Which is better, Brightspeed or Mainstream Fiber Networks?

Mainstream Fiber Networks is faster where you can get it, but Brightspeed reaches 97 times as many people, so at most addresses Brightspeed is the one on offer. Where both are offered (about 1,377 people), Mainstream Fiber Networks has the faster top speed for 100% of homes.

FasterMainstream Fiber NetworksFaster for 100% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (76 and 2).

Available to more peopleBrightspeed13.5 million people in 20 states, vs 139,044 in 1 state.

Brightspeed
Price: $39.99 - $109.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: DSL, fiber, and fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (76)
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Mainstream Fiber Networks
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber
Rating (Reviews): (2)
View Plans

Brightspeed vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks at a glance

Measure	Brightspeed	Mainstream Fiber Networks
Available to	13.5 million people in 20 states	139,044 people in 1 state
Main technology	DSL 88%, fiber 43%, fixed wireless 4%	Fiber 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	2,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	2,000 Mbps down, 2,000 Mbps up	Not listed
Starting price	$49 a month	Not listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$1,176 (200 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.1 of 5 (76 reviews)	3.0 of 5 (2 reviews)
Rated for speed	3.0 of 5	3.0 of 5
Rated for price	3.4 of 5	2.5 of 5
Where both are offered	About 1,377 people (1% of Mainstream Fiber Networks's area); Mainstream Fiber Networks is faster for 100% of them

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Brightspeed and Mainstream Fiber Networks are available

Brightspeed and Mainstream Fiber Networks 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.

Brightspeed currently offers internet service in 7,784 cities and 827 counties across 20 states, reaching approximately 13,910,106 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Raleigh, NC; St. Louis, MO; and New York, NY. By comparison, Mainstream Fiber Networks serves 139,044 residents in 123 cities and 20 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Louisville, KY; Newburgh, IN; and Corydon, IN.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Brightspeed coverage map and Mainstream Fiber Networks coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Brightspeed, Mainstream Fiber Networks or both are offered at your home.

Brightspeed vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks Speeds and Technology

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

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Mainstream Fiber Networks offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,000 Mbps compared to Brightspeed’s average speed of 779 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Brightspeed’s premium Fiber service reaches 41.3% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Mainstream Fiber Networks’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Brightspeed vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Brightspeed, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, Mainstream Fiber Networks has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent Mainstream Fiber Networks, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

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. Mainstream Fiber Networks Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Brightspeed earns an overall rating of 3.09 / 5 stars from 76 customer reviews, while Mainstream Fiber Networks maintains a 3.00 / 5 rating from 2 reviews. Brightspeed outperforms Mainstream Fiber Networks by 0.1 points in overall satisfaction. Brightspeed’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.84 / 5 stars, compared to Mainstream Fiber Networks’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.00 / 5 stars.

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. Mainstream Fiber Networks Pros and Cons

Brightspeed

From 52 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Good value: praised in 15 of 52 written reviews (6 call it overpriced). "the price point is great"
• Easy installation: praised in 5 of 52 written reviews (4 had install trouble). "installation technician was courteous and professional"
• No data caps: praised in 4 of 52 written reviews. "I have no Data caps either"

Cons

• Outages and drops: a complaint in 17 of 52 written reviews (9 call it reliable). "Our internet continues to fail. We have outages frequently."
• Slower than promised: a complaint in 16 of 52 written reviews (10 call it fast). "that 5% of the time where speeds have been quite slow"
• Poor customer service: a complaint in 15 of 52 written reviews. "The wait time for repair on their faulty lines is atrocious."

Mainstream Fiber Networks

Too few written reviews to sum up yet (1); these lines come from our data.

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 100% of those homes.

Cons

Brightspeed vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks Top Cities

Brightspeed serves 7,784 cities while Mainstream Fiber Networks is available in 123 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.