EarthLink vs. Sierra Tel
Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Sierra Tel 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 |
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| Price: Unavailable, please see site for details |
| Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless, DSL, and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (12) |
| Sierra Tel |
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| Price: Unavailable, please see site for details |
| Speed: 10 - 800 Mbps |
| Internet Type: DSL and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
EarthLink and Sierra Tel compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and Sierra Tel serving 34,101. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Sierra Tel specializes in DSL connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Sierra Tel’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
EarthLink vs. Sierra Tel | Pros & Cons

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

Pros:
- Fast upload speeds
- Service available in rural areas
- Extensive fiber network
- Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- May require credit check for service activation
- Performance depends on local infrastructure
EarthLink vs. Sierra Tel | Availability
EarthLink and Sierra Tel 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 | Sierra Tel 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, Sierra Tel serves 34,101 residents in 19 cities and 2 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Fresno, CA; Coarsegold, CA; and Oakhurst, CA.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about EarthLink and Sierra Tel at your location, use our address search tool:
EarthLink vs. Sierra Tel | Speeds & Technology
EarthLink and Sierra Tel 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. Sierra Tel relies on DSL technology, which comprises 99.4% of their network, with fiber available in 47.1% 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 Sierra Tel’s average speed of 398 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, EarthLink delivers faster speeds in 5.38% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 4.56%, and slower speeds in 90.07%.
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, Sierra Tel’s top-tier Fiber is available to 47.1% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
EarthLink vs. Sierra Tel | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Earthlink and Sierra Tel, 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
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 100 | $39.95 | 100 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber 300 | $49.95 | 300 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Unlimited 5G Home Internet | $59.95 | 100 Mbps | Not listed | Fixed Wireless |
| 18 Mbps Internet | $64.95 | 18 Mbps | Not listed | DSL |
| 45 Mbps Internet | $64.95 | 45 Mbps | Not listed | DSL |
| Fiber 500 | $69.95 | 500 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $79.95 | 1000 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $109.95 | 2000 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $149.95 | 5000 Mbps | Not listed | Fiber |
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.
Sierra Tel Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $59.95 | 5 Mbps | 5 Mbps | DSL |
| Bronze | $69.95 | 10 Mbps | 5 Mbps | DSL |
| Gold | $89.95 | 25 Mbps | 5 Mbps | DSL |
| Ultra | $114.95 | 50 Mbps | 25 Mbps | Fiber |
| Maxx 200 | $224.95 | 200 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Fiber |
| Maxx 800S | $874.95 | 750 Mbps | 750 Mbps | Fiber |
Sourced directly from Sierra Tel'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.
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. Sierra Tel | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Sierra Tel based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
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. Sierra Tel | Top Cities
EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while Sierra Tel is available in 19 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
EarthLink Cities
- Availability: 93.53%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,625 Mbps
- Availability: 94.20%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,484 Mbps
- Availability: 96.73%
- Avg. Download Speed: 1,124 Mbps
- Availability: 93.66%
- Avg. Download Speed: 2,867 Mbps
- Availability: 93.43%
- Avg. Download Speed: 3,310 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,642 Mbps
- Sierra Tel Avg. Speed: 749 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 25 Mbps
- Sierra Tel Avg. Speed: 800 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 25 Mbps
- Sierra Tel Avg. Speed: 229 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 25 Mbps
- Sierra Tel Avg. Speed: 50 Mbps
- EarthLink Avg. Speed: 25 Mbps
- Sierra Tel Avg. Speed: 190 Mbps
Sierra Tel Cities
- Availability: 1.90%
- Avg. Download Speed: 445 Mbps
- Availability: 96.28%
- Avg. Download Speed: 537 Mbps
- Availability: 99.19%
- Avg. Download Speed: 344 Mbps
- Availability: 94.21%
- Avg. Download Speed: 328 Mbps
- Availability: 100.00%
- Avg. Download Speed: 434 Mbps
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