Advertiser Disclosure: We may earn commissions when you buy through links on our site. Learn more

EarthLink vs. Netwave Broadband

Whether you’re researching EarthLink vs. Netwave 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: $39.95 - $149.95 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless, fiber, and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (15)

View Plans

Netwave Broadband
Price: $65.00 - $129.00 / mo.
Speed: 125 - 500 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

View Plans

EarthLink and Netwave Broadband compete directly in approximately 0.11% of their service areas, with EarthLink covering 269,769,206 people nationwide and Netwave Broadband serving 371,075. EarthLink primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Netwave Broadband specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of EarthLink and Netwave Broadband’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

EarthLink vs. Netwave Broadband | Pros & Cons

EarthLink Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Widespread national availability
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • No contracts required

Cons:

  • Limited plan variety
  • Customers report speed issues
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure

View Plans

Netwave Broadband Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Fiber service available
  • Connects multiple devices simultaneously
  • Multiple payment options available

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Higher speeds require premium pricing

View Plans

EarthLink vs. Netwave Broadband | Availability

EarthLink and Netwave 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 | Netwave Broadband Available | No Coverage

EarthLink currently offers internet service in 41,344 cities and 2,917 counties across 48 states, reaching approximately 269,769,206 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, Netwave Broadband serves 371,075 residents in 70 cities and 9 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Minneapolis, MN; Shakopee, MN; and Lakeville, MN.

EarthLink has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 15 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

Netwave Broadband is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 21, Netwave 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 Netwave Broadband at your location, use our address search tool:

EarthLink vs. Netwave Broadband | Speeds & Technology

EarthLink and Netwave 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 fiber, available to 0.0% of their customers. They also offer DSL to less than 1% of their coverage area. Netwave Broadband relies on fiber technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, with fixed wireless available in less than 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 1,532 Mbps compared to Netwave Broadband’s average speed of 181 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, EarthLink delivers faster speeds in 11.13% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 88.87%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. EarthLink’s premium Fiber service reaches 42.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Netwave Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 14.5% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

EarthLink vs. Netwave Broadband | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for EarthLink and Netwave Broadband, 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$59.95300 Mbps30 MbpsFixed 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

Netwave Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fixed Wireless$65.00125 Mbps35 MbpsFixed Wireless
Custom Fiber Service$129.001000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Netwave Broadband's official website, 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.

Netwave Broadband 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. Netwave Broadband | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate EarthLink and Netwave Broadband 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. Netwave 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

Netwave Broadband Service

Fee

Not Provided by Netwave Broadband

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. Netwave Broadband | Top Cities

EarthLink serves 41,344 cities while Netwave Broadband is available in 70 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

EarthLink Cities

New York, NY
  • Availability: 94.04%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,933 Mbps
Los Angeles, CA
  • Availability: 91.49%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,613 Mbps
Chicago, IL
  • Availability: 96.90%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,256 Mbps
Dallas, TX
  • Availability: 92.32%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 3,066 Mbps
Houston, TX
  • Availability: 93.48%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 3,487 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Minneapolis, MN
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 200 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 186 Mbps
Lakeville, MN
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 61 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 131 Mbps
Shakopee, MN
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 1,624 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 246 Mbps
Prior Lake, MN
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 539 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 302 Mbps
Savage, MN
  • EarthLink Avg. Speed: 35 Mbps
  • Netwave Broadband Avg. Speed: 199 Mbps

Netwave Broadband Cities

Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 9.17%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 182 Mbps
Shakopee, MN
  • Availability: 98.11%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 230 Mbps
Lakeville, MN
  • Availability: 73.44%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 131 Mbps
Prior Lake, MN
  • Availability: 97.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 301 Mbps
Savage, MN
  • Availability: 79.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 196 Mbps