Consolidated Communications Internet Plans & Reviews
Key Takeaways
- Technology: Fiber, DSL
- Max Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
- Starting Price: $40/month
- Contract: Options for both contract and month-to-month
- Best For: Households needing reliable internet service
Consolidated Communications Plans & Pricing
Here are the current Consolidated Communications internet plans available:
| Plan | Speed | Price | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 100 Mbps | $40/mo | None |
| Standard | 300 Mbps | $60/mo | None |
| Premium | 500 Mbps | $75/mo | None |
| Gigabit | 1 Gbps | $90/mo | None |
Pros
- Fast speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Competitive pricing from $40/mo
- Wide availability across service areas
- Reliable network performance
Cons
- Availability varies by address
- Equipment fees may apply
- Promotional prices may increase after 12 months
- Customer service wait times can be long
Decision Engine: Is Consolidated Communications Right for You?
Choose Consolidated Communications if: You need reliable fiber, dsl internet with good speeds and competitive pricing in your area.
Avoid Consolidated Communications if: You need the absolute fastest speeds available or Consolidated Communications isn't available at your address.
Consider instead: Compare with similar providers like AT&T, Xfinity, or Spectrum to find the best deal in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Consolidated Communications internet cost?
Consolidated Communications plans start at $40/month. Pricing varies by location, speed tier, and current promotions.
Is Consolidated Communications available at my address?
Enter your address in the availability checker above to see if Consolidated Communications services your location.
What is Consolidated Communications's fastest speed?
Consolidated Communications offers speeds up to 1 Gbps with their premium fiber, dsl plans where available.
Does Consolidated Communications have data caps?
Most Consolidated Communications plans have no data caps, though some specific plans may have monthly limits. Check plan details for specifics.
Does Consolidated Communications require a contract?
Consolidated Communications offers both contract and month-to-month options. Contract plans typically have lower promotional pricing.
Compare Consolidated Communications
Equipment and Installation Options
When signing up for Consolidated Communications, you can choose between professional installation and self-installation depending on your connection type. Professional installation typically costs $50-100 and includes equipment setup, line testing, and WiFi optimization for your home layout. Self-installation kits are available for most plans and include step-by-step instructions, all necessary cables, and a preconfigured modem or gateway device. Self-installation takes approximately 30-60 minutes and saves on setup costs.
For equipment, Consolidated Communications offers the option to rent a modem and WiFi router for a monthly fee or use your own compatible equipment. Purchasing your own modem and router costs $140-250 upfront but saves $10-15 per month in rental fees, paying for itself within 12-18 months. If you choose to rent, the provider handles all firmware updates and equipment replacements at no additional charge.
Customer Support and Service Experience
Consolidated Communications provides customer support through multiple channels including phone, live chat, and an online help center. Phone support is available for technical issues, billing questions, and service changes. Many common tasks such as paying bills, upgrading plans, and scheduling appointments can be handled through the provider's website or mobile app without waiting on hold.
For technical troubleshooting, Consolidated Communications support agents can run remote diagnostics on your connection to identify issues before scheduling a technician visit. If an on-site visit is required, the provider typically offers appointment windows and will credit your account for verified service outages exceeding 24 hours.
How to Choose the Right Consolidated Communications Plan
Selecting the best plan depends on your household's internet usage patterns. For 1-2 people doing basic browsing, email, and occasional streaming, the lowest available tier provides adequate performance. Households with 3-5 members who stream video, work remotely, and game online should consider mid-tier plans offering 300-500 Mbps. Power users with many connected devices or who upload large files benefit from gigabit-level plans.
Consider your upload speed needs as well. Remote workers participating in frequent video conferences require at least 10 Mbps upload for reliable HD video quality. Content creators and live streamers need 25-50 Mbps or more for consistent output quality. Compare upload speeds across available plans, as they vary significantly by technology type and plan tier.
How Consolidated Communications Compares to Other Providers
When evaluating Consolidated Communications against competing providers in your area, compare these key factors: actual download and upload speeds (not just advertised maximums), monthly pricing after promotional periods end, contract requirements and early termination fees, data caps or usage limits, equipment rental costs versus purchasing your own, and customer service ratings from independent review sites. The best provider for your household depends on which combination of these factors aligns with your priorities and budget.
Speed test data from independent sources shows that actual speeds can vary from 60-95% of advertised maximums depending on network congestion, time of day, and distance from network infrastructure. Testing during both peak hours (7-11 PM) and off-peak times gives the most accurate picture of real-world performance. Many providers also offer speed guarantees or credits if performance consistently falls below a specified threshold.
Understanding Your Consolidated Communications Bill
Your monthly Consolidated Communications bill may include several line items beyond the base internet plan price. Common additional charges include equipment rental fees for modems and routers ($10-15/month), WiFi management fees ($5-10/month), broadcast TV surcharges if bundled with television, and regulatory recovery fees. Understanding each charge helps you identify opportunities to reduce your bill, such as purchasing your own compatible equipment to eliminate rental fees.
Review your bill regularly for rate increases, especially after promotional periods expire. Many customers do not notice gradual price increases that accumulate over time. If your rate has increased significantly from when you first signed up, contact the retention department to negotiate a better rate. Having competitor pricing information available when you call gives you leverage to secure discounts of $10-30 per month in many cases.
Troubleshooting Common Consolidated Communications Issues
If you experience connectivity problems with Consolidated Communications, start with the basics: power cycle your modem and router by unplugging both for 30 seconds, then reconnecting the modem first and waiting for all lights to stabilize before plugging in the router. This simple step resolves the majority of intermittent connection issues by clearing temporary memory problems and refreshing your network connection.
For persistent speed issues, test your connection using a wired Ethernet connection directly to the modem to rule out WiFi problems. If wired speeds are normal but WiFi is slow, the issue is with your wireless network configuration or equipment rather than the internet service itself. Check for firmware updates on your router, reduce interference by moving the router away from other electronics, and consider upgrading to a WiFi 6 router if yours is more than 3-4 years old.
Consolidated Communications Network Upgrades and Future Plans
Internet providers are continuously investing in network infrastructure to meet growing demand for bandwidth. Average household data consumption has roughly doubled every three years, driven by increasing resolution of streaming content, proliferation of smart home devices, cloud-based applications, and the permanent shift toward remote and hybrid work arrangements. These trends ensure that network upgrades remain a priority for all major providers.
When choosing a plan today, consider how your internet needs might evolve over the next two to three years. The number of connected devices in the average American home is projected to exceed 25 by 2028, each competing for bandwidth. Selecting a plan with some headroom above your current needs ensures a smooth experience as your household's internet usage grows naturally over time without requiring a premature plan upgrade.