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Brightspeed vs. Upward Access

Whether you’re researching Brightspeed vs. Upward Access 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)

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Upward Access
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 25 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Brightspeed and Upward Access compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Brightspeed covering 13,397,700 people nationwide and Upward Access serving 12,273. Brightspeed primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Upward Access specializes in fixed wireless connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Brightspeed and Upward Access’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Brightspeed vs. Upward Access | 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

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Upward Access Logo

Pros:

  • Service available in rural areas
  • Multiple payment options available
  • Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
  • Includes standard security features

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited download speeds
  • Limited fiber availability

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Brightspeed vs. Upward Access | Availability

Brightspeed and Upward Access 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 | Upward Access 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, Upward Access serves 12,273 residents in 17 cities and 2 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Portland, OR; Hillsboro, OR; and Gaston, OR.

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..

Upward Access is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 96, Upward Access 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 Upward Access at your location, use our address search tool:

Brightspeed vs. Upward Access | Speeds & Technology

Brightspeed and Upward Access 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. Upward Access relies on fixed wireless technology, which comprises 100.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Brightspeed offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 673 Mbps compared to Upward Access’s average speed of 25 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Brightspeed delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

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, Upward Access’s top-tier fixed wireless 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. Upward Access | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Brightspeed and Upward Access, 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

Upward Access Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Basic$35.004 Mbps3 MbpsFixed Wireless
Bronze$50.008 Mbps4 MbpsFixed Wireless
Silver$65.0012 Mbps6 MbpsFixed Wireless
Gold$80.0015 Mbps8 MbpsFixed Wireless
Platinum$95.0020 Mbps10 MbpsFixed Wireless
Platinum +$110.0025 Mbps12 MbpsFixed Wireless

Sourced from pricing published on Upward Access'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.

Upward Access 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. Upward Access | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

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.

Brightspeed vs. Upward Access | 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

Upward Access Service

Fee

Not Provided by Upward Access

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. Upward Access | Top Cities

Brightspeed serves 7,239 cities while Upward Access is available in 17 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

Brightspeed and Upward Access don't compete in any cities.InfoWe still compare these non-competing providers because many of our users are researching internet options for different locations—whether for an upcoming move, a second home purchase, or simply to understand regional differences in internet service. This comparison helps you evaluate both providers based on the same criteria, giving you valuable insight regardless of where you currently live.

Upward Access Cities

Portland, OR
  • Availability: 0.40%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps
Hillsboro, OR
  • Availability: 2.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps
Gaston, OR
  • Availability: 57.17%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps
Newberg, OR
  • Availability: 6.05%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps
Cornelius, OR
  • Availability: 10.64%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 25 Mbps