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Consolidated Communications (CCI) is a telecommunications provider with a history spanning over a century, focusing primarily on delivering high-speed internet, voice, and video services to residential and business customers across the United States. While not as widely known as national giants, CCI has carved out a significant presence in its operational regions, often serving smaller cities and rural communities where larger providers may have limited offerings. The company's strategic goal is to bridge the digital divide by investing in advanced network infrastructure, including fiber optics, to provide reliable and fast internet access. As of 2025-26, CCI serves hundreds of thousands of customers, with a continued emphasis on expanding its fiber footprint and enhancing its existing network capabilities to meet growing demand for bandwidth.
Consolidated Communications offers a range of internet plans designed to cater to various user needs, from basic browsing to demanding applications like high-definition streaming and online gaming. Their service plans are largely characterized by a tiered approach to speed and a commitment to providing fiber-optic connectivity where available, which offers superior performance compared to traditional cable or DSL. The company emphasizes transparent pricing and aims to provide competitive value within its service territories. Understanding the specific plan details, including speed tiers, potential data caps, and contract requirements, is crucial for consumers to select the most suitable option.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 300 | Up to 300 Mbps | Up to 300 Mbps | $60.00 | $10.00/month (modem/router rental) | None | No |
| Fiber 500 | Up to 500 Mbps | Up to 500 Mbps | $75.00 | $10.00/month (modem/router rental) | None | No |
| Fiber 1 Gig | Up to 1000 Mbps | Up to 1000 Mbps | $90.00 | $10.00/month (modem/router rental) | None | No |
| DSL Plus (where fiber is unavailable) | Up to 50 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | $55.00 | $10.00/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
Consolidated Communications offers a clear progression of speeds with its fiber plans, ensuring symmetrical upload and download speeds for a consistent online experience. The pricing is competitive, especially for the higher-tier fiber packages. Notably, all fiber plans come with no data caps, a significant advantage for heavy internet users. DSL plans, while slower, are available in areas where fiber infrastructure is not yet deployed, though they do have a data cap and lower upload speeds.
Consolidated Communications' service footprint is concentrated in specific regions of the United States, with a strong presence in New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire), the Midwest (illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin), and Texas. While they are actively expanding their fiber network, availability can vary significantly even within these states. Fiber service is more prevalent in urban and suburban areas where infrastructure investment is prioritized, but CCI also makes efforts to bring higher-speed options to rural communities. Consumers are advised to use the company's online availability checker to determine specific serviceability at their address, as DSL is often the only option in less developed areas.
Key states with significant Consolidated Communications fiber coverage include Maine, Vermont, Illinois, and Texas. Availability in smaller towns and unincorporated areas is a focus for their expansion efforts.
| Plan | Promotional Price (12 months) | Standard Price (after promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 300 | $60.00 | $60.00 | Installation fee ($50-$100, waived with promotion), Modem/Router Rental ($10/month) | Yes, with TV and Phone services |
| Fiber 500 | $75.00 | $75.00 | Installation fee ($50-$100, waived with promotion), Modem/Router Rental ($10/month) | Yes, with TV and Phone services |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $90.00 | $90.00 | Installation fee ($50-$100, waived with promotion), Modem/Router Rental ($10/month) | Yes, with TV and Phone services |
| DSL Plus | $55.00 | $55.00 | Installation fee ($50-$100, waived with promotion), Modem Rental ($10/month) | Yes, with TV and Phone services |
Consolidated Communications generally offers competitive pricing for its fiber services, with promotional periods often aligning with standard rates, indicating a commitment to stable pricing. The primary additional cost is the equipment rental fee, which can be avoided if customers purchase their own compatible equipment. Bundle discounts are available for customers who opt for multiple services, enhancing the overall value proposition.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Symmetrical speeds on all fiber plans | Limited geographic availability compared to national providers |
| No data caps on fiber plans | DSL service is significantly slower and has data caps |
| Competitive pricing for fiber services | Equipment rental fees can add up over time |
| Investment in fiber infrastructure expansion | Customer service experiences can be mixed, depending on the region |
| Bundling options available for added value | Installation fees may apply if not covered by a promotion |
Customer experience with Consolidated Communications can vary, with many users reporting satisfaction with the reliability and performance of their fiber internet. However, like many regional providers, support experiences can be inconsistent. The company offers multiple channels for customer assistance to address technical issues, billing inquiries, and service requests. Installation satisfaction is generally good when performed by their technicians, particularly for fiber deployments.
| Feature | Consolidated Communications | Xfinity (Comcast) | Verizon Fios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeds | Up to 1000 Mbps (Fiber), Up to 50 Mbps (DSL) | Up to 2000 Mbps (Cable) | Up to 2000 Mbps (Fiber) |
| Pricing | Competitive, especially for fiber; stable standard rates | Variable, often lower introductory rates, higher standard rates | Competitive, stable standard rates for fiber |
| Data Policies | No caps on fiber; 1 TB on DSL | 1.2 TB soft cap on most plans; overage fees apply | No caps on fiber plans |
| Customer Satisfaction | Mixed, generally good for fiber performance | Mixed, often criticized for customer service and fees | Generally high for fiber performance and customer service |
| Network Type | Fiber and DSL | Cable (Coaxial) | Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) |
Consolidated Communications is an excellent choice for consumers in its service areas who are seeking reliable, high-speed internet, particularly if fiber-optic service is available at their address. Their commitment to symmetrical upload and download speeds and the absence of data caps on fiber plans make them ideal for power users, remote workers, and families with multiple connected devices. Customers who value straightforward pricing without significant introductory rate hikes will also find CCI appealing. However, potential customers must first verify availability, as their service footprint is geographically limited, and DSL offerings are considerably less robust than their fiber counterparts. For those in regions served by CCI's fiber network, it represents a strong value proposition compared to many cable-based competitors, offering a superior internet experience for the price.