Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice
Frontier Communications and Optimum by Altice are two leading internet providers offering premium internet services throughout the U.S. Both providers supply high-speed fiber internet in select areas. Optimum also offers cable while Frontier offers DSL, fiber, and copper internet. They both provide internet plans that deliver high speeds up to 1000 Mbps in certain regions and extend a range of competitive pricing and packages to fit a variety of budgets. Explore the data compiled below to figure out which provider may best suit the needs of your household.
Frontier Info
Optimum by Altice Info
Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice Comparison |
![]() |
![]() |
Provider | Frontier | Optimum by Altice |
Speed | 9-940 Mbps | 300-940 Mbps |
Pricing | $37.99-79.99/mo. | $35-80/mo. |
Service Type | DSL, Fiber or Copper | Cable or Fiber |
Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice FEATURE COMPARISON |
![]() |
![]() |
Provider | Frontier | Optimum by Altice |
High-Speed Plans | Yes | Yes |
Unlimited Data | Yes | Select Plans |
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.

Optimum by Altice Internet Deals †
Last updated on 4/14/2021†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Optimum by Altice.
Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice Performance Overview


Frontier Communications provides the greatest coverage in California, Florida, and Connecticut with internet service available in 26 additional states. As the fifth largest DSL provider in the U.S., Frontier offers DSL internet to roughly 33.3 million people as well as fiber and copper internet services. Frontier customers have the option to bundle their internet with phone and/or FiberOptic TV services to make monthly costs more affordable.
By coverage area, Optimum by Altice is the fourth largest residential cable provider in the U.S. supplying reliable cable services to approximately 12.4 million people. Along with cable, Optimum also offers fiber-optic network to select regions. Similarly to Frontier, Optimum customers have the option to bundle their internet with phone and/or TV services.
Frontier Installation

Frontier installation offers both professional installation and self-installation.
Professional installation costs $75 and customers will need to allocate at least 8 hours for a technician to finalize the installation process. There is no installation fee if customers choose to self-install. If you opt for fiber services, a technician may need to install an Optical Network Terminal in a central location.
Optimum by Altice Installation

Optimum offers a trifecta of installation options that include self-installation, standard installation, and premium installation.
A standard installation includes a coaxial cable and one wireless device with a maximum of two outlets for $99. Their premium installation is offered at $149, which includes a setup of three outlets, a wireless setup for all available devices, and local hard-wiring for smart TV, gaming or alarm systems, and computers.
Frontier Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Frontier Communications offers both long-term contracts and contract-free options.
If you opt to sign an agreement, be prepared for early termination fees up to $400 if you decide to terminate your contract early. Upon canceling, a broadband processing fee of $9.99 will apply when your service is ended. Regarding equipment fees, Frontier customers have the option to rent a modem and router for a monthly fee of $10 or purchase the equipment for $200. Shipping and handling of equipment is an added fee of $9.99.
Optimum by Altice Contracts, Equipment Fees & Fine Print

Like Frontier, Optimum by Altice does not require contracts but offers 1-year agreements for a lower monthly rate
If a contract is terminated early, early termination fees will apply and vary depending on your plan. Recently, Optimum introduced their Price for Life option, which offers high-speed internet with all-inclusive entertainment services for a locked-in price. Taxes, fees, and other charges may also apply to the monthly charge of Price for Life. With or without a contract in place, equipment fees are not included in Optimum’s monthly fee and cost $10/month to rent a modem with WiFi.
Frontier Data Caps

All of Frontier Communications’ plans come with no data caps so customers have access to unlimited data.
Optimum by Altice Data Caps

Optimum by Altice has no data caps, which allows for unlimited streaming and internet usage.
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.
Optimum is awesome.

Great speed, great reliability and great customer service. No problems. And many people are using it in this house at the same time. It's great.
Love it!

I came here on this website to get a speed test and I wasn't surprised by the results! I have Optimum and I love it.
Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice Coverage Availability
Frontier Coverage & Availability

Optimum by Altice Coverage & Availability

Search for Internet Nearby
Find every Internet Provider in Your Zipcode
Enter your zip code to compare Frontier and Optimum by Altice with other internet providers near you.