Consolidated Communications Internet Review

In the modern world, the Internet has become a necessity – a constant source of information, entertainment, and connection. However, not all internet service providers are created equal. While some offer lightning-fast speeds and reliable connections, others leave us frustrated and disconnected.

Consolidated Communications aims to be the solution to this challenge, promising fast and reliable internet. But the question remains – does it deliver on its claims? Through the lens of a real-life customer experience, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of Consolidated Communications Internet. From plans and pricing to speed and reliability, we’ll provide you with the facts. So, take a seat, and let’s dive in.

Consolidated Communications Internet Service 

Consolidated Communications was actually founded way back in 1894 before the internet even existed. Back then, they were called the Mattoon Telephone Company, and they provided phone service to the folks in Mattoon, Illinois. Can you imagine what it must have been like to get a dial-up connection with those old-timey phones? It’s a miracle anyone was able to get online!

Fast forward to today, and Consolidated Communications has become a major telecommunications industry player. They provide internet, phone, and TV services to over 500,000 subscribers across 20+ states in the US. That’s a lot of people streaming, gaming, and scrolling through social media!

When it comes to the internet, Consolidated offers a variety of options to meet different needs. They have plans ranging from basic DSL (like dial-up’s more modern cousin) to super-fast fiber optic connections. The company also partners with Fidium to provide its fiber service. They even offer symmetrical speeds, which means that your upload speed is just as fast as your download speed. That’s great news for anyone who needs to upload large files or do video conferencing for work or school.

But it’s not just about the speed – Consolidated Communications Internet also prides itself on being reliable and secure. They use advanced security features to protect your personal information and prevent cyber threats, so you can browse with peace of mind.

Some pros and cons of Consolidated Communications Internet are:

Pros

• Affordable plans with speeds up to 2 Gig
• No data caps or overages for most plans
• Offer free modem with internet plans

Cons

• Limited availability and coverage in some regions
• Lower speeds and reliability in some areas
• Some negative customer reviews and complaints about billing and service issues.

Consolidated Communications Internet Plans

Alright, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and look at the various plans that Consolidated Communications Internet offers. Whether you’re a casual surfer or a hardcore gamer, there’s bound to be a plan that fits your needs and budget.

So without further ado, we’ve put together a handy-dandy table listing all of Consolidated Communications Internet Plans:

As you can see, the plans range from 10 Mbps all the way up to a blazing-fast 2 Gigabit per second. And the best part? There are no pesky data caps or overage charges for most plans. Consolidated Communications Internet seems like a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable internet provider. So go ahead, get your surf on, and enjoy all that the world wide web has to offer!

Internet Speeds

Now, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic when it comes to internet providers: internet speeds. Consolidated Communications Internet offers a wide range of speeds, from a humble 10 Mbps all the way up to a whopping 2 Gigs (that’s gigabits per second).

But what do these speeds mean, exactly? Well, let’s break it down. Internet speeds are typically measured in terms of download and upload speeds. Download speed refers to how quickly you can download data from the internet, while upload speed refers to how quickly you can upload data to the internet.

So, for example, if you’re streaming a movie on Netflix, you’re primarily using download speed to load the video onto your device. On the other hand, if you’re video chatting with a friend or uploading a photo to Facebook, you’re using upload speed to send that data out to the internet.

With Consolidated Communications Internet, the download and upload speeds vary depending on the plan you choose. The higher the speed, the more you’ll typically pay. But for those who need lightning-fast internet for gaming, streaming, or other data-intensive activities, the Fiber 1 Gig and 2 Gigs plans might be worth the extra cost.

Pricing

Alright, let’s talk pricing – how much will this cost me? Consolidated Communications Internet has got you covered. They offer a range of plans at different price points to fit various budgets. From the budget-friendly Internet 100 plan at $15.00/month to the lightning-fast Fiber 2 Gigs plan at $85.00/month, there’s something for everyone.

But here’s the thing – those prices you see listed only apply for the first year and involve a one-year term commitment. After the first year, the prices may go up, so keep that in mind when budgeting for your internet service.

Data Caps

Do you know what’s worse than slow internet speeds? Running out of data halfway through the month and having to deal with throttled speeds or overage charges. Well, Consolidated Communications Internet has got your back. They don’t have data caps on most plans, so you can stream, download, and game to your heart’s content without having to worry about incurring additional charges or having your speeds throttled.

Reliability

When it comes to internet service, reliability is key. You don’t want your connection dropping out in the middle of a work call or while you’re streaming your favorite show. Luckily, Consolidated Communications Internet offers a reliable network with a 99.9% uptime guarantee. This means that you can count on your internet connection to be there when you need it, without having to worry about frequent outages or slowdowns.

