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Decatur Telephone Co Inc, a long-standing telecommunications provider, has been a cornerstone of the Decatur, illinois, region for decades. Established in the early 20th century, the company has evolved from a traditional phone service provider to a comprehensive digital services company, including robust internet offerings. In 2025-26, Decatur Telephone Co Inc continues to focus on delivering reliable and high-speed internet access to its primarily rural and suburban customer base within Macon County and surrounding areas. The company prides itself on local customer service and a commitment to community infrastructure development, aiming to bridge the digital divide for its subscribers.
Key Statistics (2025-26):
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price (2025-26) | Equipment Fees | Data Caps | Contract Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Connect | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $59.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1 TB | No |
| Standard Speed | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | $79.99 | $10/month (modem rental) | 1.5 TB | No |
| Ultra Fast fiber | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | $99.99 | $0 (provided by ISP) | Unlimited | No |
| Gigabit Fiber | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps | $119.99 | $0 (provided by ISP) | Unlimited | No |
Decatur Telephone Co Inc offers a tiered service structure catering to various user needs. The "Basic Connect" and "Standard Speed" plans utilize a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, suitable for general browsing and moderate streaming. For users demanding higher performance, the "Ultra Fast Fiber" and "Gigabit Fiber" plans leverage their growing fiber optic deployment, providing symmetrical speeds ideal for heavy streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers. All plans come with substantial data allowances, with unlimited options for their fiber services, and no mandatory contracts.
Decatur Telephone Co Inc's service footprint is concentrated within Decatur, Illinois, and extends to many surrounding rural communities in Macon County and parts of neighboring counties like Piatt and Christian. While they offer competitive speeds in their core service areas, availability of their higher-tier fiber optic plans is currently limited to specific neighborhoods and newly developed zones where infrastructure has been recently installed. Urban areas within Decatur generally have access to their full range of services, including fiber, whereas more remote rural locations may be limited to DSL or lower-speed HFC options.
Areas with the best coverage for high-speed internet, including fiber, are typically newer subdivisions within Decatur and specific rural routes that have undergone recent infrastructure investment.
| Plan | Promotional Price (First 12 Months) | Standard Price (After Promotion) | Additional Fees | Bundle Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Connect | $59.99 | $59.99 | $10/month modem rental (waived if customer owns compatible modem) | Yes, with phone service. |
| Standard Speed | $79.99 | $79.99 | $10/month modem rental (waived if customer owns compatible modem) | Yes, with phone service. |
| Ultra Fast Fiber | $99.99 | $99.99 | None | Yes, with phone service. |
| Gigabit Fiber | $119.99 | $119.99 | None | Yes, with phone service. |
Decatur Telephone Co Inc offers straightforward pricing with no introductory promotional periods that lead to price hikes. The monthly prices remain consistent, which simplifies budgeting for consumers. While modem rental fees apply to HFC plans, these are waived if customers provide their own compatible equipment. The value proposition is strong for their fiber optic plans, which offer unlimited data and symmetrical speeds at competitive rates, especially when bundled with their reliable phone services.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Consistent, straightforward pricing with no price increases after a promotional period. | Fiber optic availability is still expanding and not yet widespread across all service areas. |
| Excellent local customer support and community focus. | HFC plans, while reliable, do not offer symmetrical upload/download speeds. |
| Unlimited data on fiber plans. | Equipment rental fees for HFC plans can add to the monthly cost if not using own equipment. |
| Bundling options available with phone services for potential savings. | Coverage in the most remote rural areas may still be limited to slower technologies. |
| Reliable service, particularly in established HFC and new fiber deployment zones. | Installation appointments may require a lead time of up to a week. |
Customers of Decatur Telephone Co Inc often praise the company's commitment to local service and accessible support. Unlike larger national providers, Decatur Telephone Co Inc emphasizes a personal touch, with support staff readily available to address technical issues and billing inquiries. The company aims for prompt resolution of problems, leveraging its understanding of the local network infrastructure.
| Feature | Decatur Telephone Co Inc | Competitor 1 (e.g., AT&T) | Competitor 2 (e.g., Xfinity) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Network Type | HFC & FTTH | DSL, Fiber (in select areas) | Cable (HFC) |
| Top Download Speed | 1 Gbps (Fiber) | Up to 5 Gbps (Fiber, limited areas) | Up to 2 Gbps (Cable) |
| Top Upload Speed | 1 Gbps (Fiber) | Up to 5 Gbps (Fiber, limited areas) | Up to 35 Mbps (Cable) |
| Starting Price (approx.) | $59.99 | $55.00 | $65.00 |
| Data Policies | 1 TB (HFC), Unlimited (Fiber) | 1 TB (Fiber), Varies (DSL) | 1.2 TB (shared across services) |
| Contract Requirement | No | No (for Internet only) | No (for Internet only) |
| Customer Satisfaction (Local Focus) | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Decatur Telephone Co Inc is an excellent choice for residents and businesses within its service area, particularly those in Decatur, Illinois, and surrounding rural communities. Individuals seeking consistent, transparent pricing without the worry of promotional period price hikes will find their straightforward billing model highly appealing. The company is ideal for users who value local customer support and a provider invested in the community's digital infrastructure.
Customers who can access their fiber optic services will benefit from symmetrical gigabit speeds and unlimited data, making it a strong contender for gamers, heavy streamers, and remote workers. Even their HFC plans offer reliable service with substantial data allowances. For those prioritizing a stable connection and responsive local service over the absolute highest speeds available in major metropolitan areas, Decatur Telephone Co Inc stands out as a dependable and community-oriented provider.