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Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative

Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side

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.

FasterUpward BroadbandTop speed 500 Mbps vs 100 Mbps; faster for 84% of homes where both are offered.
Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.
Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (0 and 0).
Available to more peopleUpward Broadband569,713 people in 3 states, vs 22,859 in 1 state.
Upward Broadband
Price: $64.95 - $99.95 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 500 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): No rating yet (0)

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Rural Broadband Cooperative
Price: $35.00 - $90.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): No rating yet (0)

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Upward Broadband vs. Rural Broadband Cooperative at a glance

Measure Upward Broadband Rural Broadband Cooperative
Available to569,713 people in 3 states22,859 people in 1 state
Main technologyFixed wireless 100%Fixed wireless 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC500 Mbps100 Mbps
Fastest plan we listNot listed100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
Starting priceNot listed$35 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 yearsNot listed$840 (15 Mbps plan)
Customer ratingNo reviews yetNo reviews yet
Rated for speedNo reviews yetNo reviews yet
Rated for priceNo reviews yetNo reviews yet
Where both are offeredAbout 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. By comparison, Rural Broadband Cooperative serves 22,859 residents in 44 cities and 2 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Belleville, PA; Huntingdon, PA; and Mount Union, 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

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
100/20 Mbps$64.95100 Mbps20 MbpsFixed Wireless
200/50 Mbps$74.95200 Mbps50 MbpsFixed Wireless
500/100 Mbps$84.95500 Mbps100 MbpsFixed Wireless
1000/200 Mbps$99.951000 Mbps200 MbpsFixed 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.

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Rural Broadband Cooperative Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Basic$35.0015 Mbps5 MbpsFixed Wireless
Family$70.0040 Mbps15 MbpsFixed Wireless
Pro$90.00100 Mbps20 MbpsFixed 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.

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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.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Upward Broadband earns an overall rating of / 5 stars from customer reviews, while Rural Broadband Cooperative maintains a / 5 rating from reviews. outperforms by points in overall satisfaction. Upward Broadband’s best-rated service is their offering at / 5 stars, compared to Rural Broadband Cooperative’s highest-rated service, , at / 5 stars.

Upward Broadband Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

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

Looking deeper into Upward Broadband’s ratings, their service (% of reviews) averages / 5 stars, their overall company rating. This suggests that , an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Upward Broadband Internet Reviews page.

Rural Broadband Cooperative Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

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

Looking deeper into Rural Broadband Cooperative’s ratings, their service (% of reviews) averages / 5 stars, their overall company rating. This suggests that , an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Rural Broadband Cooperative Internet Reviews page.

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

      Harrisburg, PA
      • Availability: 18.83%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 400 Mbps
      Philadelphia, PA
      • Availability: 0.79%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 83 Mbps
      State College, PA
      • Availability: 48.01%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 101 Mbps
      Ephrata, PA
      • Availability: 90.53%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 99 Mbps
      Lititz, PA
      • Availability: 38.37%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 65 Mbps

      Overlapping Cities

      Huntingdon, PA
      • Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 195 Mbps
      • Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
      Mount Union, PA
      • Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 112 Mbps
      • Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
      Taylor Highlands, PA
      • Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 364 Mbps
      • Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
      Allensville, PA
      • Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 45 Mbps
      • Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
      Shirleysburg, PA
      • Upward Broadband Avg. Speed: 186 Mbps
      • Rural Broadband Cooperative Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps

      Rural Broadband Cooperative Cities

      Belleville, PA
      • Availability: 93.25%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
      Huntingdon, PA
      • Availability: 30.07%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
      Mount Union, PA
      • Availability: 63.53%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
      Taylor Highlands, PA
      • Availability: 99.32%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
      Allensville, PA
      • Availability: 99.93%
      • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps