In the vast cosmos of internet service providers, a star has been shining since 1994, illuminating the digital universe with its reliable and evolving services. This star is EarthLink, a name that has become synonymous with adaptability and resilience in the ever-changing landscape of internet connectivity.
With its roots firmly planted in Atlanta, EarthLink has grown to reach approximately five million home internet customers across 48 states, casting a wide net of connectivity covering 78% of U.S. households. It’s a testament to the company’s ability to adapt and innovate. This journey has transitioned from the nostalgic era of dial-up internet to the high-speed world of fiber, DSL, and 5G connections.
The company’s evolution has not been without its challenges and criticisms. Some users point to higher prices compared to other providers. However, EarthLink counters this with a promise of straightforward pricing, unlimited data caps, and high-speed plans, making it an attractive option for many.
Let’s delve into the specifics of its plans, prices, and speeds and examine the experiences of its vast user base.
EarthLink Internet – At a Glance
Established in 1994, EarthLink has carved out a significant presence in the internet service industry. The company’s ability to evolve and stay abreast of technological advancements has been a key factor in its longevity. Today, EarthLink’s services span 48 states in the U.S., thanks to strategic partnerships with major network providers such as AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, and Viasat.
EarthLink’s service offerings are diverse, with internet speeds catering to a wide range of needs, from 12 Mbps to 5 Gbps of fiber. The company’s pricing structure is transparent and straightforward, with a flat-rate fee for internet service. However, it’s important to note that the rate can fluctuate depending on the location and the ISP partner EarthLink collaborates with.
Customers have generally expressed satisfaction with EarthLink’s services, praising the company’s transparent pricing and commendable customer service. However, some criticism has been directed towards the company’s pricing, which is perceived to be higher than some competitors. Despite this, EarthLink’s commitment to providing unlimited data and high-speed plans makes it a compelling choice for many customers.
In addition to its core internet services, EarthLink also provides a suite of additional services. These include digital marketing services, real-time protection, dark web monitoring, secure VPN, online backup, and child protection services. However, potential customers should know that EarthLink charges a substantial early termination fee of up to $200.
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Fiber and wireless options
- Wide availability (48 states)
Cons
- High prices
- Variable plans and prices
- Installation and outages are not directly handled by EarthLink
Plans & Pricing
EarthLink Internet offers a variety of plans to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. The pricing is straightforward and rarely varies, making it easy for customers to understand what they’re paying for. The lowest price plan available is $54.95. However, it’s important to note that the plans and their prices can vary by location due to EarthLink’s partnership with different ISPs such as AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, and Viasat.
EarthLink’s plans best suit customers who value consistent pricing and unlimited data. While the prices might be higher than other ISPs, the unlimited data cap and high-speed plans make EarthLink an attractive option for heavy internet users.
| Plan | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Mbps | $54.95/month | 12 Mbps | DSL |
| 24 Mbps | $59.95/month | 24 Mbps | DSL |
| 45 Mbps | $64.95/month | 45 Mbps | DSL |
| 75 Mbps | $69.95/month | 75 Mbps | DSL |
| 100 Mbps | $59.95/month | 100 Mbps | Fiber |
| 300 Mbps | $69.95/month | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| 500 Mbps | $79.95/month | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| 1000 Mbps | $89.95/month | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 2000 Mbps | $129.95/month | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 5000 Mbps | $189.95/month | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
Speed
EarthLink Internet has made significant strides since its inception in 1994. From the days of dial-up internet, EarthLink has innovated to stay relevant and now offers high-speed internet plans. The speed offered by EarthLink can range from 12Mbps to 5 GB of fiber. However, the availability of these speeds can vary within states due to the use of different ISP networks.
| EarthLink’s Speeds | Number of Devices |
|---|---|
| 25+ Mbps | 1 or 2 |
| 100+ Mbps | Up to 5 |
| 500+ Mbps | Up to 12 |
| 1000+ Mbps | Unlimited |
Data Cap
One of the standout features of EarthLink Internet is its unlimited data offering. Unlike some ISPs that impose a data cap, EarthLink does not limit its customers’ data usage. This makes it an excellent choice for customers who require heavy data usage, such as streaming, gaming, or working from home.
