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Spectrum vs. Frontier Internet Providers Compared

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Spectrum Vs Frontier

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Rosslyn Elliott

Written by Rosslyn Elliott - Pub. Jul. 27, 2023 / Updated May. 5, 2026

You are currently comparing:

Spectrum Vs Frontier

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Plans starting at: $30

Popular Package: Internet 2 Gig

Download speeds up to: 2 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & Cable

Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Plans starting at: $29.99

Popular Package: Fiber 7 Gig

Download speeds up to: 7 Gbps

Connection Types: Fiber & DSL

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1-844-534-0520

Frontier Staff rating

3.8
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. Nearly 70% of Frontier customers can now access fiber internet, with average speeds of 6,394 Mbps for both download and upload [1]. In September 2024, Verizon announced a definitive agreement to acquire Frontier in an all-cash transaction valued at $20 billion [2]. The deal received FCC approval in May 2025 and is expected to close by February 2026 [3]. Currently, Frontier has 7.2 million fiber locations and 2.2 million fiber subscribers across 25 states, with plans to build out an additional 2.8 million fiber locations by the end of 2026. All these fiber connections are FTTP (fiber-to-the-premises), 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. The pending Verizon acquisition is expected to accelerate fiber expansion and bring Frontier's fiber services into Verizon's broader network of approximately 7.4 million Fios connections.

PROS

Some of the best fiber prices in the country No data caps, Wi-Fi router included Strong customer satisfaction for fiber

Cons

DSL is more expensive DSL is slower Fiber is not available to all customers at present
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Spectrum Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
Internet 2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $70
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
INTERNET GIGCable InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $50
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
Internet PremierCable InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $40
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
High-Speed Internet + One Unlimited Mobile Line Included
INTERNET ADVANTAGECable InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $30
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Frontier Internet Plans

PlanService TypeDownload SpeedMonthly Price
3-Year Price Guarantee! Get a $400 credit on select Samsung products at Best Buy®.
Fiber 7 GigFiber InternetUp to 7,000 Mbps Only $109.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Get a $400 credit on select Samsung products at Best Buy®.
Fiber 5 GigFiber InternetUp to 5,000 Mbps Only $89.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Get a $400 credit on select Samsung products at Best Buy®.
Fiber 2 GigFiber InternetUp to 2,000 Mbps Only $64.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Get a $400 credit on select Samsung products at Best Buy®.
Fiber 1 GigFiber InternetUp to 1,000 Mbps Only $49.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Fiber 500Fiber InternetUp to 500 Mbps Only $29.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Fiber 200Fiber InternetUp to 200 Mbps Only $39.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Frontier InternetDSL InternetUp to 100 Mbps Only $64.99
*Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
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1-844-534-0520

Spectrum Pricing

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Frontier Pricing

4.0
Frontier will give you a good deal on fiber, but DSL varies widely Frontier's main distinction among fiber internet providers is competitive pricing on high-speed plans. Fiber internet plans range from $19.99 to $109.99 per month with Auto Pay and Paperless Billing [4]. Current promotional pricing includes Fiber 200 at $39.99/month, Fiber 500 at $29.99/month, and Fiber 1 Gig at $49.99/month—all offering symmetrical upload and download speeds.  With router rental included and no data caps, Frontier Fiber offers the kind of simple, clear pricing that earns high ratings from us. Frontier offers significant sign-up incentives, some of which has included a $300 Visa Reward Card with Fiber 5 Gig and 7 Gig plans, a $200 Visa Reward Card with Fiber 2 Gig, and $10/month off YouTube TV for 12 months. Be sure to check Frontier’s official website for current promotions. The only drawback is that Frontier Internet (the name for their DSL plans) does not provide the same kind of bargain. Frontier's single DSL plan costs $64.99 per month with variable speeds depending on your location. Plus, the DSL speed you will be able to get at your address will vary depending on infrastructure, with customers receiving average download speeds of 30 Mbps and upload speeds of 2 Mbps [5]. 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.
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1-844-534-0520

