The lowest-priced DSL plan from EarthLink is $55 per month and only offers speeds up to 12Mbps.įor comparison, DSL providers AT&T and Frontier also start around that price, but speeds much faster than 12Mbps are available. the competitionĭSL is typically a go-to for cheap internet, but this isn't necessarily the case with EarthLink. When comparing any internet service, a good rule of thumb is that cable is better than DSL and fiber-optic is better than cable, so start from that framework as you're shopping around for a plan. Through its partnerships with DSL and fiber-optic providers across the US, EarthLink is one of the largest ISPs in the country and thus is available in many markets where other DSL, cable and fiber-optic providers also offer service. Additionally, EarthLink pledges never to throttle your speeds. You won't have to worry about a data cap or excessive fees for going over with any EarthLink plan, even if the partner provider enforces them. Still, one definite perk of EarthLink internet is unlimited data. The value of EarthLink's Wi-Fi equipment and installation could be hit or miss depending on the internet options in your area. Many providers, however, waive the installation fee when you sign up or include installation at no extra cost. In some cases, EarthLink's $40 or $80 fee may be lower than the provider's professional installation fee, as it is with CenturyLink, which has an installation fee of $99. Instead, EarthLink partners with "your local telephone company" (the actual provider whose network EarthLink is using for service) to complete your installation. New customers will also be hit with a one-time upfront installation fee of $40 to $80, which is somewhat confusing because EarthLink doesn't perform the install. The equipment fee is unavoidable, unfortunately, even if you would rather use your own equipment, so go ahead and factor in an additional $13 to the monthly price when comparing EarthLink plans. Wi-Fi service is available with all EarthLink plans at no additional charge other than the equipment rental fee of $13 per month. ![]() EarthLink Wi-Fi, installation fees and data caps Furthermore, to EarthLink's credit, many customers will have two or three plan options, whereas most DSL providers only offer one. Varying speeds at the same price point is a common approach among DSL providers - and, again, those are the same providers supplying Earthlink with the means to sell internet these days - so I can't knock the company too much for it. For example, the $50 DSL plan could come with 3, 6 or 12Mbps while the $60 plan may have max speeds of 18 or 24Mbps, depending on the available speeds at your address. The plans listed above reflect the fastest max speeds available for the price, but some areas - specifically those in DSL markets - will see lower speeds for the same fee. Take a close look at the introductory and standard pricing of other providers - and how long you anticipate having service, if possible - to determine if it's worth paying EarthLink's standard rate from Day One. So in some cases, EarthLink may be more expensive upfront but actually turn out to be the better deal in the long run. ![]() I've listed common DSL and fiber-optic EarthLink plans below, but keep in mind that the actual pricing and speeds you can get will depend on your address. Since EarthLink uses different networks and connection types to offer home internet service, available plans and speeds can vary widely by address. Shop around and you'll find that EarthLink's internet costs are higher than most ISPs, but give the company credit for transparent pricing and favorable service terms, such as unlimited data and a commitment not to throttle anyone's connection. Piggybacking on other providers allows EarthLink to boast high availability and a variety of speeds, but that approach also leads to higher pricing. Satellite internet provided by Viasat or 5G service may also be available through EarthLink in select areas. Instead, the provider uses the established copper and fiber networks of other providers, such as AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier and Verizon. ![]() EarthLink has the largest customer reach of any wired internet provider, though few if any of its networks are its own.
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