Earthlink is among the oldest internet service providers that have been in the market since 1994. This is a telecommunications company that provides its customers with internet, phone, and television services across the country. However, how good is Earthlinkinternet these days in comparison with these new providers, and more importantly how has it faired in the light of the improved technology? Now, let us consider what is being offered by Earthlink and how it matches up.
Internet Speeds
DSL, cable, fiber optic, or fixed wireless technology; Earthlink provides you with a list of internet speed options to select from. Starting with downloads, tethering speeds range from 1 Mbps to 100+ Mbps in the fast connection package they provide. The speeds can be expected to differ depending on what type of infrastructure has been deployed in your region.
Currently, most households require at least 25 Mbps for basic browsing, streaming, etc So Earthlink's basic speed may be slow if you have multiple devices connected. However, their middle and fiber optic plans, which start at 50 Mbps, are closer to average consumption levels. The fastest packages they offer are as fast as other competitors such as Xfinity and AT&T.
Reliability
Another advantage that users are likely to enjoy due to going with an established company like Earthlink is reliability. They have been regularly maintaining the internet infrastructure and equipment for more than 25 years. That is why their networks are generally highly reliable for average uninterrupted usage. Supporting resources are also well-developed.
Nonetheless, reliability may also be location-sensitive. This is because outages may still be experienced due to weather conditions, damaged lines, high network traffic, etc. Response times for repairs of issues may be longer than those of regional service providers who are comparatively smaller. It is suggested to check the status of Earthlink’s services and customer feedback in your region before subscribing.
Value
Speaking of value, Earthlink is typically slightly below or above average in terms of competitiveness. Their promotions and new subscribers are appealing. The monthly charges for the middle-tier internet packages seem to be near the market average. Internet only and also when it comes to internet bundled with other services such as home phone connection, one can expect some form of discount.
Nonetheless, the fixed prices of Earthlink exceed their competitors through their list prices, non-promo rates, equipment charges, fees, and taxes. Thus, the value may decrease over time unless promotional rates are renewed. The latter is more appropriate if one considers the overall cost for the intended service period. Read all the fine print!
Features
Some of the special features that Earthlink provides to users include an anti-virus program, parental controls, e-mail, and storage space. When it comes to home phone service, they offer extras such as voicemail, caller identification, call screening, and many others. They also provide a wireless optimization service to enhance your wireless network.
Reviews
There are indeed some customer reviews for Earthlink by customers posting their comments on the Consumer Affairs site and these appear to be rather moderate. Positive reviews are full of words about their trustworthy work and having fun with extra options added. Most of the negative comments mostly involve unpleasant experiences when attempting to cancel the services or are charged relatively higher fees. Interestingly, technical support satisfaction also appears to have a wide range.
Overall, one cannot get a general perception of the service provided by Earthlink through reviews because they have different networks in many states. As stated, the experiences can differ based on the area and details of neighborhoods. The level of technical literacy also affects setup, management, and the overall experience that customers have with the product.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, even though the company has faced quite several challenges it is still possible to get internet services from Earthlink in many areas of the country. Their faster DSL, Cable, and Fiber packages are just as sufficient to provide good internet speeds for average home usage. Another advantage is network reliability in the markets with a developed infrastructure of the internet. As for the value, it is difficult to generalize, but it can be very competitive with the new customer promotional rates. But buyers must consider long-term local costs.
Earthlink might be useful if you require the internet to be up all the time and do not necessarily require downloading at maximum speeds. Looking at reviews that are category and location-sensitive will provide the most accurate picture of how service quality may differ. It is also recommended to be wise in consuming products by also looking at all offerings, cost details, and hidden fees to know if Earthlink is providing the value needed.
Call (866) 240-0701 to get a new Earthlink connection now!
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