When it comes to selecting an internet service provider for your home, you’re often faced with a multitude of options, and it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Frontier and Optimum are two well-known providers that offer internet, TV, and home phone services in various areas across the United States. In this blog post, we will compare Frontier and Optimum in terms of affordability, performance, value, and customer satisfaction to help you make an informed decision.
Affordability
Frontier: Frontier Fiber plans start at under $50 per month, offering competitive pricing for internet services. The affordability of Frontier’s plans makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Optimum: Optimum may lure customers with cheaper starting prices, but it’s essential to note that their rates tend to increase significantly after 24 months. This means that while you might enjoy lower prices initially, you could end up paying substantially more in the long run.
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Performance
Frontier: Frontier Fiber plans boast impressive download and upload speeds, ranging from 500 Mbps to a staggering 5,000 Mbps. These high-speed options make Frontier an excellent choice for households with demanding internet needs, such as online gaming and remote work.
Optimum: Optimum offers a range of internet plans, including Fiber options with competitive download speeds. However, when it comes to upload speeds, Frontier has the edge, making it a better choice for tasks like video conferencing and content creation.
Value
Frontier: Frontier’s internet plans come with no hidden fees, including equipment rental and unlimited data. This transparency in pricing provides customers with peace of mind, knowing exactly what to expect on their monthly bills.
Optimum: Optimum also offers plans without data caps and contracts, giving customers flexibility in their internet service. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential additional fees.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is a crucial factor in evaluating internet service providers. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), both Frontier and Optimum received scores below the industry average in 2022.
Frontier scored 61/100, while Optimum scored slightly lower at 59/100. While these scores indicate room for improvement, they also suggest that neither provider stands out significantly in terms of customer satisfaction.
Frontier Fiber Plans & Pricing
- Fiber 500 Mbps: $39.99 per month (500/500 Mbps)
- Fiber 1 Gig: $59.99 per month (1,000/1,000 Mbps)
- Fiber 2 Gig: $99.99 per month (2,000/2,000 Mbps)
- Fiber 5 Gig: $154.99 per month (5,000/5,000 Mbps)
Prices are with Auto Pay & Paperless Bill, and availability may vary by location.
Optimum Plans & Pricing
- Optimum 300: $40.00 per month (300 Mbps)
- Optimum 500: $60.00 per month (500 Mbps)
- Optimum 1 Gig: $80.00 per month (940 Mbps)
- Optimum Fiber 300: $40.00 per month (300 Mbps)
- Optimum Fiber 500: $60.00 per month (500 Mbps)
- Optimum Fiber 1 Gig: $80.00 per month (940 Mbps)
- Optimum Fiber 2 Gig: $100.00 per month (2,000 Mbps)
- Optimum Fiber 5 Gig: $180.00 per month (5,000 Mbps)
Prices vary by location and may change over time.
Which Internet Plan Should You Choose?
Best Overall: Frontier Fiber 500 offers a great balance of high-speed internet and competitive pricing at $49.99 per month. Optimum’s 500 Mbps plan starts at $60 per month, but after the first year, it jumps to $119.99 per month. Frontier’s plan remains more affordable in the long run.
Cheapest: For budget-conscious consumers, both Frontier Fiber 500 and Optimum Internet 300 offer affordable starting prices. Optimum’s plan starts at $40 per month, while Frontier’s Fiber 500 plan begins at $49.99 per month.
Fastest Speeds: If you require lightning-fast speeds, Frontier Fiber 5 Gig provides an impressive 5,000 Mbps for those with the most demanding internet needs.
Additional Fees
When considering your internet service, it’s crucial to factor in additional fees:
Frontier: Frontier includes equipment fees in the price, with the only notable additional fee being a professional installation fee of $50 for its fiber plans and a $3.99/month infrastructure fee. There are no data caps, eliminating concerns about overage fees.
Optimum: Optimum charges $10/month for equipment, but you have the option to use your equipment to avoid this fee. Additionally, there’s a network enhancement fee of $3.50/month and a one-time activation fee of $40. Installation costs $99 for standard installation or $149 for premium installation.
Frontier vs. Optimum Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Both Frontier and Optimum received mixed customer satisfaction ratings according to ACSI data from the past three years. While Optimum has shown slight improvement, Frontier’s scores have remained relatively stable.
- Frontier: 2022 score: 61, 2021 score: 57, 2020 score: 55 (Average of past three years: 57.7)
- Optimum: 2022 score: 59, 2021 score: 60, 2020 score: 65 (Average of past three years: 61.3)
FAQs
Q1. What is the starting price for Frontier Fiber’s internet plans?
A1. Frontier Fiber plans start at under $50 per month.
Q2. How do Optimum’s prices compare to Frontier for internet service?
A2. Optimum offers cheaper starting prices, but they tend to increase significantly after 24 months.
Q3. Which provider offers higher upload speeds, Frontier or Optimum?
A3. Frontier provides higher upload speeds, making it a better choice for tasks like video conferencing and content creation.
Q4. Are there any hidden fees associated with Frontier’s internet plans?
A4. Frontier’s internet plans come with no hidden fees, including equipment rental and unlimited data.
Q5. How do customer satisfaction ratings for Frontier and Optimum compare?
A5. Both Frontier and Optimum received scores below the industry average in 2022, with Frontier scoring 61/100 and Optimum scoring slightly lower at 59/100.
Conclusion:
In the battle between Frontier and Optimum, Frontier Fiber emerges as the superior choice for internet service. While Optimum may offer cheaper starting prices, its significant price increase after the first 12 months makes Frontier the more cost-effective option in the long term. If bundling internet and TV service is a priority, Optimum provides better TV options, but for faster speeds, Frontier remains the top pick.
In conclusion, when making your decision, consider your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals to determine whether Frontier or Optimum is the right fit for your home.