Consolidated Communications Internet Reviews 2021
Pricing & Packages | Modem & Router | Features | Customer Service | Final Recommendation
Consolidated Communications, formerly known as FarPoint, shares its internet services across 24 US states offering DSL, fiber, cable, copper, and fixed wireless services. This means the speed, availability, and quality of service are vastly different from state to state, depending on the technology used.
Pros:
- Fiber availability
- No data caps
- No installation fees
- Good customer service compared to other competitors
Cons
- Offer varies greatly depending on location
- Pricing differs across states
- Price locks usually only valid for 12 months
Packages and Pricing
Unlike many other providers, Consolidated Communications’ package speeds and pricing vary greatly by state. Since they offer DSL and fiber too, this section will have an overview of both in terms of pricing and speed based on two different locations.
Speeds can reach between 100 Mbps and 150 Mbps in select areas and most users are able to get speeds of at least 80 to 100Mbps in most of the areas they cover. The greatest coverage areas are in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, and Texas, and fiber packages up to 1Gbps speed is supported in:
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- California
- Texas
- Kansas
- Missouri
Fiber Packages
The following fiber package deals are based on the Sacramento, California, services:
Their FAST package is the entry package and comes with 6 to 20Mbps internet speed. The package is a good pick for those who wish to enjoy browsing social media sites, watching YouTube, checking their emails, and online shopping. Customers who get the full 20Mbps can also enjoy HD streaming and gaming. The price of the package starts at $21.95 per month.
The FASTER package delivers much more speed, usually capping between 50 and 100Mbps. This is more than enough for HD video streaming, music streams, downloads, and competitive gaming. The faster package starts at $46.95 per month.
Their BLAZING package is the fastest in the lineup, with download speeds of up to 1Gbps.
Note that the actual speed will fall somewhere around 940 Mbps though, as the rest is needed for the technology that delivers the speeds itself.
This package is best for those who wish to connect with everything and enjoy limitless possibilities in their homes. This is enough for heavy data usage, streaming, gaming, smart appliances and sensors, and pretty much anything you can do online right now. The Blazing package starts at $76.95 per month.
Note: All three plans come with a free Wi-Fi router for wireless home networking and have no data caps whatsoever. The prices for all three plans do not include taxes, fees, or other applicable charges, so customers can expect that the actual price of their bill will be higher.
Customers should be aware that the advertised prices are available as a limited time offer only and are valid with a one-year term commitment. After that, the prices will be matched with standard rates.
DSL Packages
The following DSL package deals are based on the Covington Country, Alabama, services:
Their FAST package comes with 10Mbps internet speed. Enough for online shopping, browsing, and checking emails, and the price starts at $25 per month.
The FASTER package delivers up to 25Mbps. This is sufficient for gaming, streaming, and videos, but won’t be able to support everything at the same time without some stuttering. The faster package starts at $41.95 per month.
Their BLAZING package is the fastest available for the area, with speeds up to 50Mbps. This package starts at $44.95 per month and supports HD streaming for TV and movies even on multiple devices without buffering issues.
The pricing depends heavily on the area and the type of technology used to bring services to your doorstep. Those who live in areas where 1Gbps is available will get a much better deal for their money.
To find out the packages available in your area, visit the residential Internet web page and choose your state and city.
Other Services
Consolidated Communications also offers phone and TV services, so customers can bundle and get all the services they need together from them. Their double play bundles start at $71 per month and includes internet and TV, while triple-play starts at $86 per month and includes unlimited nationwide calling too.
Network Management and Performance
Consolidated Communications states that the speeds advertised in their packages are “up to” and the highest speeds are not guaranteed. Their services, especially fiber, are not available in all areas. One interesting aspect that they also mention is the uninterrupted service, which they do not guarantee either.
Consolidated Communications states that when users connect multiple devices, performance will vary based on the package. If the speeds are lower and too many devices are connected, they might experience performance issues.
