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EarthLink vs. Summit Broadband

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Summit Broadband 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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Summit Broadband
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 300 - 40,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, cable, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (5)

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EarthLink and Summit Broadband compete directly in approximately 0.06% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and Summit Broadband serving 210,626. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Summit Broadband specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Summit Broadband's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

EarthLink vs. Summit Broadband | 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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Summit Broadband Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Multiple payment options available
  • Includes standard security features

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • May require credit check for service activation
  • Higher speeds require premium pricing

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EarthLink vs. Summit Broadband | Availability

EarthLink and Summit Broadband 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 | Summit Broadband 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, Summit Broadband serves 210,626 residents in 49 cities and 10 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Orlando, FL; Naples, FL; and Fort Myers, FL.

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..

Summit Broadband is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 2, Summit Broadband 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 Summit Broadband at your location, use our address search tool:

EarthLink vs. Summit Broadband | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and Summit Broadband 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. Summit Broadband relies on fiber technology, which comprises 76.7% of their network, with cable available in 31.8% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Summit Broadband offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 8,813 Mbps compared to EarthLink's average speed of 1,411 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Summit Broadband delivers faster speeds in 18.91% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 81.09%.

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, Summit Broadband's top-tier Fiber is available to 76.7% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Summit Broadband | Plans & Pricing

Unfortunately, neither EarthLink nor Summit Broadband 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

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. Summit Broadband | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Summit Broadband 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 Summit Broadband maintains a 3.00 / 5 rating from 5 reviews. EarthLink outperforms Summit Broadband by 0.67 points in overall satisfaction. EarthLink's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 4.20 / 5 stars, compared to Summit Broadband's highest-rated service, fiber, at 2.50 / 5 stars.

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 4.20 of 5 stars

5

Cable

Cable: 2.67 of 5 stars

3

DSL

DSL: 3.75 of 5 stars

4

EarthLink has an overall rating of 3.67 out of 5, with a total of 12 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into EarthLink's ratings, their fiber service (42% of reviews) averages 4.20 / 5 stars, lower 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 EarthLink Internet Reviews page.

Summit Broadband Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 2.50 of 5 stars

4

Summit Broadband has an overall rating of 3.00 out of 5, with a total of 5 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly lower than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Summit Broadband's ratings, their fiber service (80% of reviews) averages 2.50 / 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 Summit Broadband Internet Reviews page.

EarthLink vs. Summit Broadband | 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

Summit Broadband Service

Fee

Not Provided by Summit Broadband

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. Summit Broadband | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while Summit Broadband is available in 49 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

Orlando, FL
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 2,131 Mbps
  • Summit Broadband Avg. Speed: 7,182 Mbps
Naples, FL
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 161 Mbps
  • Summit Broadband Avg. Speed: 16,417 Mbps
Fort Myers, FL
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 66 Mbps
  • Summit Broadband Avg. Speed: 9,205 Mbps
Marco Island, FL
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 61 Mbps
  • Summit Broadband Avg. Speed: 14,837 Mbps
Alafaya, FL
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 2,589 Mbps
  • Summit Broadband Avg. Speed: 611 Mbps

Summit Broadband Cities

Orlando, FL
  • Availability: 4.17%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,357 Mbps
Naples, FL
  • Availability: 14.95%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 14,216 Mbps
Fort Myers, FL
  • Availability: 3.54%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 8,821 Mbps
Marco Island, FL
  • Availability: 99.37%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 14,476 Mbps
Leesburg, FL
  • Availability: 22.29%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,000 Mbps