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FRONTIER vs. OPTIMUM BY ALTICE

A Side-by-Side Comparison of Frontier and Optimum by Altice Internet Service in 2020

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

(844) 829-1466

$27.99-74.99/mo.

Optimum by Altice Info

(844) 486-3566

$39.99-64.99/mo.

Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice Comparison Frontier Communications Optimum by Altice
ProviderFrontierOptimum by Altice
Speed6-1,000 Mbps200-1,000 Mbps
Pricing$27.99-74.99/mo.$39.99-64.99/mo.
Service TypeDSL, Fiber, or CopperCable or Fiber
Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice Feature Comparison Frontier Communications Optimum by Altice
ProviderFrontierOptimum by Altice
High-Speed PlansYesYes
Unlimited DataYesSelect Plans
Contract-Free PlansNoNo
TV ServiceYesYes
Phone ServiceYesYes

Frontier Internet Deals †

Last updated on 4/9/2020
  • $27.99 for 6 Mbps DSL
    • 6.0 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Setup: Installation fee waived for self-install or a $75 professional installation fee applies. 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.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Rate increases to $39.99/month for months 13-24.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $34.99 for 25 Mbps DSL
    • 25 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Setup: $75.00 (Includes installation. Equipment delivery/handling fee is $9.99.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $39.99 for 100 Mbps Fiber
    • 100 Mbps ↓ and 100 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Rate increases to $49.99/month for months 13-24.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $39.99 for 500 Mbps Fiber
    • 500 Mbps ↓ and 500 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Rate increases to $49.99/month for months 13-24.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $39.99 for 200 Mbps Fiber
    • 200 Mbps ↓ and 200 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • 1-year promo rate.
    • Rate increases to $49.99/month for months 13-24.
    • Call (844) 829-1466 to setup service.
  • $74.99 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 (17)

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

Optimum by Altice Internet Deals †

Last updated on 3/14/2020
  • $39.99 for 300 Mbps Cable
    • 300 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • 1-year promo rate. Regular rate is $54.99.
    • A Network Enhancement Fee of $3.50 will be added to the monthly bill.
    • Setup: Up to $99 standard installation charges may apply.
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.
  • $44.99 for 200 Mbps Fiber
    • 200 Mbps ↓ and 200 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Setup: $0 (Free installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.
  • $54.99 for 400 Mbps Fiber
    • 400 Mbps ↓ and 400 Mbps ↑ w/ no data cap.
    • Setup: $0 (Free installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.
  • $59.99 for 1,000 Mbps Fiber
    • Average speed between 800-940 Mbps download and upload w/ no data cap.
    • Includes a $100 Amazon.com Gift Card plus HBO NOW® for 1 year.
    • Setup: $0 (Free installation.)
    • Modem w/ WiFi: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.
  • $64.99 for 400 Mbps Cable
    • 400 Mbps ↓ and -- Mbps ↑
    • A Network Enhancement Fee of $3.50 will be added to the monthly bill.
    • Setup: Up to $99 standard installation charges may apply.
    • Modem: $10/mo
    • Call (844) 486-3566 to setup service.

†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 Fios 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.

FIOS is top notch

5.00 Stars

on July 28, 2019

Frontier Communications

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 FIOS service.

Featured Review IP Not Verified League City, Texas
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Poor customer service

2.00 Stars

on January 29, 2020

Frontier Communications

Frontier service is decent and at times you get faster than advertised speeds. Their customer service is poor and inconsistent.

IP Verified Charleston, West Virginia
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Optimum is awesome.

5.00 Stars

on December 29, 2019

Optimum by Altice

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.

IP Verified Howell, New Jersey
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Way too expensive, especially for senior citizens.

4.00 Stars

on January 06, 2020

Optimum by Altice

Overall is good, just too expensive and they don't care.

IP Verified Coram, New York
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Frontier vs. Optimum by Altice Coverage Availability

Frontier Coverage & Availability

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Optimum by Altice Coverage & Availability

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Frequently Asked Questions about Frontier & Optimum by Altice Internet Services

  • Is Frontier cheaper than Optimum?

    Frontier’s lowest-priced internet-only plan starts at $27.99/month is more affordable than Optimum’s at $44.99/month. However, Optimum’s fastest internet-only plan costs $74.99/month, which is cheaper than Frontier’s at $225/month. Pricing and availability varies depending on your location.

  • Who has faster speeds? Frontier or Optimum?

    Both Frontier and Optimum offer internet plans with speeds up to 1000 Mbps. However, Frontier’s lowest internet speed starts at 6 Mbps, which is slower than Optimum’s starting at 200 Mbps.

  • Do Frontier and Optimum have unlimited data?

    Both providers offer a variety of internet plans with unlimited data.

  • Do Frontier and Optimum require a contract?

    Neither Frontier nor Optimum require a contract, however their contract options come with monthly promotional rates.

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Last updated on 4/9/2020.