Xfinity vs TDS: Side by Side Comparison
Xfinity from Comcast and TDS Telecom are both considered to be among the country’s top internet service providers—Xfinity ranks as the largest cable provider in the U.S. and TDS Telecom is the 10th largest DSL provider as well as the 18th largest fiber provider. Both internet service providers offer plans with similar speeds and unlimited data. They also have options to bundle TV and home phone with your internet plan, which can help lower your monthly cost. While these similarities are important to keep in mind when choosing between the two, we also highlight the various differences below.
Xfinity Info
TDS Info
| Xfinity vs. TDS Comparison |
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| Provider | Xfinity | TDS |
| Speed | 15-2,000 Mbps | 50-1,000 Mbps |
| Pricing | $34.99-299.95/mo. | $29.95-89.95/mo. |
| Service Type | Cable or Fiber | DSL, Fiber, Cable or Copper |
| Xfinity vs. TDS FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | Xfinity | TDS |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Select Plans | Select Plans |
| Contract-Free Plans | Select Plans | No |
| TV Service | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
Xfinity Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/12/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Xfinity.
TDS Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/15/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with TDS.
Xfinity vs. TDS Performance Overview
Xfinity from Comcast is available in 39 states to about 112.1 million people, making it the largest cable provider in the country. They also offer fiber services to their customers as well. Not only does Xfinity offer high-speed internet plans as well as plans with unlimited data, but customers can also choose from bundle services with TV and phone.
TDS Telecom provides internet service in 31 states. Its DSL service is available to 2.2 million people, which is why it is ranked as the 10th largest DSL provider. Their fiber service is also expansive with service offered to 559,000 people, which makes it the 18th largest fiber provider. TDS Telecom also offers internet plans with high-speed internet as well as plans with unlimited data and bundle options.
Xfinity Installation
If your home is already wired for Xfinity’s service, then you can choose free self-installation. You can simply have the tools and instructions shipped to you, or you can choose to pick it up. However, if your home needs wiring installed, a technician will need to come to your home and you can expect to pay a $90 fee for professional installation.
TDS Telecom Installation
Depending on the plan you choose from TDS Telecom, you may be eligible for free installation, or a setup fee of $14.95, which includes professional installation where a technician will come out and install any wiring for you. If not, you may need to pay $49.95 for professional installation.
Xfinity Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Although it’s more cost-effective to sign a 1-2 year contract with Xfinity, if you break this contract early, it will result in an early termination fee of $5 – $10 for every month that is left in your contract. If you know you’ll need to break your contract before it is up, you can choose to go contract-free for an additional monthly fee of $10. The xFi Gateway, which is Xfinity’s modem and router, costs $14 per month. Xfinity allows customers to use their own compatible equipment; however, you won’t receive the same benefits of using their equipment, such as smart features, tech support, and upgrades.
TDS Telecom Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
While most of TDS Telecom’s plans require a 2-year contract, all of their plans offer a 30-day money-back-guarantee trial. If you choose to end your service with TDS Telecom within that 30-day period, you need to make sure you cancel it before those days are up and ask for your money back as well. If you break your contract early, you may be responsible for an early termination fee. The monthly prices to rent equipment from TDS Telecom varies from $6.95-$12.95 depending on which plan you’ve chosen.
Xfinity Data Caps
All of Xfinity’s plans come with no data caps. However, depending on the area you live in, your plan may have a very high data cap 1 TB. While most people won’t reach this in a month, if you feel that your household may exceed it, you can add unlimited data for an extra $30 per month. If you end up going over the 1 TB cap, Xfinity will automatically add on an additional 50 GB for $10.
TDS Telecom Data Caps
TDS Telecom offers unlimited data on all of its plans, but similar to Xfinity, this depends on where you live. If you do not live in an area that receives unlimited data, then you may have a data cap of 250 GB.
Great Service
First time Xfinity subscriber. Exceeded my expectations. I can honestly say I was very impressed with all aspects of Xfinity. I just purchased a home in Delray Beach FL. From the initial appointment call to complete installation, Xfinity exceeded my expectations. Very impressed with the Tech. The tech arrived early. He introduced himself and ask me about my expectations. He explained what he was going to do and would have me watching NFL football today. Walked me through the setup and all options of the remote. I ordered cable and internet. I will say the internet service is faster than others. Very impressed with Xfinity.
Xfinity Smooth Transition
Two days ago, I noticed that when the Xfinity Video was finished, the screen made a smooth transition to the previous Page of Video Options. That was beautiful, and I would like to say thank you, and much appreciation. Loretta 3/29/2021
HAPPY and SATISFIED customer
I am not sure why there are reviews out there "knocking" TDS service, but I would like to pass on my experience to anyone who has TDS Telecom service and is reluctant to change to "Fiber Optic" Technology. Having lived most of my life within rural communities in New Hampshire, I have been a customer of TDS Telecom for several years which included phone and internet and have no complaints to report. During that time (after antennas became obsolete), Cable TV was not available in my area and Satellite Dish receivers were the required means of providing television service. (DISH and DIRECT TV are the ones offered in my area) A few years ago, TDS started running what they called "Fiber Optic" cable technology in the vicinity of my residence. Although excited that this would provide me with better TV and Internet service, my home was fairly new, completely wired with coaxial cable and I was reluctant to change what was in place. So I told myself I was comfortable, "accepted" the reception I had from DISH and turned down multiple promotions to upgrade to the TDS High Definition service. One day recently, I happened to call TDS once more and once again inquired about changing to fiber optic TV Service. As always, I was connected to a very friendly, polite, representative who was well versed in her subject material and again explained to me all the benefits of fiber optic - high definition reception. She was compassionate, understanding and I'm sure felt my anxiety about "change" and assured me how much more pleased I would be with the upgraded service. She was not "pushy", and her calming demeanor and thorough explanation of my option to discontinue the service should I not be completely satisfied, convinced me to "give it a try". She even provided me with her telephone number and direct extension should I have further questions and/or concerns. The day scheduled for the "upgrade"/installation, two representatives arrived who work for a company that sub-contracts to do install work for TDS. They were also very polite, respectful, professional, and took time to walk me through the entire procedure to explain what they would be doing so I fully understood what to expect and what I was getting. They did an EXCELLENT job and also took the time along the way to answer any questions I may have had and did not leave until after ensuring the service and signal to ALL my televisions (I have several) and internet (which was upgraded to 100 mbps) was working perfectly. I have had high definition TV and signal through satellite Dish TV for many years, but it was only when I sat down to watch television with my new Fiber Optic high definition reception that I realized what I had been missing. The clarity and difference was unbelievable and I could not have been happier with my decision to upgrade to this service. The cost was in the vicinity of what I was paying with DISH and I am very thankful to the TDS staff for their patience and for guiding me into making the decision to upgrade and become a member of "Fiberville", which I would recommend to anyone! Happy and satisfied TDS Customer
Does TDS Have Customer Service? I have not seen any!
Customer service is non-existent! I called twice to talk with someone. First time I was on hold for 37 minutes and I finally hung up. Second time after waiting 21 minutes, someone finally picked up. I asked one question, they put me on hold for 5 minutes. Then I asked if I could move my phone number to a mobile provider, Tony put me on hold again. Should that be something all customer service reps should know? After being on the phone a total of 1 hour on just this call, 97 minutes total, I hung up once it was 7:11PM figuring they were not going to come back since the website says they are open until 7:00 PM! Also reviewing their website, phone and internet costs $39.94/mo., a special. We are currently paying $90+ for the same service and that only includes local calls, no long distance. We have been a customer for 28 years. I guess they do not care about their customers!
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TDS Coverage & Availability
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