Spectrum Reliability and Performance

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Frontier Reliability and Performance

4.0
Frontier Fiber offers speed and reliability, but their 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 multi-gigabit speeds up to 7,000 Mbps. That's right up there with the top few providers in the fiber internet business, with Frontier customers receiving average fiber speeds of 6,394 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. Frontier's fiber network delivers true symmetrical speeds—meaning your upload speed matches your download speed—which is particularly valuable for video conferencing, cloud backups, and content creation. These multi-gigabit 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. The pending Verizon acquisition commits to completing Frontier's planned expansion to 10 million fiber homes by 2026, ensuring continued network investment and reliability improvements.

DSL performance will be unpredictable, with customers receiving average download speeds of just 30 Mbps and upload speeds of only 2 Mbps. The only constant is that it will not deliver fiber-like performance. If you're lucky, you'll get a speed above 25 Mbps download. 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. Frontier is actively phasing out DSL in favor of fiber networks, with former CEO Nick Jeffery indicating full copper decommissioning is expected within a three- to five-year timeframe [6].

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Spectrum Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

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1-844-534-0545

Frontier Equipment, Installation and Bonus Features

4.0
Installation fees waived for fiber, included router varies by plan Frontier currently waives installation fees entirely for all fiber plans, while DSL plans have a $100 installation fee that you can avoid by doing self-installation. Every Frontier Fiber plan includes a premium Wi-Fi router at no charge, with the specific model depending on your speed tier. Plans from Fiber 200 through Fiber 2 Gig come with a free Amazon eero Pro 6E router, while Fiber 5 Gig and Fiber 7 Gig plans include the more advanced TP-Link Archer AXE300 6E router. For customers choosing the top-tier 5 Gig plan, Frontier also includes a three-year new tech upgrade guarantee. However, there are some important fees to be aware of if you decide to cancel service. Frontier charges a $100 early termination fee if you cancel within the first 12 months for all fiber plans except the Fiber 2 Gig plan, which has no early termination fee. Additionally, if you fail to return equipment after terminating service, Frontier may charge for non-return equipment fees. There's also a $50 restocking fee if you decide you no longer want your Frontier Fiber service.
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1-844-534-0520

Spectrum Experience & Support

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Frontier Experience & Support

3.0
Frontier Fiber shows strong performance in customer satisfaction Frontier's reviews have improved greatly with increased fiber service. In the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, Frontier scored 71/100 for its fiber service—a significant improvement over its 58/100 score for non-fiber internet [7]. While fiber ISP satisfaction scores tend to run lower industry-wide, with AT&T leading at 78/100, Frontier's fiber performance places it competitively among major providers. Recent customer feedback reinforces these improvements. One Reddit user wrote that their “newly installed 2 Gig fiber [is an] awesome experience so far” [8]. That said, reliability might depend on where you reside, as another Reddit thread had commenters praising their service in Plano, TX, but also reporting outages and inconsistencies in speeds [9]. Frontier's sharp rise in rankings is a promising sign that if you get Frontier Fiber, you will be happy with your choice. The fiber service has earned an overall rating of 3.83 stars specifically, compared to just 2.55 stars for DSL service, highlighting the dramatic difference in customer satisfaction between the two technologies.
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1-844-534-0520

Spectrum FAQ's

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Frontier FAQ's

To order or learn more, call the number on this page or visit BuyFrontierNow.com.
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.
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 option in rural areas for those who prefer a wired internet connection.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520

