Advertiser Disclosure: We may earn commissions when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications

Whether you’re researching Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Brightspeed
Price: $49.00 - $109.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (64)

View Plans

Amherst Communications
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (4)

View Plans

Brightspeed and Amherst Communications compete directly in approximately 0.01% of their service areas, with Brightspeed covering 13,397,700 people nationwide and Amherst Communications serving 31,764. Brightspeed primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Amherst Communications specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Brightspeed and Amherst Communications’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications | Pros & Cons

Brightspeed Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • Wide range of plan options

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure
  • Higher speeds require premium pricing

View Plans

Amherst Communications Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Highly rated by customers
  • Extensive fiber network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Speeds fluctuate during peak usage hours
  • Coverage strength varies within service areas

View Plans

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications | Availability

Brightspeed and Amherst Communications have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | Brightspeed Available | Amherst Communications Available | No Coverage

Brightspeed currently offers internet service in 7,239 cities and 798 counties across 20 states, reaching approximately 13,397,700 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Raleigh, NC; St. Louis, MO; and New York, NY. By comparison, Amherst Communications serves 31,764 residents in 40 cities and 6 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Stevens Point, WI; Amherst, WI; and Waupaca, WI.

Brightspeed has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 52 indicates they offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas..

Amherst Communications is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 98, Amherst Communications has a strong emphasis on rural communities, providing extensive coverage in less densely populated areas.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Brightspeed and Amherst Communications at your location, use our address search tool:

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications | Speeds & Technology

Brightspeed and Amherst Communications utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Brightspeed primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 86.1% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 36.1% of their coverage area. Amherst Communications relies on fiber technology, which comprises 99.8% of their network, with DSL available in 6.6% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Amherst Communications offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 998 Mbps compared to Brightspeed’s average speed of 673 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Amherst Communications delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 100.00%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Brightspeed’s premium Fiber service reaches 36.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Amherst Communications’s top-tier Fiber is available to 99.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Brightspeed and Amherst Communications, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

Brightspeed Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fiber 200 Mbps$49.00200 Mbps200 MbpsFiber
Fiber 300 Mbps$49.00300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
Internet 100 Mbps$65.00100 MbpsNot listedDSL
Fiber 500 Mbps$79.00500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
Fiber 1 Gig$79.001000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
Fiber 2 Gig$109.002000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber

Sourced directly from Brightspeed's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Brightspeed Plans

Amherst Communications Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
300M$74.99300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
500M$84.99500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
700M$99.99700 Mbps700 MbpsFiber
1000M$129.991000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Amherst Communications's official website. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Amherst Communications Plans

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Brightspeed and Amherst Communications based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Brightspeed earns an overall rating of 3.11 / 5 stars from 72 customer reviews, while Amherst Communications maintains a 4.25 / 5 rating from 4 reviews. Amherst Communications outperforms Brightspeed by 1.1 points in overall satisfaction. Brightspeed’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.84 / 5 stars, compared to Amherst Communications’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.33 / 5 stars.

Brightspeed Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.84 of 5 stars

(31)

DSL

DSL: 2.56 of 5 stars

(41)

Brightspeed has an overall rating of 3.11 out of 5, with a total of 72 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Brightspeed’s ratings, their DSL service (57% of reviews) averages 2.56 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This difference suggests that customers have notably different experiences with their various service types, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Brightspeed Internet Reviews page.

Amherst Communications Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 4.33 of 5 stars

(3)

DSL

DSL: 4.00 of 5 stars

(1)

Amherst Communications has an overall rating of 4.25 out of 5, with a total of 4 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Amherst Communications’s ratings, their Fiber service (75% of reviews) averages 4.33 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Amherst Communications Internet Reviews page.

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

Brightspeed Service

Fee

Standard Installation Fee

$30

Tech Installation Fee

$99

Modem Rental

$17.99

Amherst Communications Service

Fee

Not Provided by Amherst Communications

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Brightspeed vs. Amherst Communications | Top Cities

Brightspeed serves 7,239 cities while Amherst Communications is available in 40 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Brightspeed Cities

Raleigh, NC
  • Availability: 29.47%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 733 Mbps
St. Louis, MO
  • Availability: 11.11%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 256 Mbps
New York, NY
  • Availability: 1.46%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,006 Mbps
Houston, TX
  • Availability: 3.99%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 796 Mbps
Fayetteville, NC
  • Availability: 95.92%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 403 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Wild Rose, WI
  • Brightspeed Avg. Speed: 68 Mbps
  • Amherst Communications Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Richford, WI
  • Brightspeed Avg. Speed: 62 Mbps
  • Amherst Communications Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Wautoma, WI
  • Brightspeed Avg. Speed: 56 Mbps
  • Amherst Communications Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Hancock, WI
  • Brightspeed Avg. Speed: 43 Mbps
  • Amherst Communications Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Plainfield, WI
  • Brightspeed Avg. Speed: 10 Mbps
  • Amherst Communications Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Amherst Communications Cities

Stevens Point, WI
  • Availability: 9.33%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Amherst, WI
  • Availability: 99.59%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Waupaca, WI
  • Availability: 15.87%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Custer, WI
  • Availability: 100.00%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Plainfield, WI
  • Availability: 99.95%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 970 Mbps