Frontier vs Mediacom: Side by Side Comparison
Frontier Communications and Mediacom Cable are popular internet providers in the U.S. Frontier offers DSL and fiber internet while Mediacom Cable only offers cable internet. Customers who want internet plans with unlimited data and fiber coverage can opt for Frontier Communications. If fiber internet is unavailable in their area, customers can choose Mediacom Cable’s affordable cable internet plans instead.
Frontier and Mediacom have plenty of standalone internet plans to choose from. Between the two providers, there are several differences that we note below.
Frontier Info
Mediacom Info
| Frontier vs. Mediacom Comparison |
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| Provider | Frontier | Mediacom |
| Speed | 9-940 Mbps | 60-1,000 Mbps |
| Pricing | $37.99-79.99/mo. | $19.99-79.99/mo. |
| Service Type | DSL, Fiber or Copper | Cable |
| Frontier vs. Mediacom FEATURE COMPARISON |
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| Provider | Frontier | Mediacom |
| High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data | Yes | No |
| Contract-Free Plans | No | No |
| TV Service | Yes | Yes |
| Phone Service | Yes | Yes |
Frontier Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/10/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Frontier.
Mediacom Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/13/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Mediacom.
Frontier vs. Mediacom Performance Overview
Frontier Communications is the 5th largest DSL provider in the U.S. and services approximately 30.5 million people in 26 states. Fiber internet is also available through Frontier FiberOptic but coverage varies by location. Frontier provides TV and phone services, which can be bundled with one of their internet plans.
Mediacom Cable provides cable internet to approximately 7.6 million people in 22 states. They are the 5th largest cable internet provider in the U.S. Aside from internet services, Mediacom also provides TV, phone, and home security services. There are a variety of bundles to choose from that include internet, TV, and phone services.
Frontier Communications Installation
Frontier Communications offers professional installation and self-installation. Professional installation costs a one-time fee of $75. There is no charge for self-installation, but it is highly recommended that customers schedule an appointment with a professional technician. A one-time activation fee for Frontier internet costs $85. Someone over the age of 18 must be at home for the technician to install the service. For self-installation, customers can refer to online installation guides on Frontier’s website.
Mediacom Cable Installation
Customers can choose between professional installation and self-installation for their Mediacom Cable internet service. Professional installation has a one-time fee of $99. Self-installation has a one-time activation fee of $10. Customers can schedule an appointment through a 30-minute window for a professional technician to install the new service at their residence. Customers who choose to self-install can look to an online guide on Mediacom Cable’s website.
Frontier Communications Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Frontier Communications typically requires a 2-year agreement for their FiberOptic internet plans, but their DSL plans have contract-free options.
If you cancel your agreement early, you may face early termination fees up to $400. For equipment rental fees, there is a $10 per month charge for the modem with WiFi. Frontier’s download speeds range between 6-940 Mbps while their upload speeds range between 50-880 Mbps. There is also a $10 broadband processing fee when you disconnect Frontier’s service.
Mediacom Cable Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print
Mediacom Cable’s internet plans require a monthly contract. Because of this, there are no contract-free plans but customers can cancel at any time.
There are no early termination fees as well, but before canceling their service, Mediacom Cable does ask for a seven-day notice. For equipment rental fees, there is a $12 per month charge. Download speeds reach up to 1000 Mbps and upload speeds reach up to 50 Mbps for Mediacom’s internet plans.
Frontier Communications Data Caps
Frontier Communications’s internet plans do not have data caps for both DSL and fiber services. If you worry about overusing data every month, Frontier’s unlimited data plans are a great option, especially when you want to avoid paying data overage fees.
On the other hand, Mediacom Cable does not offer unlimited data but does have generous data caps for their internet plans. Their data caps range between 400 GB – 6 TB. They do charge $10 for every additional 50 GB that you use.
FiberOptic is top notch
Installer was very knowledgeable about how networks work and quickly patched in my line where I needed it. 6 months in and I saw an ad for 500/500 for the same price I had been paying for 200/200. A quick chat with sales and I upgraded for free. Highly recommend Frontier FiberOptic service.
Going the extra mile
During the winter storm in Texas that caused the entire state to lose power, I also found that the constant cycling of power caused the ONT (fiber optics converter) for my house to break. At least this is what the technician said. Anyway, I did the troubleshooting over the phone and they identified the problem. But then a ticket had to be opened and I was in the queue with lots of others. Unfortunately, my original ticket was closed by their system because it was associated with the widespread outage. I called when my ticket was closed and they opened a new one a week later. Although somewhat frustrated because I work from home I have to say the Frontier tried to get a technician out to fix my problem almost every day but I was then away from the house. I just want to say that they didn't forget me and really tried to solve my problem. They called me daily but I was away for a wedding. Great job Frontier. Your internet service is great too and it's why I've been a customer for a very long time.
Stellar customer service
The difference between Mediacom and AT&T is that Mediacom cares. I have used both services and the difference is vast. After a recent hurricane in my area, Mediacom went above and beyond to ensure that I was up and running again. There was an unknown problem with the equipment on the pole at my house, and they had it fixed within an hour of my request. They legit care, and that goes a long way!
Terrible Service
I have had the hardest time with this company. Numerous times I was supposed to have been "locked" into a certain price for my bill and it constantly changes and goes up. If I have been "locked in" at a price it stays that way for maybe a month. I do not even get all my channels due to the Tegna dispute. It is very unfortunate there are no other cable providers in my area.
Frontier vs. Mediacom Coverage Availability
Frontier Coverage & Availability
Mediacom Coverage & Availability
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