Additional Charges
While EarthLink Internet’s pricing is straightforward, there are additional charges that customers should be aware of. For instance, EarthLink has an early termination fee of up to $200. Additionally, EarthLink does not provide its own equipment. Modem rentals can cost $6.95 a month, and purchasing the modem can cost $74.95. EarthLink’s Wireless Home Internet has a router fee of $14.95 per month and an activation fee of $79.95.
Contract
EarthLink Internet’s contracts are designed with the customer’s convenience in mind. The company offers a flat-fee pricing structure that doesn’t increase as often as other ISPs. This means that customers can enjoy a stable monthly fee for their internet service. However, it’s important to note that the flat rate can vary based on location and the ISP partner EarthLink uses.
Perks
EarthLink Internet offers several perks to its customers. These include digital marketing services and EarthLink Protect+, which provides real-time protection, dark web monitoring, and a secure VPN. EarthLink also offers an Online Backup service, which can automatically backup and sync your files across multiple devices.
For families, EarthLink Guardian provides protection for the online lives of children. Lastly, EarthLink EasyTech offers product experts who are available to help solve any issues with smart devices.
EarthLink Internet Bundle Deals
EarthLink Internet, in its endeavor to provide comprehensive services to its customers, offers a variety of bundle deals. These deals often combine internet service with other offerings to provide a complete package.
However, the specifics of these bundle deals, including their availability and pricing, can vary based on location and the ISP partner EarthLink uses. It’s always recommended to check with EarthLink directly to understand the most current and applicable bundle deals in your area.
EarthLink Internet Availability
EarthLink Internet has a broad reach, providing internet access across 48 states in the U.S. This wide availability is made possible through EarthLink’s strategic partnerships with other internet service providers, including AT&T, CenturyLink, Frontier, Verizon, and Viasat. By leveraging the networks of these partners, EarthLink can deliver internet services to a large number of customers across the country.
However, it’s important to note that while EarthLink is available in 48 states, the availability can vary within those states. This is due to the fact that EarthLink relies on the networks of its partners, and the coverage of these networks can differ from one location to another. Therefore, while EarthLink has a wide reach, the specific services and speeds available to a customer can depend on their exact location.
In addition to its wide state-level availability, EarthLink also offers different types of internet connections to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. These include fiber internet, wireless home internet, and satellite internet through its relationship with Viasat. This ensures that customers have a range of options to choose from based on their specific needs and the type of internet connection that is most suitable for their location.
EarthLink Internet Customer Service Review
Customer service is a crucial aspect of any service provider, and EarthLink Internet is no exception. The company has a reputation for providing good customer service, which is a significant factor in its overall positive reviews from customers.
EarthLink Internet has various channels through which customers can reach out for support. These include phone support, email, and live chat. This multi-channel approach ensures that customers can choose the method of communication that is most convenient for them.
Moreover, EarthLink also offers EarthLink EasyTech, a service where product experts are available to help solve any issues with smart devices. This service can be particularly useful for customers who are not tech-savvy or those who encounter technical issues that they cannot resolve on their own.
However, it’s worth noting that while EarthLink provides the internet service, it doesn’t directly handle outages since it uses the networks of its ISP partners. This means that in the event of an outage, the resolution might be out of EarthLink’s immediate control.
Is EarthLink Internet Good?
Determining whether EarthLink Internet is good depends largely on individual needs, location, and the type of internet service required. EarthLink Internet offers a range of plans with varying speeds, and its unlimited data cap is a significant advantage for heavy internet users. The company’s straightforward pricing, while potentially higher than some competitors, provides stability and predictability in monthly internet costs.
The availability of EarthLink Internet across 48 states makes it a viable option for many customers. However, the specific services and speeds can vary within those states, so it’s important for potential customers to check what’s available in their specific location.
Customer service is another strong point for EarthLink Internet, with multiple channels available for support. However, the fact that EarthLink doesn’t directly handle outages, as it uses the networks of its ISP partners, is a point to consider.
Based on this EarthLink Internet Review, it can be said that EarthLink Internet is a good choice for customers who value unlimited data, consistent pricing, and good customer service. However, potential customers should consider their specific needs, location, and the available services and speeds before making a decision.
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