Race Communications Internet Review

About Race Communications Internet Service

Race Communications, established in 1998, has grown to become a significant regional internet service provider, primarily serving communities across the Midwestern United States. With a focus on delivering reliable and accessible broadband solutions, Race Communications has carved out a niche by offering competitive pricing and personalized customer service. As of 2025, the company serves over 300,000 residential and business customers, with a growing coverage area that spans parts of illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Their market position is characterized by a strong commitment to local communities and a consistent effort to upgrade their network infrastructure to meet evolving demands for higher speeds and more robust connectivity.

• Years in Business: 27
• Customers Served (2025): 300,000+
• Primary Service Area: Midwest USA (IL, IN, OH)

Race Communications Internet Service Analysis

Race Communications offers a tiered selection of internet plans designed to cater to various user needs. The Essential Broadband is suitable for basic browsing and streaming, while Performance Plus provides a good balance for households with multiple users. For those requiring the highest speeds for demanding applications like gaming or 4K streaming, their Gigabit Fiber and Ultra-Fast Fiber plans offer exceptional performance, leveraging their growing fiber optic network. All plans include generous data allowances, with unlimited data available on their fiber offerings, and no long-term contracts are typically required, offering flexibility to consumers.

Technology and Infrastructure

• Network Type: Primarily Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) with expanding Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployments.
• Network Upgrades Planned for 2025-26: Continued expansion of FTTH infrastructure in key urban and suburban areas, and DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades for enhanced speeds on existing HFC networks.
• Equipment Provided: Standard modem/router combo units for HFC, dedicated fiber ONT for FTTH. Advanced Wi-Fi 6E routers available for an additional monthly fee.
• Installation Process: Professional installation is recommended and typically required for new activations, with a one-time fee. Self-installation kits are sometimes available for existing connections.
• Technical Specifications: Utilizes industry-standard protocols for data transmission, with advanced network management systems to ensure service stability and performance.

Coverage and Availability

Race Communications' service footprint is concentrated in the Midwest, with a strong presence in metropolitan areas and their surrounding suburbs across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. While their fiber optic network is rapidly expanding, it is currently most prevalent in newer developments and select urban centers. DSL services may still be available in some more rural or underserved pockets within their general service regions, though speeds are significantly lower. Availability can vary greatly even within the same county, making it essential for consumers to check their specific address on the Race Communications website for accurate service options and speeds.

Key states with robust coverage include Illinois (Chicago metropolitan area, Rockford), Indiana (Indianapolis, Fort Wayne), and Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati suburbs). Urban areas generally have access to higher-speed options, including fiber, while rural availability might be limited to lower-speed DSL or legacy cable services.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Race Communications generally maintains consistent pricing without significant promotional jumps after the first year for their internet-only plans. The value proposition lies in their competitive base pricing, especially for their higher-tier fiber services, and the absence of mandatory long-term contracts. While installation and equipment rental fees are standard, the overall cost of ownership remains attractive, particularly when bundled with their television and phone services for added savings.

Pros and Cons of Race Communications

Customer Experience and Support

Race Communications aims for a customer-centric approach, with a focus on local support teams. While many customers report positive interactions, particularly with installation and initial setup, experiences with ongoing technical support can vary. The company provides multiple channels for assistance, and response times are generally within industry averages, though peak demand periods can sometimes lead to longer waits. Installation satisfaction is typically high due to the professionalism of their technicians. Reliability ratings for their fiber services are consistently strong, while HFC networks can occasionally experience more fluctuations.

• Support Channels Available: Phone, Online Chat, Email, In-Person Service Centers.
• Average Response Times: 2-5 minutes for phone support, 15-30 minutes for online chat.
• Installation Satisfaction: Generally high, with technicians rated for professionalism and efficiency.
• Reliability Ratings: Strong for fiber, moderate for HFC, variable for DSL.

How Race Communications Compares to Competitors

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Race Communications?

Race Communications is an excellent choice for consumers in their service areas who are looking for reliable internet without the commitment of long-term contracts. Their growing fiber optic network provides competitive speeds and symmetrical upload/download performance, making it ideal for remote work, online gaming, and heavy streaming. Customers who value local service and support, and who are looking for a solid alternative to larger, national providers, will find Race Communications to be a strong contender. It's particularly well-suited for households that can access their fiber plans, offering a compelling blend of performance, flexibility, and value. For those in areas only served by their HFC or DSL, it's still a viable option, but a closer comparison with other available providers in those specific regions is recommended.