EarthLink vs. Rural Telecom

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Rural Telecom 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 and Rural Telecom compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and Rural Telecom serving 8,152. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Rural Telecom specializes in DSL connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Rural Telecom's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

EarthLink vs. Rural Telecom | Pros & Cons

EarthLink vs. Rural Telecom | Availability

EarthLink and Rural Telecom 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 | Rural Telecom 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, Rural Telecom serves 8,152 residents in 26 cities and 6 counties in 3 states, with a presence in population centers such as Nehalem, OR; Reno, NV; and Glenns Ferry, ID.

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

EarthLink vs. Rural Telecom | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and Rural Telecom 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. Rural Telecom relies on DSL technology, which comprises 82.2% of their network, with cable available in 15.8% 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 Rural Telecom's average speed of 136 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, EarthLink delivers faster speeds in 99.44% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.56%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

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, Rural Telecom's top-tier Fiber is available to 7.8% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Rural Telecom | Plans & Pricing

Unfortunately, neither EarthLink nor Rural Telecom has complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data in the required machine-readable format. This lack of transparency from both providers makes it impossible to offer you standardized, accurate plan comparisons. While we await their compliance with these federal consumer protection measures, we recommend visiting their websites or contacting them directly for pricing information.

At ISP Reports, we simplify complex data to help you make informed decisions. Even without standardized pricing data, you can still explore customer reviews, local speed tests, and detailed coverage maps. To discover all available providers at your location, use our comprehensive address search tool

EarthLink Plans

Rural Telecom 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. Rural Telecom | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, EarthLink earns an overall rating of 3.67 / 5 stars from 12 customer reviews, while Rural Telecom maintains a 0.00 / 5 rating from 0 reviews. Rural Telecom outperforms EarthLink by 0.00 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 4.20 / 5 stars, compared to Rural Telecom's highest-rated service, , at 0.00 / 5 stars.

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. Rural Telecom | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while Rural Telecom is available in 26 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.