The actual speeds and throughput depend on multiple factors, including routers, switches, hubs, NIC cards, and wireless networks. Plus, they also manage their network, which means that in times of heavy usage, they will throttle speeds so that everyone can get fair access.
Fees
To get the package pricing as listed above, new users will have to accept the following mandatory fees:
- A Wi-Fi equipment fee of $10 per month
- The paper invoice fee of $1 per month – This covers the costs of printing and mailing the bills. The fee will be waived if customers sign up for paperless billing.
- Network Care Plus Wired ($6.95/mo) or Wireless ($11.95/mo) plan with their Consolidated Internet service.
In the case of late payments, users will lose the promotional rates and upcoming bills will be priced at standard rates instead.
Consolidated Communications has a few more fees to keep in mind, so users can expect that their final bill will be higher than the pricing of the package.
- They charge a broadband cost recovery fee of $2.97.
- Their early termination fee for internet services is $99.00. This is actually quite low when compared to other providers.
For customers who bundle their Internet with other services, these additional fees may need to be paid:
- For Digital TV Service:
- $24.95 per month for the Regional Sports & Local Channel Fee – It covers charges by local channel providers and networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and others).
- $8.99 per month for the Whole Home DVR Service – This networking fee is charged for hard disk storage capacity and interconnectivity of the service with additional set-top boxes.
- For Hosted Voice Phone Service:
- $0.35 per month for the Regulatory Recovery Fee, which Consolidated Communications charges to cover their costs towards the FCC, the North American Numbering Plan Administration, and to support communications services for disabled individuals.
- $5 per month for the Long Distance Admin Fee – For maintaining and upgrading their service.
Your Modem and Router
Consolidated Communications offers the NETGEAR 6300 router to their customers that they can lease for $10 per month, and the router comes with professional installation. Users will also get a manual installation guide for doing it on their own, and the router has a built-in firewall to help keep data secure.
If you choose to switch to another ISP, the router has to be returned. If it’s not returned, Consolidated Communications will charge for unreturned equipment, and this goes for all equipment, not just the router.
Features and Benefits
Users who choose Consolidated Communications as their provider will benefit from the following features:
Contract Buyout Plan
Consolidated will buy out the current internet or TV service contract from another provider and offer up to $200 credit for it. The customers are able to qualify for both services for the $200 buyout in the event that their TV and internet are with two different providers.
Consolidated will not actually buy out the contract but gives customers $200 credit after they present a copy of the early termination fee (ETF) and a receipt showing they paid for it.
Home Wi-Fi & Network Care Plus Wireless
This package includes coverage of any troubleshooting users might experience with the router, as well as equipment replacement in case it gets broken. The package costs $11.95 per month and covers the lease on the router, expert installation and round-the-clock tech support, as well as support and replacement for all wiring inside the home if needed making it quite a good deal.
24/7 Remote Premium Tech Support
The premium tech support options start at $15.99 per month and includes assistance with anything tech-related in the home: from connecting game consoles to backing up pictures and videos. The service covers the following aspects:
- Home Network
- Operating System – Windows and MacOS
- PC Security
- Third-Party Device Support
- Smartphone Support
The Premium tech support is available as a one-time service and has unlimited options too. Users can choose any of the above services for a one-time fee, or opt for a subscription-based option and get access to all of them all the time.
Kaspersky Internet Security
Users can also get the Kaspersky Internet Security suite at bargain prices and protect their devices against malware and spyware. One license is enough for up to 3 different devices (computers, Macs, and Android), and protection for up to 3 devices will cost $2.99 per month. For up to 5 devices, it’s $4.99 per month.
Security includes a firewall, virus and spyware protection, and parental controls to keep children safe while browsing. The suite updates automatically.
Streaming TV Services with Internet Services
Those users who wish to enjoy select TV streaming services won’t have to get a TV service for it, as Consolidated Communications offers streaming TV services as an additional feature with the internet package.
Customer Service
Every ISP has their fair of unsatisfied users, and Consolidated Communications is no exception here. The thing that most customers are complaining about is the stability of their internet connection, but these are often connected to the Wi-Fi signal.
Wi-Fi signal strength and speed depend on a number of factors, such as the position of the router, home layout, and network capabilities on-premises. In addition, most devices are unable to get 1Gbps speeds over Wi-Fi, which Consolidated explains in detail in their support section on the website and other web pages as well.
Those who don’t have issues with service stability say they are a reliable provider, but the pricing tends to be a bit steep after the promotional period in some areas.
Still, most customers are happy with the consolidated communications’ customer service, saying they are friendly, knowledgeable, and resolve issues quickly.
What makes their customer service stand out is that they have local customer service units in every area they serve, which means that tech support will be there quickly and know the infrastructure situation in detail.
Each area has its own service numbers, all of which can be found by state on their website.
Ways to Save on Consolidated Communications
Bundle Up
Consolidated Communications can help you save by bundling your services with them. You can have all – the internet, TV, and phone – there, and they will even buy out your current contract and cover ETF costs up to $200 per service (in case you use different providers for each service).
Paperless Billing
By choosing paperless billing, customers can save $1 per month, which might not seem like much, but it will help keep the costs and the carbon footprint down.
Network Care Plus
This service covers all network-related issues, management, and equipment change, and the modem lease is included in the price. Since the difference in price between a modem lease only and this package is $1.95, you basically get network maintenance and troubleshooting for under $2 a month.
Online Orders
You’ll often find good promotions on their website to save on standard pricing, so keep an eye out online and see whether you are eligible.
Check Availability
They offer cable, DSL, and fiber options, so it’s best to check whether you have DSL or fiber capabilities, as you will get much more speed for the price.
Our Recommendation
Consolidated Communications is an internet service provider that offers good packages, but pricing tends to go up after the promo period is over. Luckily though, the contract times are the same as the promo period, so you’re free to switch to other providers if the bills are too steep after promotion has ended.
Their coverage area is wide, but their highest speed internet offers (fiber 1Gbps) is still limited to metropolitan areas mostly. Users who reside in areas where they can get fiber should definitely check them out, especially because of the local tech support that will provide quick service for installations and tech issues setting them apart from some of the competition!
Angela - September 5, 2019 @ 22:28
Excellent customer service with an upgrade we needed as if recent that involved a service at the home Knowledgable technician and the system works great!
Josh - March 4, 2020 @ 00:57
They change their pricing without notice just received a 23% hike on this months bill without explanation.
Deb - March 30, 2020 @ 18:10
Have been trying to change my bandwidth for 3 weeks now. I called to increase bandwidth and was told I couldn’t because their system shows I have 0 bandwidth so they can’t make any changes until this is fixed. Not sure what needs to be fixed but I’m not sure they know either. They certainly don’t have a problem billing me for 0 bandwidth. Am calling weekly with a long hold time, every time, 15-20 minutes. Just got hung up on after 13 minutes. Everest, please come back!
Have been trying to change my bandwidth for 3 weeks now. I called to increase bandwidth and was told I couldn’t because their system shows I have 0 bandwidth so they can’t make any changes until this is fixed. Not sure what needs to be fi
theresa martin - April 27, 2020 @ 20:35
signed up in December and have had nothing but problems since,long wait to talk with someone,got hung up on twice,called 13 times since December ,always the same problem,says internet down on tv but have internet on computer, ??? . they have replaced 2 different hook up boxes two different times (wireless router and other comtrast box) and cannot cancel without paying ???
signed up in December and have had nothing but problems since,long wait to talk with someone,got hung up on twice,called 13 times since December ,always the same problem,says internet down on tv but have internet on computer, ??? . they have replace
Jurlene Menefee - May 14, 2020 @ 02:24
This is the worst internet service I’ve ever had. You are disconnected more than you are connected to service. Anyone know of a better service?
Jurlene Menefee Sparks - May 14, 2020 @ 02:25
This is the worst internet service I’ve ever had. You are disconnected more than you are connected to service. Anyone know of a better service?
Ryan - May 19, 2020 @ 00:42
Have had nothing but problems for the last few months. Multiple techs have been dispatched with no resolution to the problems. They have tried fixing issues at the neighborhood box, in the lines, at the house, IN the house, they even replaced my router. Calling technical support offers no help. One of the tech support people even told my wife that we should have a filter on the line going to the router! If you have an option to use a different provider, take it! (Unless that option is HughesNet, they suck too.)
Have had nothing but problems for the last few months. Multiple techs have been dispatched with no resolution to the problems. They have tried fixing issues at the neighborhood box, in the lines, at the house, IN the house, they even replaced my rout
Paul MacDonald - May 22, 2020 @ 13:50
I signed up for internet service. From day one the service did not work properly. I called about 5 times on different occasions over a 5 month period to get it resolved and they could not so we had to cancel the service. We were charged an early termination fee of $129. When I called to ask to have it removed they refused stating that they only had records of me calling once. They do not record calls but claim that they do. I have cell phone records of my calls. Stay away from this company.
I signed up for internet service. From day one the service did not work properly. I called about 5 times on different occasions over a 5 month period to get it resolved and they could not so we had to cancel the service. We were charged an early term
ernie johnson - June 20, 2020 @ 22:44
been with consolidated for 10 years. they have had there ups and downs. but for the most part i have had internet service. about once a month they have to update system but i have to help and get no pay to do this. its there job to fix not mine but they cant do there jobs unless you help them, what kind of service is this when you pay them and have to help them do there job.when i get hired to do a job i dont get paid unless i do it. now for the last 30/45 days total disruption of service. maybe 14 hours of service other wise nothing. i spoke with several IT techs in the ares and they are having the same issues, packet loss,noise,buffering, throttling.we are getting no service and all of there phones are down no 1 answers no costemer service/ no tech support evan main office in chicago no answer. they have monopoly in area no 1 else provides hard wire so thanks for nothing. my bill runs 3 times hire then what i get for service
been with consolidated for 10 years. they have had there ups and downs. but for the most part i have had internet service. about once a month they have to update system but i have to help and get no pay to do this. its there job to fix not mine but t
Robert W Leete - June 22, 2020 @ 14:34
We have fiber only 2 miles from our neighborhood ,we don’t even want the fiber at this point. We just want them to install a converter on the pole so our phone lines will be able to have DSL. They don’t even need to rewire the area ,just on pole. What the HELL I have asked and asked THEY SUCK.
We have fiber only 2 miles from our neighborhood ,we don’t even want the fiber at this point. We just want them to install a converter on the pole so our phone lines will be able to have DSL. They don’t even need to rewire the area ,just
jennifer fowler - June 24, 2020 @ 12:44
I can not even get half of what i pay for half the time. I need Consolidated to do BETTER!
The world has changed and with people such as myself, working from home now, your bunk ass internet is not cutting it. There is no other providers where I live. which is actually only 8 mins from downtown. I pay for 20mbps. I am getting 6.82… The upload speed is horrible. I can not go to my job and I am struggling to work from home because you cant just do what you said you would. So sick of fighting with this company.
Even the techs have no idea what to do because this company refuses to just do better!
I can not even get half of what i pay for half the time. I need Consolidated to do BETTER!
The world has changed and with people such as myself, working from home now, your bunk ass internet is not cutting it. There is no other providers where I live
Donna - August 25, 2020 @ 19:13
The “service” (I use that term VERY loosely) is absolutely atrocious: Multiple internet outages with no explanation. You can’t contact the local office, you have to go through a customer service number that’s in Austin, TX. They tell you that they have no way to contact the local office except via email.They submit a ticket, but can’t/won’t tell you when or if someone will contact you from the local office. No one from the local office calls, and when and if they decide to “help” they just show up at the door and we’re supposed to be grateful. I’ve been told that I must have bumped the modem’s reset button and that’s the reason for the outage (impossible to do accidentally, since the reset requires a pin to be inserted into a tiny hole to press the button). I’ve also been told by a “supervisor” in Austin that the outage is area-wide and they’re working on it, and by the local technician that there is no area-wide outage – they “did have one but that was 2 days ago.” I could go on and on – all of this was just for the outage not quite 2 weeks ago and the one today. This is the 4th multiple-day outage in the last 6 months, and they still are doing NOTHING to help, and can’t be bothered to even call with an update, much less take care of it.
The “service” (I use that term VERY loosely) is absolutely atrocious: Multiple internet outages with no explanation. You can’t contact the local office, you have to go through a customer service number that’s in Austin, TX.
Kerry Reynolds - September 20, 2020 @ 18:21
I’ve had good service from Consolidated Communications. I have had a lot of other providers over the years. Every provider seems to have issues of one type or another. Of course, they all go up in price regularly. I can say that Consolidated has given me the best service and resolved many problems. Living in home with 2.5 levels, they resolved the problem with adapters. Their technical support arrives timely and they do call before they get there. The technical team is also courteous. They are also good at completing simple tasks by phone. So, if you have to pick one, this would be my choice.
I’ve had good service from Consolidated Communications. I have had a lot of other providers over the years. Every provider seems to have issues of one type or another. Of course, they all go up in price regularly. I can say that Consolidated ha
A. completely pissed customer - October 31, 2020 @ 04:34
Too bad you can’t choose something below 1 Star. Consolidated is the absolute worst service possible, I wouldn’t even wish this trash service on Hitler. You can easily spend hours on hold to find out they don’t even care that the service that you pay out of the ass for for hasn’t worked the last 6 months. Fuck this company, plug your computer into a potato & you’ll have more reliable service. I’d rather stub my toe on the edge of my bed for the rest of my life than pay another dollar for this service.
Too bad you can’t choose something below 1 Star. Consolidated is the absolute worst service possible, I wouldn’t even wish this trash service on Hitler. You can easily spend hours on hold to find out they don’t even care that the se
Terry L Cornett - November 23, 2020 @ 22:39
Judith L Bonaparte - December 4, 2020 @ 16:35
The worst customer service. The people on the helpline or very nice but nothing ever gets done about a problem You can’t ever get anyone to come out and check the lines or the equipment. The internet is off more than it’s on. Whenever I call the 844 your CCI number the internet seems to reset itself and it will briefly come back on. The helpline people laughed when I told them this and said they don’t know why that happens. Exasperating to be in the middle of something and have the internet going off and on.
The worst customer service. The people on the helpline or very nice but nothing ever gets done about a problem You can’t ever get anyone to come out and check the lines or the equipment. The internet is off more than it’s on. Whenever
Fran Colangelo - December 18, 2020 @ 16:06
We have a DSL line from them and have had lousy internet for ever. We pay for the minimum service (10mb/s) and usually receive under 2 mb/s download. The problem is that they have not upgraded their wiring to low density areas, and the local demand has increased. The Customer service is always polite, but truely ineffective; they will not admit that they cannot fix the problem without infrastructure upgrades, which they are not undertaking. It is almost enough to make me wish for the 1970’s when Ma Bell was the monopolistic phone provider; at least they took care of their shit!
We have a DSL line from them and have had lousy internet for ever. We pay for the minimum service (10mb/s) and usually receive under 2 mb/s download. The problem is that they have not upgraded their wiring to low density areas, and the local demand
Deborah RoyRoberts - December 26, 2020 @ 03:27
Internet service the last 6 weeks has been awful with constant internet/WIFI interruptions. Customer service has been called numerous times and have been unable or are incapable of resolving the problem. They’ve never explained what the cause of the constant interruption.
