Arkwest Communications, a regional telecommunications provider, has been serving communities across several states in the Midwestern United States for over two decades. Established in 2004, the company has built a reputation for providing reliable internet, phone, and television services, with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas. Arkwest prides itself on its commitment to local customer support and network investment. As of 2025, Arkwest serves an estimated 150,000 households and businesses, with a significant portion of its network infrastructure undergoing upgrades to enhance speed and capacity.
Key Statistics:
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price (2025-26) | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkwest Basic Internet | Up to 50 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
| Arkwest Standard Internet | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 20 Mbps | $74.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1.5 TB | No |
| Arkwest Plus Internet | Up to 300 Mbps | Up to 50 Mbps | $94.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 2 TB | No |
| Arkwest Pro Internet | Up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit) | Up to 100 Mbps | $119.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | Unlimited | No |
Arkwest Communications offers a tiered service structure designed to meet various user needs. The Basic and Standard plans are suitable for casual browsing, email, and light streaming. The Plus plan introduces higher download and upload speeds, beneficial for multiple users and more demanding applications. The Pro plan, leveraging their expanding fiber optic network where available, provides gigabit speeds for power users, large file transfers, and advanced home networking. All plans include substantial data allowances, with unlimited data for the top-tier plan, and a consistent monthly modem rental fee.
Arkwest Communications' coverage is concentrated in the Midwestern United States, with a strong presence in rural and suburban communities in states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. While they serve larger towns, their strategic focus remains on providing broadband access to areas often overlooked by larger national providers. Availability of higher-speed tiers, particularly gigabit speeds, is dependent on the presence of their fiber optic infrastructure, which is being progressively rolled out. Urban areas within their service footprint may have access to more advanced technology, while more remote locations might be limited to DSL or lower-tier cable speeds.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkwest Basic Internet | $49.99 | $59.99 | $10 modem rental | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Arkwest Standard Internet | $64.99 | $74.99 | $10 modem rental | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Arkwest Plus Internet | $84.99 | $94.99 | $10 modem rental | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
| Arkwest Pro Internet | $109.99 | $119.99 | $10 modem rental | Yes (with TV/Phone) |
Arkwest offers competitive introductory pricing for the first 12 months on all its internet plans. After the promotional period, prices revert to their standard rates, which remain within a reasonable range for the speeds offered, especially considering their focus on less densely populated areas. The consistent $10 monthly fee for modem rental is a notable additional cost. Bundling internet with their TV and phone services can offer significant savings, making it an attractive option for customers seeking a triple-play package from a single provider.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on rural and underserved areas. | Availability of higher speeds (Gigabit) is limited to fiber-equipped areas. |
| Reliable network performance for its service class. | Upload speeds on HFC plans are significantly lower than download speeds. |
| Competitive introductory pricing. | Monthly modem rental fee is a consistent additional cost. |
| Option to bundle services for potential savings. | Customer service response times can sometimes be longer in peak periods. |
| Commitment to ongoing network infrastructure upgrades. | Limited national presence, primarily regional. |
Arkwest Communications generally receives positive feedback for its customer service, particularly from customers in its core service regions who appreciate the local presence and personalized support. The company offers multiple channels for assistance, aiming to resolve issues efficiently. While most installations are reported as satisfactory, some users have noted occasional delays in technician availability during peak demand periods.
| Feature | Arkwest Communications | Competitor 1 (e.g., Spectrum) | Competitor 2 (e.g., Frontier Fiber) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | HFC, expanding FTTH, DSL | HFC, some FTTH | FTTH |
| Max Download Speed | 1 Gbps | Up to 1 Gbps (in select areas) | Up to 5 Gbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 100 Mbps (on Gig plan) | Up to 50 Mbps (on Gig plan) | Up to 5 Gbps |
| Starting Price (approx.) | $59.99 | $49.99 | $60.00 |
| Data Policies | 1 TB to Unlimited | 1 TB (can vary) | Unlimited |
| Customer Satisfaction (avg.) | Good | Average | Very Good |
Arkwest Communications is an excellent choice for residents and businesses in its Midwestern service areas, particularly those in rural or semi-rural locations where options from larger national providers may be limited or of lower quality. Their commitment to expanding fiber infrastructure and providing reliable HFC service makes them a strong contender. Customers who value local support and are looking for a straightforward internet service with reasonable pricing, especially when bundled with TV or phone, will find Arkwest to be a solid provider. Individuals or households requiring the absolute highest symmetrical upload speeds may need to explore providers with a more extensive FTTH network. For most everyday internet needs, from browsing and streaming to remote work and online gaming, Arkwest's Standard and Plus plans offer a compelling balance of performance and value.