Frontier vs Spectrum: Is Frontier better than Spectrum?

For Frontier vs Spectrum to compare, you will probably have to make a choice depending on whether your current connection type is fiber or DSL.

Frontier and Spectrum are both major telecommunications companies that provide internet, TV and telephone services in the United States. Both companies differ in the services they offer customers and their pricing, so it is necessary to consider several factors in order to make a comparison.

Unfortunately, our options for home internet service are often limited by service areas, which means we can’t just choose any provider we want. Typically, we may have two or three plausible internet options to choose from. While having more choices would be ideal, it’s not necessarily a bad thing to have the option of either Frontier Communications or Charter Spectrum. Both providers offer decent speeds, particularly if Frontier Fiber is available at your address, and come with straightforward pricing that includes unlimited data and no contract requirements.

If you’re trying to decide between Frontier and Spectrum for your home internet needs, we’re here to assist you. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at how the two providers measure up in terms of technology, speeds, coverage, and customer satisfaction.

We compared Frontier vs Spectrum in terms of speed and technology

Spectrum is recognized as a fast internet services company and provides high speed internet connection to many customers. Frontier, on the other hand, is a company that covers a wider geographic area but generally offers slower internet speeds compared to Spectrum. Therefore, when comparing in terms of speed and performance, we can say that Spectrum generally offers faster internet services.

There are various methods that internet providers use to provide internet connectivity to people’s homes.

Frontier Communications offers fiber internet in 15 states, covering approximately one-third of its customer base, according to the Federal Communications Commission. For the remaining customers, Frontier provides a slower copper-based DSL connection.

On the other hand, Charter Communications offers Spectrum fiber service to less than 1% of its customers and does not offer DSL service. Instead, 99% of Spectrum users get online through a coaxial cable connection. In fact, Charter Spectrum is the second-largest cable provider in the nation, and the infrastructure it obtained after purchasing Time Warner Cable in 2016 plays a significant role.

Frontier vs Spectrum Internet Plans and Pricing

In terms of pricing, it’s possible that both companies offer similar price ranges, but Spectrum is known to often offer more affordable prices. Spectrum, which offers special offers and promotions especially for new customers, can be advantageous in terms of pricing.

Frontier Internet Plans and Speeds

Spectrum Internet Plans and Speeds

If you’re eligible for fiber service with Frontier, you can enjoy download speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second, with corresponding upload speeds. However, if you opt for Frontier DSL, your download speeds will likely be in the double digits, maxing out at 100Mbps.

With Spectrum, cable internet plans start at 300Mbps and can go up to 940Mbps, which is nearly gigabit speed. Unfortunately, as is common with cable internet, upload speeds are limited, and even the fastest Spectrum plan only offers 35Mbps upload speeds.

Regarding pricing, Frontier DSL costs around $55 per month, while their fiber plans range from $50 to $155 per month. Spectrum’s cable plans are typically priced between $50 and $90 per month, and the company tends to charge fewer additional fees than their competitors.

Both providers offer discounted internet plans for low-income customers. Spectrum offers Spectrum Internet Assist, which features download speeds of 30Mbps and upload speeds of 4Mbps, with no contracts or data caps. Both Frontier and Spectrum also participate in the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which gives eligible customers a discount on their existing internet service.

Frontier vs Spectrum Coverage and Availability Compared

When it comes to coverage and availability, Frontier and Spectrum differ in significant ways.

Charter Spectrum is one of the largest internet providers in the US, offering coverage in 46 states. While Frontier is a smaller player, it still connects people in 25 states and is considered a major provider. The two services overlap in various regions, such as parts of southern California, Texas, New York, and the Midwest.

Frontier offers internet service in 25 states, primarily in rural areas, with the largest coverage in California, Texas, and Florida. While the company offers both fiber and DSL options, their fiber service is only available in select areas.

In contrast, Spectrum offers internet service in 46 states, primarily in urban and suburban areas. Their service is available in more densely populated areas and tends to offer higher speeds than Frontier’s DSL service. However, like most cable providers, Spectrum’s service is subject to slower speeds during peak usage times.

It’s worth noting that Frontier and Spectrum do overlap in some regions, particularly in parts of New York, Texas, southern California, and the Midwest. In these areas, customers may be able to choose between both providers.

Ultimately, when it comes to coverage and availability, the best option depends on where you live and what service is available in your area. It’s essential to research the options in your specific location and compare pricing, speeds, and service quality before making a decision.

Customer service

In terms of customer service, experiences between Frontier and Spectrum can vary from customer to customer. But overall, Spectrum’s customer service gets more positive reviews compared to Frontier. Spectrum offers different options for customer support such as phone, email and live chat, while Frontier offers only phone support for customer service.

Both companies have advantages and disadvantages. If you want fast internet services, Spectrum might be a better option. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option in terms of pricing, you can turn to Frontier. As for customer service, Spectrum generally provides a better customer experience, although both companies have received some customer complaints.

Other Comparisons Between Frontier vs Spectrum

There are a few more important points to keep in mind when comparing Frontier and Spectrum’s internet services:

• Packets: Both Spectrum and Frontier offer additional services like TV and home phone at a potential discount with your home internet plan. A helpful package creation guide is available to evaluate whether a package is right for you.
• Contracts, fees and incremental costs: Remember to factor in taxes and duties when purchasing an internet plan. Frontier’s equipment rental costs are usually included in the base price, although some fees depend on your plan. Modem rentals with Spectrum are free, but you’ll have to pay $5 per month to rent one of their routers.
• Neither Frontier nor Spectrum impose data caps on any of their internet plans. Therefore, you can surf, stream and play online as much as you want at no extra cost.
• Both providers’ internet plans do not require a long-term contract. Therefore, you can cancel at any time without worrying about penalties.

Frontier vs Spectrum F.A.Q.

What is difference between Frontier and Spectrum?

One of the key differences between Spectrum and Frontier is how they deliver internet service to your home. Spectrum’s internet service is mostly provided over cable connections, while Frontier offers internet over DSL or fiber depending on the person’s address. This means that Spectrum’s service will be consistent no matter where you are – you will have three plan options ranging from 300 Mbps to 940 Mbps. On the other hand, Frontier offers much lower speeds if only DSL plans are available (around 9-100 Mbps), but potentially faster options (up to 5,000 Mbps) if your address is eligible for Frontier Fiber service.

Does Spectrum or Frontier have fiber service?

Frontier offers a different type of internet service compared to Spectrum. While Spectrum relies solely on cable connections to provide internet service across the US, Frontier offers a mix of DSL and fiber internet services depending on the location. According to the FCC, Frontier offers fiber internet service to approximately a third of its national footprint across 15 states, with its Frontier Fiber product featuring speed tiers of 500, 940, 2,000, and 5,000Mbps.

Is Frontier better than Spectrum?

It’s difficult to say whether Frontier is better than Spectrum or vice versa, as both providers have their own strengths and weaknesses, and what may be a better fit for one person may not be the best for someone else.