Contracts

Nobody likes signing a lengthy contract, but sometimes it’s just part of the deal. Consolidated Communications Internet offers both month-to-month and yearly term options for their plans. The agreement terms state that you can select a month-to-month option or a specified yearly term. While the prices listed are for the first year of service only and require a one-year term commitment, other areas may have different terms or require a two-year commitment. Make sure you read the terms carefully and understand the commitment you’re making before signing up for service.

Additional Costs 

So, you’re interested in Consolidated Communications Internet? Great! But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to know about any additional costs that might pop up.

Installation

First up, is installation. Nobody wants to spend hours fiddling around with cables and routers, trying to get their internet up and running. Luckily, Consolidated Communications Internet offers free professional installation to their customers. That means you can sit back, relax, and let the pros handle it.

Equipment charges

Next up, equipment charges. Consolidated Communications Internet provides their customers with the NETGEAR 6300 router for a monthly lease of $10. This router comes with professional installation to make sure everything is set up correctly. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use the included manual installation guide to do it yourself. 

But here’s the catch – if you decide to switch to another ISP, the router must be returned. Failure to do so will result in Consolidated Communications charging you for the unreturned equipment. And yes, this goes for all equipment, not just the router.

ETF

While we all like the idea of being able to cancel a contract whenever we please, sometimes it’s just not possible. If you need to cancel your Consolidated Communications Internet service before the end of your contract term, be prepared to pay an early termination fee of $99 in some areas. So make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up, to avoid any surprises down the road.

Consolidated Communications Availability Review

Consolidated Communications, the purveyor of internet smoothies! With over 5 million people in 20+ states, including California, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Vermont. Some of the larger cities they serve include Pittsburgh, PA; Stowe, VT; and York, ME. Being able to down their blend of fiber, fixed wireless, cable, and DSL services, it’s safe to say that this provider has a pretty wide reach. Depending on where you live, you might have access to one, two, or even multiple connection types from this company.

Let’s break down the availability of different connection types that Consolidated Communications offers. DSL covers about 4.4 million people, making them one of the largest providers of DSL in the U.S. Fiber service connects approximately 1.4 million people, while cable links just 200,000 people to the internet.

Customer Service Review of Consolidated Communications

When it comes to choosing an internet service provider, we tend to focus on speed and pricing, but we shouldn’t forget about the importance of good customer service. It’s like getting a delicious ice cream cone with a leaky or soggy cone – it’s just not the same.

While Consolidated Communications is not included in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), the company’s customer support has received an F rating from the Better Business Bureau due to numerous consumer complaints about poor service, billing issues, and delayed response times. That’s definitely not a good sign.

But does this mean you should avoid signing up for Consolidated Communications? Not necessarily. The company offers a range of internet connections in different areas, so it’s important to check what’s available to you and the local support options.

On a positive note, the newer fiber-optic branch of Consolidated Communications, Fidium, has not received any major complaints about customer service yet. Fidium appears to prioritize customer satisfaction more than its parent company, which could bode well for its reputation in the future.

Consolidated Communications vs Competitors

Well, it’s time to compare Consolidated Communications to its competitors! Let’s dive in and see how it stacks up against the big dogs of the internet world.

First up, we’ve got Spectrum, available in a whopping 41 states. But the catch is, they only offer cable service, and their highest speed is 1 Gbps at a price of $89.99 per month. Not too shabby, but definitely not blowing anyone’s hair back.

Next, we’ve got AT&T, available in 21 states. They tend to perform better in customer satisfaction surveys compared to Consolidated Communications, but the price is significantly higher, with their 1 Gbps plan costing $80 per month. Consolidated, on the other hand, offers 2 Gbps for just $85 per month.

And last but not least, we’ve got Frontier, available in 25 states. They might have a larger service area than Consolidated, but their prices are higher, especially when it comes to their 2 Gbps plan, which costs a whopping $99.99 per month.

So there you have it. While Consolidated Communications may not have the biggest coverage area or the highest customer satisfaction scores, it sure does give its competitors a run for their money in terms of speed and affordability.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it folks! Our comprehensive review of Consolidated Communications Internet. While their internet speeds are impressive, the availability of those speeds may vary depending on your location and the type of connection available.

In terms of pricing, Consolidated Communications’ internet plans come out as a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for faster speeds at an affordable price. Customer service may be a concern, with the company’s F rating from the Better Business Bureau, but this can vary by location, so it’s always best to research customer support options in your area.

When compared to other major competitors, Consolidated Communications’ internet seems to hold its own, especially when it comes to price and speed. At the end of the day, it’s all about what you prioritize in your internet service. If speed and affordability are at the top of your list, Consolidated Communications may just be the right choice for you.