like Google Fiber and Verizon Fios by only a small margin while significantly outperforming cable providers. Metronet offers multiple support channels including 24/7 phone lines, live chat, text messaging to customer support numbers, website FAQs, and video tutorials [11]. What customers say Customer reviews consistently praise installation technicians as friendly, professional, and thorough [12]. If additional fiber construction is needed in your neighborhood, timelines may extend, but Metronet provides updates throughout the process. Reviews consistently highlight fast symmetrical speeds, reliable fiber performance, and professional installation technicians who are thorough and courteous. Many customers report smooth streaming on multiple devices, excellent gaming performance with low latency (under 15ms ping), and the ability to video conference while others in the household stream 4K content. The lack of data caps and contracts receives positive mentions, as does pricing that remains more stable than cable competitors after promotional periods. Installation delays do frustrate some customers, particularly in newly expanding markets where infrastructure work causes rescheduled appointments. The mandatory $12.95/mo TechAssure fee, while comprehensive in coverage, annoys customers who view it as a hidden charge not clearly disclosed upfront [13]. Some customers report occasional service outages, though experiences vary significantly by market. Response times for customer service receive mixed reviews. Some customers praise quick resolution of issues in under 10 minutes, while others report long wait times and difficulty reaching representatives during outages. Customer service satisfaction scored 72% in CableTV.com's survey, which is lower than technical performance ratings but still competitive for the industry. Overall assessment Fiber internet providers generally achieve higher customer satisfaction than cable or DSL competitors because the technology is newer, more reliable, and less prone to congestion-related slowdowns [14]. Metronet follows this pattern — customers who experience smooth installation and service typically express high satisfaction with performance. The company's generally transparent pricing structure and lack of data caps contribute to positive experiences, though communication about fees and installation timelines could improve based on customer feedback.
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EarthLink Experience & Support

4.5

Earthlink is known above all for superior customer service

When you research Earthlink online, you will see that Earthlink survives on its customer service. The company gets good, solid ratings for customer service, where many ISPs fall far short. That means that if you call Earthlink, odds are that you will be satisfied with what they do for you. There are just a couple of caveats to that recommendation. First, some customers report that their customer service has been routed to Earthlink’s partner providers, which removes the whole point of having Earthlink service if you’re seeking their brand of better customer service. Second, Earthlink acknowledged beginning to “reshore” its service in September 2021, which implicitly reveals that the company had offshored its customer service [4]. Offshoring customer service to foreign countries is not only potentially frustrating for the customer, but worse for U.S. workers. Many internet providers now base their customer service in the United States, and we hope Earthlink will be sure to provide its own customer support from within the country.
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Metronet FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit Metronet-Fiber.com.
All Metronet internet plans include an eero wireless router, which enhances your connectivity experience. In addition, they offer WholeHome Wi-Fi, a feature that improves coverage throughout your home to remove dead zones and buffering. This ensures a strong, uninterrupted connection for all your online activities.
You can check the availability of Metronet fiber internet in your area by entering your zip code here at CompareInternet.com.
Metronet provides all-fiber coverage in 16 states: Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
You can check the speed of your Metronet internet connection with our speed test.
Yes, fiber internet is the best type of connection for real-time gaming due to its high upload speeds and low latency.
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EarthLink FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit EarthlinkDeals.com.
Earthlink provides a variety of internet technologies in different regions. Earthlink’s offerings include fiber and DSL connections, with fiber providing much higher speeds than DSL. Earthlink is a third-party provider, which means they are using infrastructure owned by other companies to manage your internet service. The infrastructure they use varies from location to location.
If you have any inquiries or need assistance, you can easily contact Earthlink's customer service. They offer multiple channels of support, including phone, email, and online chat on their website. Their dedicated team is ready to help you with any concerns you may have. Earthlink is known for having one of the best customer support systems in the industry.
No, Earthlink does not impose data caps on their fiber and DSL internet plans. You can enjoy unlimited data usage without worrying about additional charges or restrictions on your internet usage.
Earthlink’s installation fee will vary based on your internet type. The fee is often between $40 and $80, which is lower than some competitors’ fees.
To check the availability of Earthlink internet in your area, simply enter your zip code here at CompareInternet.com. You can find out if Earthlink services are accessible in your location and determine the best internet plan for your needs. Because Earthlink uses the infrastructure of other ISPs, they have wide availability in 48 states.
Yes, Earthlink will support your home Wi-Fi. Earthlink supplies a Wi-Fi modem combo that will ensure compatibility.
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Metronet Accolades

