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EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications 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.

EarthLink
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, DSL, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (12)

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Independence Telecommunications
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 250 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and cable
Rating (Reviews): (2)

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EarthLink and Independence Telecommunications compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and Independence Telecommunications serving 7,618. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Independence Telecommunications specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Independence Telecommunications’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications | Pros & Cons

EarthLink Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Widespread national availability
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Works with smart home devices

Cons:

  • May require credit check for service activation
  • Coverage strength varies within service areas
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure

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Independence Telecommunications Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Multiple payment options available
  • Works with smart home devices

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • May require credit check for service activation
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure

View Plans

EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications | Availability

EarthLink and Independence Telecommunications 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 | EarthLink Available | Independence Telecommunications Available | No Coverage

EarthLink currently offers internet service in 40,546 cities and 2,905 counties across 48 states, reaching approximately 268,204,138 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Independence Telecommunications serves 7,618 residents in 3 cities and 1 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Independence, IA; Rowley, IA; and Otterville, IA.

EarthLink has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 14 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Independence Telecommunications is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 21, Independence Telecommunications focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

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

EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and Independence Telecommunications utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, EarthLink primarily delivers internet through DSL, available to 41.6% of their customers. They also offer fiber to 41.4% of their coverage area. Independence Telecommunications relies on fiber technology, which comprises 72.5% of their network, with cable available in 41.1% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, EarthLink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,411 Mbps compared to Independence Telecommunications’s average speed of 794 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, EarthLink 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. EarthLink’s premium Fiber service reaches 41.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Independence Telecommunications’s top-tier Fiber is available to 72.5% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Earthlink and Independence Telecommunications, 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.

Earthlink Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fiber 100$39.95100 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 300$49.95300 MbpsNot listedFiber
Unlimited 5G Home Internet$59.95100 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless
18 Mbps Internet$64.9518 MbpsNot listedDSL
45 Mbps Internet$64.9545 MbpsNot listedDSL
Fiber 500$69.95500 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 1 Gig$79.951000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 2 Gig$109.952000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Fiber 5 Gig$149.955000 MbpsNot listedFiber

Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified June 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

EarthLink Plans

Independence Telecommunications Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Residential Standard$59.95100 Mbps100 MbpsFiber
Residential Plus$89.95250 Mbps250 MbpsFiber
Gigabit (Fiber Customer Only)$99.951000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Independence Telecommunications'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.

Independence Telecommunications 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.

EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Independence Telecommunications based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, EarthLink earns an overall rating of 3.40 / 5 stars from 15 customer reviews, while Independence Telecommunications maintains a 4.50 / 5 rating from 2 reviews. Independence Telecommunications outperforms Earthlink by 1.1 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 3.67 / 5 stars, compared to Independence Telecommunications’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 4.50 / 5 stars.

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.67 of 5 stars

(6)

DSL

DSL: 3.20 of 5 stars

(5)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.25 of 5 stars

(4)

EarthLink has an overall rating of 3.40 out of 5, with a total of 15 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into EarthLink’s ratings, their Fiber service (40% of reviews) averages 3.67 / 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 EarthLink Internet Reviews page.

Independence Telecommunications Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 4.50 of 5 stars

(2)

Independence Telecommunications has an overall rating of 4.50 out of 5, with a total of 2 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Independence Telecommunications’s ratings, their Fiber service (100% of reviews) averages 4.50 / 5 stars, equal to 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 Independence Telecommunications Internet Reviews page.

EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications | 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.

EarthLink Service

Fee

Not Provided by Earthlink

Independence Telecommunications Service

Fee

Not Provided by Independence Telecommunications

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.

EarthLink vs. Independence Telecommunications | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while Independence Telecommunications is available in 3 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

EarthLink Cities

New York, NY
  • Availability: 93.53%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,625 Mbps
Los Angeles, CA
  • Availability: 94.20%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,484 Mbps
Chicago, IL
  • Availability: 96.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,124 Mbps
Dallas, TX
  • Availability: 93.66%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,867 Mbps
Houston, TX
  • Availability: 93.43%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 3,310 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Independence, IA
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 43 Mbps
  • Independence Telecommunications Avg. Speed: 916 Mbps
Rowley, IA
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 33 Mbps
  • Independence Telecommunications Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Otterville, IA
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 51 Mbps
  • Independence Telecommunications Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Independence Telecommunications Cities

Independence, IA
  • Availability: 90.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 772 Mbps
Rowley, IA
  • Availability: 48.55%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Otterville, IA
  • Availability: 49.58%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 970 Mbps