With every passing day, the need for high-speed internet is growing. From gaming to cloud computing, everything relies on a fast internet connection. Fiber internet solves this problem by providing fast speeds coupled with reliability. In 2023, the fiber-optic connectivity market in the U.S. was estimated to be worth $3.1 billion and is expected to more than double by 2033, reaching $7.7 billion.
However, as of 2024, there are hundreds of fiber internet providers in the US. But not all of them are reliable and customers often tend to choose the big players in the market. One of these ISPs is Frontier. The company provides a lot of fiber plans, however, this blog is all about Frontier 500 Mbps review.
This review will explore the details of the Frontier 500 Mbps plan, examining its performance, pricing, features, and how it stacks up to competitors, ultimately helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs in 2024. So, let’s start.
- What Does Frontier 500 Mbps Offer?
- Additional Features of Frontier 500 Mbps Internet Plan
- Coverage and Availability of Verizon Fios
- Installation and Equipment Costs
- How Does Frontier 500 Mbps Internet Compare to Competitors?
- Customer Satisfaction Status: What Do Users Think About Frontier Fiber Internet?
- Final Verdict: Is Frontier 500 Mbps Plan Worth It?
What Does Frontier 500 Mbps Offer?
Frontier’s 500 Mbps fiber plan delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, meaning users can experience seamless streaming, gaming, and video conferencing without the frustration of lag or buffering. At 500 Mbps, this plan is well-suited for households with several users who frequently stream high-definition content, play online games, or work remotely. With a focus on affordability and speed, Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan is designed to meet the demands of an increasingly digital lifestyle.
Plan Breakdown and Pricing
Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan is one of the most affordable in the fiber internet market, with a starting price of $44.99 per month for the first 12 months when opting for AutoPay. This competitive pricing makes it accessible to many households seeking high-speed internet without a significant budget increase.
However, there are a few considerations regarding cost:
- Promotional Price Duration: The initial price of $44.99 is promotional and lasts for one year. Afterward, customers may see a price increase. While exact rates for the second year can vary, an increase of about 15-18% is common based on customer reports.
- AutoPay Discount: The $44.99 price includes a discount for AutoPay enrollment; without AutoPay, the price rises to $54.99.
Frontier 500 Mbps Review: Performance in Real-Life
Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan performs exceptionally well for households engaged in high-bandwidth activities. The symmetrical download and upload speeds are an added advantage, allowing users to upload large files, conduct video conferences, and enjoy gaming with minimal interruptions.
Plus, the low latency of 10-12 milliseconds makes this plan a reasonable choice. Although the latency is not as low as AT&T fiber plans (4-5 milliseconds), it is still good. However, one downside of this plan is that it provides the lowest speed-to-price ratio out of all the plans. This means that you get less speed for every dollar you pay.
Here’s the speed/price ratio of Frontier’s internet plans based on their starting prices:
- Fiber 500: 500 Mbps / $44.99/mo = 11.11 Mbps per dollar
- Fiber 1 Gig: 1000 Mbps / $64.99/mo = 15.39 Mbps per dollar
- Fiber 2 Gig: 2000 Mbps / $99.99/mo = 20 Mbps per dollar
- Fiber 5 Gig: 5000 Mbps / $129.99/mo = 38.46 Mbps per dollar
Key Takeaway: The Fiber 5 Gig plan offers the highest speed per dollar, making it the most cost-effective option in terms of pure speed. However, the best plan for an individual will depend on their specific speed needs and budget.
Additional Features of Frontier 500 Mbps Internet Plan
Data Caps And Contracts
Frontier Fiber plans are appealing due to their unlimited data, allowing customers to enjoy internet access without concerns about overage fees or reduced speeds. However, some plans may require a 12-month contract, especially if they include perks like a free gift card upon signup. If a customer cancels their contract early, an early termination fee may apply, which can be as high as $100.
Bundling Options
Customers looking to consolidate services can take advantage of Frontier’s bundling options. Pairing the 500 Mbps plan with digital TV or phone services can often result in cost savings. Not just the 500 Mbps plan but all fiber internet plans can be bundled with the YoutubeTV package. Bundling the services gives you a $10 discount on the YouTube TV. The following table gives the pricing structure of Frontier bundles:
| Frontier Bundles Pricing | ||||
| Internet Plans | Internet Starting Price | Max Speed | Youtube TV Price (With $10 Discount) | Type |
| Frontier Internet | $64.99/mo. | Call for details | 62.99/mo. | DSL |
| Fiber 500 | $44.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | 62.99/mo. | Fiber |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $64.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 62.99/mo. | Fiber |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 62.99/mo. | Fiber |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $129.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 62.99/mo. | Fiber |
Coverage and Availability of Verizon Fios
Frontier Fiber’s availability spans over 25 states, with major coverage in California, Texas, Florida, Connecticut, and Indiana. In these areas, Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan is accessible to millions of households, including both urban and rural locations. However, availability can still vary within states, so checking specific location serviceability is recommended.