Fastest ISP in the United States 2024
Metronet Ookla Internet Claims for Q1 2024
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EarthLink Accolades

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Metronet Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
Free Install! Sign up for ACH autopay for $25 credit.
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $80
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Free Install! Sign up for ACH autopay for $25 credit
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Free Install! Sign up for ACH autopay for $25 credit
500 MbFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $60
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read more
Call today & find the best MetroNet internet deals
1-844-637-5113

EarthLink Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
5 GigsFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $189.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $129.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $79.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
300 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 300 Mbps Only $49.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
100 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $39.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
500 MbpsFiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $64.95
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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Metronet Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
5.0
Reliability & Performance
5.0
4.5
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.5
4.0
Customer Experience & Support
4.0
4.4
Overall Rating
4.4
Scot Deabs
4.0
from New Bern, NC on November 2025
Network is reliable. The 1 GB plan for two years at $69.95 has increased to $89.95. Two WholeHome WiFi access points for $19.90, TechAssure for $12.95, and $2.24 for taxes brings it up to $125.04 monthly. Getting download of 200-230 mbps and upload 150-200 mbps.
Glenn T
1.5
from Milwaukee, WI on April 2025
The WiFi is horrible.
Melony B
3.8
from Greenwood, IN on July 2023
The techs were fast and reliable
Timothy Hall
4.8
from Noblesville, IN on August 2022
Ivy Phillips
3.8
from Ankeny, IA on June 2022
Call today & find the best MetroNet internet deals
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EarthLink Customers Review

3.0
Pricing
3.0
3.5
Reliability & Performance
3.5
3.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
3.0
4.5
Customer Experience & Support
4.5
3.5
Overall Rating
3.5
Wes L
3.0
from Elk Grove, CA on November 2025
I ordered Earthlink Fiber service on Oct 27th 2025, with an installation date confirmed for Nov 7th 2025 from 1-5 PM. I stayed home from work waiting for the technician. I received no contact for that span of time. I contacted Earthlink via Web Text Chat on Nov 8th 2025, but got no response. I did not have time to contact them again until Nov 14th 2025. I again tried the Texting Chat and got a very delayed response. I then called the phone number 866.383.3080 on their website and finally got a response. I asked to cancel my service because of nearly complete lack of communication. ( on Nov 12th 2025 they did send a reschedule of my installation). I was told by the Retention department that there was some issue with the installation on the Nov 7th 2025, but they did not communicate this to me at all until Nov 12th 2025. And then rather than ask me when I would be available, they assigned Nov 29th 2025 (which is literally in the middle of the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend). Earthlink clearly does not have good communication between technicians, customer service, and customers, which is ironic for a company whose product is communication technology. And they are not aware of US American Holidays. To me this says that Earthlink is not competent and I do not want to have to endure this throughout the use of their service. Fortunately they have demonstrated that they do not want my money, before I had to suffer from their poor performance. ---WJL
Lamoyne Westerbeck
4.8
from Farmington, IA on September 2025
Service fine not enough and no money in when they get payment have to do without till payment made and no prorated price for service or extension from when payment made
Kathy H
3.5
from Vincennes, IN on August 2025
Earthlink is a good company, but they keep raising their price all the time it's too e pensive now.
Rebecca
1.0
from Franklin, OH on August 2025
Cannot get anyone help me install. Sending back
Mary Floyd
2.3
from Clarkston, GA on April 2025
Can not work laptop when television is on. No reception reception
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