Internet connectivity is the lifeline of business operations. According to a 2023 report by Deloitte, 93% of small businesses that adopt high-speed internet see increased productivity, while 78% report enhanced customer satisfaction. With more companies relying on cloud computing, video conferencing, and online collaboration tools, a reliable and fast internet connection is more critical than ever.
Frontier Business Internet has emerged as a key player in the fiber market, offering high-speed, symmetric plans designed to support modern businesses. But is it the right choice for your company?
In this Frontier business internet review, we’ll evaluate Frontier’s plans, features, pros and cons, and how it compares to competitors. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether Frontier Business Internet can meet your needs—or if you should consider alternatives.
Frontier Business Internet: Overview and Features
Frontier Communications has been a household name in telecommunications since its founding in 1935. Known primarily for its residential broadband services, Frontier has expanded its offerings to include business internet solutions, with a focus on high-speed fiber-optic plans.
Key Features of Frontier Business Internet
- Symmetric Speeds: Frontier’s fiber internet offers symmetric upload and download speeds, a crucial advantage for businesses handling large files, video conferencing, or cloud computing.
- No Data Caps: Unlike some competitors, Frontier does not impose data caps, ensuring uninterrupted operations regardless of bandwidth usage.
- Free Wi-Fi 6E Router: Every business fiber plan includes a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E router at no extra cost. This router provides enhanced security, reliability, and support for multiple devices.
- 24/7 Technical Support: Frontier provides around-the-clock business-centered technical assistance, offering peace of mind in case of network issues.
- 99.9% Uptime Guarantee: Frontier claims an average uptime of 99.9%, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.
Who Is It For?
Frontier Business Internet is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those requiring stable connections for tasks like e-commerce, live streaming, and cloud hosting.
Frontier Business Internet Plans and Pricing
Frontier offers three primary business fiber plans, designed to cater to a range of business sizes and requirements.
| Plan Name | Price | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 500 | $69.99/month | 500 Mbps | Small offices, basic tasks like email and web browsing. |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $94.99/month | 1000 Mbps | E-commerce, streaming, and medium-sized teams. |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $129.99/month | 2000 Mbps | Large teams, extensive cloud usage, and web hosting. |
Note: Prices reflect promotional rates for the first 12 months with AutoPay. Max speeds are wired; Wi-Fi speeds may vary.
Value Analysis
Frontier’s plans are competitively priced compared to major providers like AT&T and Spectrum. Its Fiber 500 plan offers excellent value for smaller teams, while the Fiber 2 Gig plan provides impressive speeds for demanding applications at a reasonable price.
However, some hidden fees may catch users off guard, such as the $95 installation fee and a $9.99 disconnection fee.
Performance and Reliability
Speed and Symmetry
One of Frontier’s standout features is symmetric upload and download speeds. This feature benefits businesses engaged in file sharing, video conferencing, or cloud services, where upload speeds are as critical as downloads.
Uptime Reliability
Frontier claims a 99.9% uptime average. While this is the industry standard, some competitors, such as AT&T, offer more robust uptime guarantees. Frontier’s uptime translates to approximately 43.8 minutes of downtime per month, which is reasonable but not the best in class.
Bandwidth Flexibility
Frontier’s plans scale well for businesses of different sizes. For instance:
- Small offices (1–2 employees) might find 500 Mbps sufficient.
- Medium teams (5–10 employees) can leverage the 1 Gig plan for seamless operations.
- Larger enterprises requiring heavy data transfers may benefit from the 2 Gig option.
Add-Ons and Bundles
Frontier offers several add-ons to enhance its internet services. While some are essential for modern businesses, they come at an additional cost.
Popular Add-Ons
- Secure Pro ($4.99/month): Protects up to 35 devices from malware and cyber threats.
- Static IPs ($19.99/month): Ideal for businesses hosting servers or running VPNs.
- Internet Backup: Provides cellular backup to maintain connectivity during outages.
- RingCentral Collaboration Suite: A unified communications tool for phone calls, video meetings, and messaging.
Best Bundles for Businesses
Frontier’s partnership with RingCentral provides a bundled solution for productivity and connectivity.
| Bundle | Price | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier Fiber 500 + RingCentral | $74.98/month | 500 Mbps |
| Frontier Fiber Gig + RingCentral | $109.98/month | 940 Mbps |
| Frontier Fiber 2 Gig + RingCentral | $174.98/month | 2000 Mbps |
These bundles are ideal for remote or hybrid teams requiring integrated communication tools.
Frontier Business Internet Availability
Frontier Business Internet serves customers in 25 states across the U.S., but its fiber-optic network is currently concentrated in metropolitan areas of only 15 states. These states include:
- West Coast: California, Arizona.
- Midwest: Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio.
- Northeast: New York, Connecticut, West Virginia.
- South: Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina.
Despite serving a wide geographic area, Frontier’s availability often depends on whether fiber infrastructure is in place in your city or town. Businesses in rural or suburban areas may find themselves limited to Frontier’s older DSL network, which offers significantly slower speeds and fewer features compared to fiber.
Frontier has been actively expanding its fiber network in recent years, especially after acquiring portions of Verizon’s fiber-optic infrastructure in 2016. This acquisition has allowed Frontier to bring its fiber services to new areas in states like California, Texas, and Florida, which are key markets for the company.
In 2023, Frontier announced plans to invest billions in further expanding its fiber network under its “Building Gigabit America” initiative. The company aims to reach 10 million locations with fiber by 2025, which could significantly increase its availability in underserved areas.
Customer Satisfaction and Support
Frontier’s customer service reputation has historically been poor, with low scores across multiple review platforms:
- ACSI Score: 61 out of 100 (below industry average).
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): An F rating with numerous complaints about service interruptions and delayed installations.
- J.D. Power: Ranked last in satisfaction for small businesses in multiple regions.
However, Frontier has shown signs of improvement in recent years, investing in its support teams and infrastructure.
Frontier Business Internet vs. Competitors
Here’s how Frontier compares to other major providers:
| Provider | Price Range | Max Speeds | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier | $69.99–$129.99 | 2000 Mbps | Symmetric speeds, free router, no contracts. |
| AT&T | $40–$255 | 5000 Mbps | Industry-leading uptime and security tools. |
| Spectrum | $49.99–$109.99 | 1000 Mbps | Wide availability and affordable bundles. |
| Verizon Fios | $69–$249 | 940 Mbps | Superior customer ratings, reliable service. |
Frontier’s pricing and features make it a strong contender, especially for small businesses, but its limited availability and customer service remain drawbacks.
Conclusion
Frontier Business Internet offers high-speed fiber plans with no data caps or contracts, making it a compelling option for small to medium-sized businesses. The provider’s symmetric speeds, affordable pricing, and value-added features like Secure Pro and RingCentral bundles set it apart.
However, Frontier’s limited availability and poor customer service ratings may deter some businesses. If Frontier’s fiber network is available in your area and you prioritize budget-friendly plans, it’s worth considering. Otherwise, exploring alternatives like AT&T or Verizon may be a better fit.