| All the States Where Frontier Fiber Internet Service Is Available | ||||
| Alabama | Georgia | Minnesota | New York | Tennessee |
| Arizona | Illinois | Mississippi | North Carolina | Texas |
| California | Indiana | Nebraska | Ohio | Utah |
| Connecticut | Iowa | Nevada | Pennsylvania | West Virginia |
| Florida | Michigan | New Mexico | South Carolina | Wisconsin |
One unique point to note: in certain areas such as parts of Texas, California, and Florida, Frontier operates under the “Frontier Fios” brand due to its acquisition of Verizon Fios networks. This allows for even broader coverage in these states and maintains the quality associated with the Fios infrastructure.
| Top 10 Locations for Frontier Internet Availability | ||
| City/ Town | State | Coverage Area |
| Saint Paul | Minnesota | 95% |
| Fort Dodge | Iowa | 68% |
| San Jose | California | 65% |
| Austin | Texas | 54% |
| Akron | Ohio | 47% |
| Flint | Michigan | 34% |
| Clearwater | Florida | 28.50% |
| Lancaster | Pennsylvania | 23% |
| Ithaca | New York | 22% |
| Chatsworth | Georgia | 18% |
Installation and Equipment Costs
While the Frontier 500 Mbps plan offers impressive features and affordability, potential customers should be aware of additional one-time setup costs.
Installation Fees
Frontier may charge a $75 installation fee for professional setup, which covers technician installation to ensure that the connection is optimized for speed and reliability. This fee may vary depending on location and specific service requirements. In some cases, Frontier offers a self-installation option, which waives the professional installation cost and allows customers to set up their internet independently.
Equipment Fees
For the 500 Mbps plan, Frontier includes an Amazon Eero Wi-Fi router with the service. This equipment enables reliable connectivity for multiple devices and includes whole-home Wi-Fi coverage, especially beneficial in larger homes. However, an additional rental fee of $10 per month applies if the router is leased, and customers are required to return it upon cancellation to avoid further charges.
How Does Frontier 500 Mbps Internet Compare to Competitors?
In comparison with similar providers, Frontier’s 500 Mbps plan offers solid value for its speed and pricing. Here’s how it stacks up against some key competitors:
| Provider | Price (Starting) | Speed | Data Caps | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | $44.99/mo | 500 Mbps | No | 25 states |
| EarthLink | $59.95/mo | 500 Mbps | No | 48 states |
| AT&T Fiber | $55.00/mo | 500 Mbps | No | 21 states |
| Kinetic Fiber | $39.99/mo | 500 Mbps | No | 18 states |
Frontier’s pricing is competitive, especially with the AutoPay discount, making it an attractive choice for users in regions where it’s available. EarthLink, while offering similar speeds, comes with a slightly higher price point. AT&T Fiber is another strong alternative, but again at a slightly higher cost. Kinetic Fiber offers a lower entry price but has limited coverage compared to Frontier’s footprint.
Customer Satisfaction Status: What Do Users Think About Frontier Fiber Internet?
Customer satisfaction plays a crucial role in the success of any service provider, and for Frontier Communications, this has been a journey with ups and downs over the years. According to our Frontier fiber review and other rating agencies, the company has faced significant challenges.
In 2024, however, Frontier appears committed to addressing these issues, showing efforts to improve after years of criticism, particularly during transitions following network acquisitions. Past customer complaints centered on service outages, billing issues, and limited customer support.
In both 2019 and 2020, Frontier was at the bottom of the American Customer Satisfaction Index with a score of 55 out of 100. Improvement was seen in 2021 as their score rose to 57, surpassing Suddenlink. By last year, Frontier’s score reached 61, moving ahead of competitors like CenturyLink and Mediacom.
Final Verdict: Is Frontier 500 Mbps Plan Worth It?
According to our team at GetInternetDeal, the Frontier 500 Mbps plan is one of the best 500 Mbps plans on the market. The low price with no data caps and other additional features makes it a promising candidate. While there may be some additional fees for installation and equipment, the overall value of this plan makes it a strong contender among fiber internet providers.