Spectrum Customers Review

Pricing
0.0
Reliability & Performance
0.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
0.0
Customer Experience & Support
0.0
Overall Rating
0.0
Sandra O
2.5
from Canisteo, NY on May 2026
The internet with spectrum was good when the starting price was $30. I have not added any channels or other services. My bill each month is now $94!!! I am a single mom & need it for my children to do homework. I am going to have to get rid of internet because I can't afford it
Kim H
3.3
from Penn Yan, NY on May 2026
Like everything else these days, prices are too high.
LARRY s
1.3
from Thousand Oaks, CA on May 2026
they creeped up my monthly bill a little bit at a time and before IA KNEW IT MY BILL WAS OVER $80.00 A MONTH AND ON TOP OF THAT I WAS PAYING FOR 400-500 mBPS AND GETTING ONLY 200MBPS WTF ?
Sharon H
1.0
from Los Angeles, CA on May 2026
Failed to transfer my service from Santa Monica, took 1 month to get services connected in Baldwin Hills, tried to tell me I had no prior service to transfer though had for 2 yrs. 3 mo. and talked to them about the transfer for months and followed every direction (also horrible service in SM, similar to here in Baldwin Hills), later admitted they lied. Inside cabling replaced 3 times, inside splitter 3 X, vault completely rebuilt 2X, full of water, equipment submerged, outdoor cables not waterproof. Cable boxes replaced 36X, modem 3X, router 5X but none of this has helped and a lot of it was done during Covid. I'm immunocompromised and Spectrum repeatedly coming into my home put my life at risk.(I don't blame the technicians, who were almost uniformly protective and considerate, I blame the company. The best field supervisors and techs told me they tell Charter/Spectrum all the time that they need to upgrade the infrastructure here but that the response is "We don't want to spend the money," so all the techs can do is try to patch it. Can't use streaming services due to intermittency, weak signal on Spectrum side and upstream and downstream noise on the old cable lines. T3 timeouts and packet loss. Cost for bundled services has gone from $154 a month to almost $225 and they tell me, on my bill, what a great deal I have even though my internet speed is all over the place and never what I'm paying for. They've moved most premium content I'm paying for to streaming, which I've already stated I can't do. When I turn the larger TV on, I get a black screen and "Please Wait" for about 16 " until the service engages, which in the film industry in which I worked is considered a LOT of lag time. Pixelation, particularly on PBS channels and in On Demand.. Guide and On Demand freeze constantly. Boxes don't always update or connect automatically...I was once told by phone tech support, while having multiple problems, that their records showed that box hadn't been used in 2 days and wasn't communicating with Spectrum, though I had used the box both days during that time. Once, the Field Manager, after monitoring my service and comparing it with that of my neighbours and finding nothing, brought out a crane with a sensing device on the end of it and finally found I was getting impedance from a vault nearby but not connected to me, and when they opened that vault it to was full of water to the brim and they had to rebuild it. Fixing that helped, but problems continued. Finally, remote team leaders and supervisors in both Repair and Internet SAW the issues happening in real time while they monitored and, after looking into the massive records of failure in my account, sent emails to my District with screenshots and even a voice recoding attached, documenting the problems that I'd repeatedly been told didn't exist. A Repair team leader and her 2 immediate supervisors took agency over my account and moved, remotely, to fix it, telling the local district what they needed to do. First Repair asked for copies of the emails that had been sent, but these mysteriously "couldn't be found." 5 Repair tickets were opened, but 3 of them were closed with no action and no notice. Repair was telling the local Field Manager that the peripheral cable that controls Guide, On Demand, and advertising placement (which, when initiated, would disconnect the channel, go dark, and then start buffering fragments of commercials or the same commercial repeated several times with dark screen in between. This was the cable box trying to do its job but was a failure of the DAI signal due to weak signal on the Spectrum side not giving the box the signal it needed to complete the process. I'd reported this for well over 2 years. . Repair was investigating the DOCSIS and the nodes when , first, I was told that the local district was impeding them from doing their work, and then the ticket was closed and Spectrum told them to cease and desist. The Team Leader called me and apologized. Then I got a letter from Charter/Spectrum's legal department informing me that I had "abused" and "over-used" their technical support and that IF I had further issues with my service and wanted tech support, I had to WRITE to their legal department in S. Carolina by SNAIL MAIL and request it and IF their monitoring system indicated I needed it ( which can miss the issue when it's intermittent and needs to be investigated while it's happening, not weeks later), they would WRITE ME BACK BY SNAIL MAIL and give approval, but I was warned that they could cancel my service at any time due to "their terms of agreement" and their threat was implied. My service still doesn't work and because Spectrum has the contract for the entire Village Green complex where I live, I have no other option. Their infrastructure here is underground and dates back to al LEAST when Time Warner was called Roadrunner, but the best techs that have been to my home have told me it's even older than that, possibly dating back 40-50 years to the inception of services in Los Angeles. I am starting the complaint process with the FCC and with the LA County District Attorney's Consumer Affairs Department for mediation, where I can bring my logs and the photos I've taken of my screens as evidence. I've been keeping a log for 5 years of the daily problems with dates, times, which box (I have 2), what channel and program, and any associated error codes. Recently I needed help with my Spectrum cell phone and was told that even my cell phone service would require me contacting their legal department, even though I had never asked for any technical support for the phone before. Spectrum is leaking customers rapidly across the nation, fully documented in the press, due to their pricing, slow internet speeds, and arrogant customer interface. My case is a particularly terrible outlier, I'm sure, but it's a good example of their treatment of their customers in general. My advice, if you're considering Spectrum as your provider, is to do your due diligence and go online to read about their reputation and performance before engaging with the company.
Notnew C
2.3
from Elgin, SC on May 2026
It's good but too expensive, they don't match competitors pricing if your not a new customer and it's more than double for established customers which is a ripoff.
Call today & find the best Spectrum internet deals
1-844-534-0545

