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EarthLink vs. Southern Tier Wireless

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Southern Tier Wireless 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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Southern Tier Wireless
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 75 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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EarthLink and Southern Tier Wireless compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and Southern Tier Wireless serving 99,918. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Southern Tier Wireless specializes in fixed wireless connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Southern Tier Wireless’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

EarthLink vs. Southern Tier Wireless | 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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Southern Tier Wireless Logo

Pros:

  • Service available in rural areas
  • Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
  • Multiple payment options available
  • Connects multiple devices simultaneously

Cons:

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

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EarthLink vs. Southern Tier Wireless | Availability

EarthLink and Southern Tier Wireless 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 | Southern Tier Wireless 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, Southern Tier Wireless serves 99,918 residents in 116 cities and 6 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Hornell, NY; Rochester, NY; and Buffalo, NY.

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..

Southern Tier Wireless is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 79, Southern Tier Wireless 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 EarthLink and Southern Tier Wireless at your location, use our address search tool:

EarthLink vs. Southern Tier Wireless | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and Southern Tier Wireless 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. Southern Tier Wireless 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, EarthLink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,411 Mbps compared to Southern Tier Wireless’s average speed of 70 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 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, Southern Tier Wireless’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.

EarthLink vs. Southern Tier Wireless | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Earthlink and Southern Tier Wireless, 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

Southern Tier Wireless Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Copper Package$39.0012 Mbps8 MbpsFixed Wireless
Bronze Package$50.0016 Mbps10 MbpsFixed Wireless
Silver Package$61.0020 Mbps15 MbpsFixed Wireless
Gold Package$83.0025 Mbps25 MbpsFixed Wireless

Sourced from pricing published on Southern Tier Wireless'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.

Southern Tier Wireless 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. Southern Tier Wireless | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

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.

EarthLink vs. Southern Tier Wireless | 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

Southern Tier Wireless Service

Fee

Not Provided by Southern Tier Wireless

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. Southern Tier Wireless | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while Southern Tier Wireless is available in 116 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

EarthLink and Southern Tier Wireless 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.

Southern Tier Wireless Cities

Hornell, NY
  • Availability: 92.25%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 75 Mbps
Rochester, NY
  • Availability: 0.88%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 32 Mbps
Buffalo, NY
  • Availability: 0.79%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 75 Mbps
Wellsville, NY
  • Availability: 79.75%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 75 Mbps
Springville, NY
  • Availability: 84.15%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 75 Mbps