Internet service the last 6 weeks has been awful with constant internet/WIFI interruptions. Customer service has been called numerous times and have been unable or are incapable of resolving the problem. They’ve never explained what the cause of th
Michael - January 2, 2021 @ 01:31
Have had CCI for 10 yrs this location. 5yrs+ at previous location. Currently only DSL/copper available here. (Private MH park). 10yrs ago could only get “up to” 3mbps. Finally upped to 20, 2yrs ago. Good service, no outages, excellent cust svc. Currently, service is crap. Have had tech here multiple times. 1st they say I shouldnt have 20mbps as copper cant handle, must go back to 15mbps. Still every stream service buffers constantly. Last time they were here they said I was too far from hub for “reliable” service. Was not too far 10 yrs ago and my house hasnt moved an inch. They said nothing more they can do. Very disappointed I have to switch to xfinity and I HATE them. No other internet choice available for my park. 🙁
Have had CCI for 10 yrs this location. 5yrs+ at previous location. Currently only DSL/copper available here. (Private MH park). 10yrs ago could only get “up to” 3mbps. Finally upped to 20, 2yrs ago. Good service, no outages, excellent cus
Cindy Robinson - January 8, 2021 @ 00:30
Thier service sucks they don’t have any problem taking your money but when it comes to taking care of your internet services they take thier sweet ass time I’m on day 3 still waiting kids can’t do thier remote learning thanks to these clown asses poor quality service
Thier service sucks they don’t have any problem taking your money but when it comes to taking care of your internet services they take thier sweet ass time I’m on day 3 still waiting kids can’t do thier remote learning thanks to the
Dennis Harrington - January 15, 2021 @ 22:13
Every call is put on hold initially for 20-30 minutes. The agents are generally very polite, but don’t always know basics of their services. I have had landline and internet for approximately 6 or 7 years because I was told landline was needed for internet. i have never used the landline. I asked for the landline to be d/c last Friday 1/8/21, ( 28 min wait) It was shut off on 1/11/21. Unfortunately, the internet has been spotty and sometimes completely inoperable since. I am waiting on hold again for an agent (30 mins estimated wait time), after having been d/c already after a 8 min. wait. I have unplugged/plugged the modem; pushed the power button, and am out of options on my end. Maybe I will get to speak to an agent this time. I will update after I get a response from Consolidated.
Every call is put on hold initially for 20-30 minutes. The agents are generally very polite, but don’t always know basics of their services. I have had landline and internet for approximately 6 or 7 years because I was told landline was needed
Dennis Harrington - January 15, 2021 @ 22:52
After being on hold for 38 mins, Shelby answered, (very polite and professional) She told me I needed to be transferred to internet services. It was a warm transfer (thank you) after another 8 mins on hold. James had me repeat all info again and verify who I am (why?). James needed to put me on hold for another 2 mins. When he returned he told me a technician would be at my house within 48 hours and gave me a ticket #. Phone call was 1hr, 1 min total. No resolution to problem, but a promise someone will work on it within 48 hours. I will update again after technician visit.
After being on hold for 38 mins, Shelby answered, (very polite and professional) She told me I needed to be transferred to internet services. It was a warm transfer (thank you) after another 8 mins on hold. James had me repeat all info again and veri
Marc - January 17, 2021 @ 22:05
I have been using the blazing internet package for 3 years now. There are occasional outages, mostly late evenings and nights while I’m gaming but overall we are pretty happy with the service. I have only had to call customer service 2 times, the first time they were helpful and really tried to assist me. The second time they were not much help at all and the problem seamed to clear up within a day.
I have been using the blazing internet package for 3 years now. There are occasional outages, mostly late evenings and nights while I’m gaming but overall we are pretty happy with the service. I have only had to call customer service 2 times, t
Dennis Harrington - January 20, 2021 @ 01:55
I was told that a technology person would come to my house, but would call first. When I got home tonight at 5pm there was a package at my door with a new modem and a note saying everything on the company’s end was good. The modem had a sticker that gave the SSID and P/W. I hooked up the modem, The password doesn’t work. I’ll have to call tech support tomorrow.
I was told that a technology person would come to my house, but would call first. When I got home tonight at 5pm there was a package at my door with a new modem and a note saying everything on the company’s end was good. The modem had a sticker