Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative
Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side
Check which is available at your address
Whether you’re researching Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative 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.
Which is better, Upward Broadband or Rural Broadband Cooperative?
Upward Broadband is faster and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 18,589 people), Upward Broadband has the faster top speed for 84% of homes.
| Upward Broadband |
|---|
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| Price: $64.95 - $99.95 / mo. |
| Speed: 25 - 500 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
| Rural Broadband Cooperative |
|---|
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| Price: $35.00 - $90.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 100 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless |
Rating (Reviews): (0) |
Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative at a glance
| Measure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Available to | 569,713 people in 3 states | 22,859 people in 1 state |
| Main technology | Fixed wireless 100% | Fixed wireless 100% |
| Top download speed filed with the FCC | 500 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Fastest plan we list | Not listed | 100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up |
| Starting price | Not listed | $35 a month |
| Cheapest plan, first 2 years | Not listed | $840 (15 Mbps plan) |
| Customer rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Rated for speed | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Rated for price | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Where both are offered | About 18,589 people (81% of Rural Broadband Cooperative's area); Upward Broadband is faster for 84% of them, the same top speed for 7% | |
Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.
Where Upward Broadband and Rural Broadband Cooperative are available
Upward Broadband and Rural Broadband Cooperative 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 | Upward Broadband Available | Rural Broadband Cooperative Available | No Coverage
Upward Broadband currently offers internet service in 314 cities and 18 counties across 3 states, reaching approximately 569,713 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Harrisburg, PA; Philadelphia, PA; and State College, PA.
Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Upward Broadband coverage map and Rural Broadband Cooperative coverage map.
Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Upward Broadband, Rural Broadband Cooperative or both are offered at your home.
Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative Speeds and Technology
Upward Broadband and Rural Broadband Cooperative utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, Upward Broadband offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 224 Mbps compared to Rural Broadband Cooperative’s average speed of 100 Mbps.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Upward Broadband’s premium fixed wireless service reaches 100.0% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Rural Broadband Cooperative’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.
Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative Plans and Prices
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Upward Broadband and Rural Broadband Cooperative, 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.
Upward Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100/20 Mbps | $64.95 | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| 200/50 Mbps | $74.95 | 200 Mbps | 50 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| 500/100 Mbps | $84.95 | 500 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| 1000/200 Mbps | $99.95 | 1000 Mbps | 200 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
Verified directly by Upward Broadband, last verified November 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.
Rural Broadband Cooperative Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $35.00 | 15 Mbps | 5 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Family | $70.00 | 40 Mbps | 15 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
| Pro | $90.00 | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Fixed Wireless |
Sourced from pricing published on Rural Broadband Cooperative'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.
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.
Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative Customer Ratings and Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Upward Broadband and Rural Broadband Cooperative based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative Fees and 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.
Upward Broadband Service
Fee
Activation fee (not every plan has one)
$49 or $99
Managed router, optional ($10/mo from April 1, 2027)
$8/mo
Rural Broadband Cooperative Service
Fee
Not Provided by Rural Broadband Cooperative
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.
Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative Pros and Cons
Upward Broadband
No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.
Pros
- Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 84% of those homes.
- Available to more people: 569,713 in 3 states, vs 22,859.
Cons
- Data caps on some plans.
Rural Broadband Cooperative
No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.
Pros
Cons
Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative Top Cities
Upward Broadband serves 314 cities while Rural Broadband Cooperative is available in 44 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Upward Broadband Cities
- Availability: 18.83%
- Avg. Download Speed: 400 Mbps
- Availability: 0.79%
- Avg. Download Speed: 83 Mbps
- Availability: 48.01%
- Avg. Download Speed: 101 Mbps
- Availability: 90.53%
- Avg. Download Speed: 99 Mbps
- Availability: 38.37%
- Avg. Download Speed: 65 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 195 Mbps
- Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
- Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 112 Mbps
- Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
- Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 364 Mbps
- Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
- Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 45 Mbps
- Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
- Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 186 Mbps
- Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
Rural Broadband Cooperative Cities
- Availability: 93.25%
- Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
- Availability: 30.07%
- Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
- Availability: 63.53%
- Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
- Availability: 99.32%
- Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
- Availability: 99.93%
- Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps

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