Frontier Customers Review

4.0
Pricing
4.0
4.0
Reliability & Performance
4.0
4.0
Equipment, Installation & Features
4.0
3.0
Customer Experience & Support
3.0
3.8
Overall Rating
3.8
Jessica P
3.0
from Kermit, WV on May 2026
My app crashed last month. I made a payment over the phone and they’re saying but I didn’t. So they are turning my service off tomorrow. I don’t have the money to pay 2 bills.
S.
1.0
from Belvidere, IL on May 2026
RUDE, IGNORANT, DISRESPECTFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE. PRICE GOUGHING, FAKE CHARGES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS,GREEDY, SELFISH, CORPORATION. VERY SHAMEFUL COMPANY. NON-PEOPLE FRIENDLY.
Pierre De La Gorce
1.3
from Monroe, NC on March 2026
Installed and left a cable running through my yard, can't mow the lawn. Then the system crashed about a week after installation. Called immediately. Promised tech support would come out, never came. Called 24 hours later, promised tech support would come out. Never came. Support is populated by people who can only read scripts and cannot listen to the customer's issues and have no problem telling you anything other than when the issue will be fixed. AVOID FRONTIER
Dwight Wycherley
3.0
from Garland, TX on March 2026
Ping test may show the 2 Gig service, but once you try to go online, the latency (lag) is horrible. Any MMO is unplayable with 10+ second freezes. Frontier provided equipment and brand new cabling. Called tech support multiple times, all ended the same, pay more $$ a month to get their Pro Level Support, otherwise they saw "no issues". Don't waste your time, go with 2 cans and a string for better service.
lydia velez
2.3
on March 2026
I was very satisfied with the service until I ran into a problem. I tried more than several times to get help. Unfortunately my every attempt was very disappointing. I was not able to contact a person to speak with. Frontier only has chat and no possible way to get the help one needs. I am probably switching to another internet company that has offices with a human person that are available to help. There is a building with the name Frontier in Old Saybrook but when I got to the front door and tried to open the door it was locked. The building is stocked with many boxes and other things, but no office. Very disappointing.
Call today & find the best Frontier internet deals
1-844-534-0520