Frontier vs Optimum by Altice: Side by Side Comparison

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Frontier vs Optimum by Altice

Consumers will find plenty to mull over so far as the differences and similarities between Optimum by Cablevision and Frontier Communications. While the bandwidth, ping, and quality of service on offer is usually in the same ballpark, promotional deals and bundled services can create savings depending on your household’s needs.

Frontier Communications AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (844) 829-1466
  • Support: (800) 921-8101
(844) 829-1466

$20 to $199.99 / mo.

6.0 mbps to 1,000 mbps

Up to 1,000 mbps

56%56%

DSL

Current: 40th (0)

Optimum by Altice AT A GLANCE

  • Sales: (844) 486-3566
  • Support: (866) 200-7273
(844) 486-3566

$44.99 to $64.99 / mo.

100 mbps to 500 mbps

Up to 50 mbps

69%69%

Cable

Current: 10th ↑ (+1)

Frontier OVERVIEW

One of the biggest DSL and fiber providers nationally, Frontier Communications sells Internet and WiFi, TV, and phone services. Their fiber plans are branded as “Frontier Fios,” and utilize a fiber network they purchased from Verizon in 2016.

Optimum by Altice OVERVIEW

Optimum by Altice sells cable Internet, TV, and phone packages in the northeast US. They also provide business connections.

Frontier INTERNET DEALS †

  • $20 for 6.0 mbps DSL
    • 6.0 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Get a $100 Visa Reward Card when you order online.
    • Setup: $75.00 (Includes installation.)
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $25 for 12 mbps DSL
    • 12 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Get a $100 Visa Reward Card when you order online.
    • Setup: $75.00 (Includes installation. Equipment delivery/handling fee is $9.99.)
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $29.99 for 50 mbps Fiber
    • 50 Mbps ↓ and 50 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $30 for 18 mbps DSL
    • 18 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Get a $100 Visa Reward Card when you order online.
    • Setup: $75.00 (Includes installation. Equipment delivery/handling fee is $9.99.)
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $39.99 for 200 mbps Fiber
    • 200 Mbps ↓ and 200 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $99.99 for 300 mbps Fiber
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and 300 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $149.99 for 500 mbps Fiber
    • 500 Mbps ↓ and 500 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $199.99 for 1,000 mbps Fiber
    • 1,000 Mbps ↓ and 1,000 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 2-year promo rate.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
Show All Deals (18)
Last updated on 5/14/2019

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Frontier.

Optimum by Altice INTERNET DEALS †

  • $44.99 for 200 mbps Cable
    • 200 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Contract Term: 1 year
    • Network enhancement fee is an additional $2.50/month.
    • Setup: $49.00 (Includes standard installation.)
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.
  • $54.99 for 300 mbps Cable
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Contract Term: 1 year
    • Network enhancement fee is an additional $2.50/month.
    • Setup: $49.00 (Includes standard installation.)
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.
  • $64.99 for 400 mbps Cable
    • 400 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Contract Term: 1 year
    • Network enhancement fee is an additional $2.50/month.
    • Setup: $49.00 (Includes standard installation.)
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.
Last updated on 5/13/2019

†All plans not available in all areas or to all customers. Verify details with Optimum by Altice.

Frontier: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Frontier doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Optimum by Altice: NO DATACAP FOUND

We have not found plans that include data caps. This doesn't mean Optimum by Altice doesn't have data caps, just that we haven't found them when collecting their plans. Always verify plan details before purchasing.

Frontier's TECHNOLOGY

Frontier offers internet, TV, and phone services over DSL and fiber-optic connections.

DSL is provided using the company’s existing phone infrastructure to provide broadband over the same cable as phone service. While DSL is an older technology and offers slower bandwidth speeds, DSL is generally more affordable.

Frontier fiber plans, on the other hand, deliver a fiber optic connection over the "last mile" to homes and businesses. A Frontier Fios direct fiber connection is considered state-of-the-art. Fiber provides high speeds and low latency in comparison to other technologies like DSL and cable Internet.

Optimum by Altice's TECHNOLOGY

Optimum delivers broadband internet and TV over their cable network.

Fiber-backed cable sends broadband by running a fiber cable to your neighborhood and covering the “last mile” of the journey via coax cable.

Since the introduction of DOCSIS 3.1, Optimum can offer improved speeds.[3]

Frontier INSTALLATION

There are two choices for installing hardware needed for a Frontier Internet connection:

  • Self-installation
  • Professional installation

Self-installation is not difficult, and the company offers self-installation kit with all the required equipment including the WiFi gateway, and etc. Instructions are available on the provider’s website.

Professional installation costs extra, but is much faster for less-technically-inclined consumers. Professional installation is also helpful if you need new internal wiring, in which case the installer will help fix the issue. Appointments with a technician should be made when signing up for service.

Optimum by Altice INSTALLATION

If your home has had service from Cablevision in the past, you should be able to self-install service yourself. Installing the router yourself should take very little time.

For those who need assistance setting up the router or have a television plan, professional installation is the best choice. That said, professional installation costs extra in most cases. The provider also offers maintenance plans.

Frontier RATINGS AND REVIEWS

34%34% Customer Rating

33.7% recommendation rating according to 18318 verified Frontier users.

Optimum by Altice RATINGS AND REVIEWS

51%51% Customer Rating

51.1% recommendation rating according to 13565 verified users.

Frontier COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Frontier Communications Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Optimum by Altice COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

Optimum by Altice Interactive SVG Map showing broadband coverage.
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Sign-up offers and ETFs

Early termination fees can cancel out discounts in some cases

Between bundled plans and new customer sign-up incentives, the first few months spent on a new broadband plan can be much cheaper than the regular monthly cost. Potential customers just need to keep a close eye on the details before they rush to take advantage of a limited-time offer, since not every deal is perfect for every household. For starters, ETFs (early termination fees) can easily cancel out any savings a plan seemed to offer if you find yourself relocating before the contract ends.[1]

Always compare the final monthly price before weighing in sign-up discounts, since that’s the price that ultimately matters if you’ll be with the provider for multiple years.

Bundle services to avoid data caps

Limits on data are a pain, but bundles can help

Data caps and ultra-high-definition video content have made life difficult for cord cutters, especially those of us in areas with slower-than-average download speeds available.[2]

Thankfully, the cord cutting trend has triggered providers to offer excellent bundled offers, including “triple play” Internet/TV/phone and “double play” Internet/TV or Internet/phone. For potential customers who consume large amounts of TV through multiple devices (looking at you, families with lots of kids) bundled plans provide a huge amount of value, often for very little extra cost. Just be sure the price you sign up for is locked in rather than a limited-time promotion to avoid bill surprises down the road.

REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES
  1. https://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/labels-for-broadband-services.pdf ↩
  2. https://broadbandnow.com/internet-providers-with-data-caps ↩
  3. https://www.fiercevideo.com/cable/cablevision-reportedly-testing-1-gbps-services-new-jersey-apartments ↩
Last updated on 5/14/2019.

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