Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric
Whether you’re researching Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric 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.
| Frontier |
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| Price: $44.99 - $134.99 / mo. |
| Speed: 10 - 7,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fiber and DSL |
Rating (Reviews): (143) |
| Federated Rural Electric |
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| Price: Unavailable, please see site for details |
| Speed: 40 - 1,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
Frontier and Federated Rural Electric compete directly in approximately 0.08% of their service areas, with Frontier covering 30,614,897 people nationwide and Federated Rural Electric serving 56,798. Frontier primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Federated Rural Electric specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Frontier and Federated Rural Electric’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.
Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees
Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric | Pros & Cons

Pros:
- Multi-gig speeds available
- Up-front month-to-month pricing
- Wide range of plan options
- No contracts required
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Early termination fees apply
- May require credit check for service activation

Pros:
- Service available in rural areas
- Primarily fiber-based network
- Works with smart home devices
- Connects multiple devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Limited service availability
- Limited download speeds
- Limited fiber availability
Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric | Availability
Frontier and Federated Rural Electric 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 | Frontier Available | Federated Rural Electric Available | No Coverage
Frontier currently offers internet service in 9,825 cities and 833 counties across 26 states, reaching approximately 30,614,897 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Los Angeles, CA; Riverside, CA; and Tampa, FL. By comparison, Federated Rural Electric serves 56,798 residents in 70 cities and 10 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Fairmont, MN; Worthington, MN; and Spirit Lake, IA.
Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Frontier and Federated Rural Electric at your location, use our address search tool:
Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric | Speeds & Technology
Frontier and Federated Rural Electric utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
Across their service areas, Frontier primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 72.5% of their customers. They also offer DSL to 47.1% of their coverage area. Federated Rural Electric relies on fiber technology, which comprises 3.2% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 97.6% of their service locations.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, Frontier offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 4,757 Mbps compared to Federated Rural Electric’s average speed of 70 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Frontier delivers faster speeds in 34.23% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 65.77%.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Frontier’s premium Fiber service reaches 72.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Federated Rural Electric’s top-tier Fiber is available to 3.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric | Plans & Pricing
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Frontier, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, Federated Rural Electric has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.
If you represent Federated Rural Electric, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.
Frontier Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber 500 | $39.99 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $59.99 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $74.99 | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $99.99 | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Fiber 7 Gig | $119.99 | 7000 Mbps | 7000 Mbps | Fiber |
Sourced from pricing published on Frontier'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.
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.
Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric | Customer Ratings & Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Frontier and Federated Rural Electric based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric | 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.
Federated Rural Electric has not provided standardized fee information through their FCC broadband label data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their true service costs beyond advertised rates. For current fee information, we recommend contacting Federated Rural Electric directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.
Frontier Service
Fee
Not Provided by Frontier
Federated Rural Electric Service
Fee
Not Provided by Federated Rural Electric
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.
Frontier vs. Federated Rural Electric | Top Cities
Frontier serves 9,825 cities while Federated Rural Electric is available in 70 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Frontier Cities
- Availability: 28.56%
- Avg. Download Speed: 6,051 Mbps
- Availability: 64.85%
- Avg. Download Speed: 6,302 Mbps
- Availability: 75.07%
- Avg. Download Speed: 6,723 Mbps
- Availability: 23.12%
- Avg. Download Speed: 6,498 Mbps
- Availability: 95.23%
- Avg. Download Speed: 6,456 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- Frontier Avg. Speed: 54 Mbps
- Federated Rural Electric Avg. Speed: 40 Mbps
- Frontier Avg. Speed: 20 Mbps
- Federated Rural Electric Avg. Speed: 40 Mbps
- Frontier Avg. Speed: 31 Mbps
- Federated Rural Electric Avg. Speed: 151 Mbps
- Frontier Avg. Speed: 61 Mbps
- Federated Rural Electric Avg. Speed: 40 Mbps
- Frontier Avg. Speed: 45 Mbps
- Federated Rural Electric Avg. Speed: 40 Mbps
Federated Rural Electric Cities
- Availability: 78.72%
- Avg. Download Speed: 40 Mbps
- Availability: 45.58%
- Avg. Download Speed: 40 Mbps
- Availability: 84.93%
- Avg. Download Speed: 40 Mbps
- Availability: 70.37%
- Avg. Download Speed: 40 Mbps
- Availability: 91.97%
- Avg. Download Speed: 79 Mbps
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