EarthLink vs. Tel-Star Communications

Maintained by:Carson WardData & methodology:Wes WardLast updated:{{date_modified_text}}July 7, 2026

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Tel-Star Communications 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)
View Plans

Tel-Star Communications

Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 500 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

EarthLink and Tel-Star Communications compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 268,204,138 people nationwide and Tel-Star Communications serving 15,302. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a DSL connection; Tel-Star Communications specializes in cable connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Tel-Star Communications’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

EarthLink vs. Tel-Star Communications | 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

View Plans

Pros:

Fast upload speeds
Service available in rural areas
Extensive fiber network
Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices

Cons:

Limited service availability
Coverage strength varies within service areas
Higher speeds require premium pricing

View Plans

EarthLink vs. Tel-Star Communications | Availability

EarthLink and Tel-Star Communications 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 | Tel-Star Communications 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, Tel-Star Communications serves 15,302 residents in 25 cities and 4 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Mapleton, IL; Mackinaw, IL; and Edwards, IL.

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

EarthLink vs. Tel-Star Communications | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and Tel-Star Communications 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. Tel-Star Communications relies on cable technology, which comprises 58.8% of their network, with fiber available in 42.4% 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 Tel-Star Communications’s average speed of 971 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, Tel-Star Communications’s top-tier Fiber is available to 42.4% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Tel-Star Communications | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Earthlink and Tel-Star Communications, 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.

EarthLink Plans

Tel-Star Communications Internet Plans & Pricing

Plan	Monthly Price	Typical Download Speed	Typical Upload Speed	Connection Type
Fiber 75MB	$46.00	75 Mbps	75 Mbps	Fiber
Fiber 200MB	$65.00	200 Mbps	200 Mbps	Fiber
Fiber 300MB	$80.00	300 Mbps	300 Mbps	Fiber
Fiber 500MB	$95.00	500 Mbps	500 Mbps	Fiber
Fiber Gig	$105.00	1000 Mbps	1000 Mbps	Fiber
Fiber 2-Gig	$145.00	2000 Mbps	2000 Mbps	Fiber

Sourced from pricing published on Tel-Star Communications'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.

Tel-Star Communications 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. Tel-Star Communications | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Tel-Star Communications based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

EarthLink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

(6)

DSL

(5)

Fixed Wireless

(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.

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. Tel-Star Communications | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 40,546 cities while Tel-Star Communications is available in 25 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.