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Surf vs. AirCell

Whether you’re researching Surf vs. AirCell 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.

Surf
Price: $30.00 - $95.00 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (23)

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AirCell
Price: $64.98 - $144.98 / mo.
Speed: 100 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (1)

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Surf and AirCell compete directly in approximately 0.01% of their service areas, with Surf covering 786,177 people nationwide and AirCell serving 13,356. Surf primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; AirCell specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Surf and AirCell’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Surf vs. AirCell | Pros & Cons

Surf Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • No contracts required
  • Extensive fiber network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited plan variety
  • Speeds fluctuate during peak usage hours

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AirCell Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Service available in rural areas
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • No contracts required

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited plan variety
  • Coverage strength varies within service areas

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Surf vs. AirCell | Availability

Surf and AirCell 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 | Surf Available | AirCell Available | No Coverage

Surf currently offers internet service in 371 cities and 58 counties across 3 states, reaching approximately 786,177 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Chicago, IL; Grand Rapids, MI; and Detroit, MI. By comparison, AirCell serves 13,356 residents in 32 cities and 5 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Chicago, IL; Mount Morris, IL; and Kirkland, IL.

Surf has particularly strong coverage the East North Central region, where they serve 371 cities and 247 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 34 indicates they primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability..

AirCell is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 100, AirCell has a strong emphasis on rural communities, providing extensive coverage in less densely populated areas.

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

Surf vs. AirCell | Speeds & Technology

Surf and AirCell utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Surf primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 0.0% of their customers. They also offer fixed wireless to less than 1% of their coverage area. AirCell 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, Surf offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 5,488 Mbps compared to AirCell’s average speed of 453 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Surf 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. Surf’s premium Fiber service reaches 97.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, AirCell’s top-tier Fiber is available to 39.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Surf vs. AirCell | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Surf and AirCell, 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.

Surf Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Surf 100$30.00100 MbpsNot listedFiber
Surf 300$55.00300 MbpsNot listedFiber
5/1 Mbps$59.955 Mbps1 MbpsFixed Wireless
Surf 500$75.00500 MbpsNot listedFiber
Surf 1 Gig$95.001000 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.

Surf Plans

AirCell Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Standard Tier$64.98100 MbpsNot listedFiber
Advanced Tier$74.9850 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless
Advanced Tier$74.98250 MbpsNot listedFiber
Ultra Tier$104.981000 MbpsNot listedFiber
Ultra Tier$144.98100 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless

Sourced from pricing published on AirCell'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.

AirCell 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.

Surf vs. AirCell | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Surf and AirCell based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

When comparing customer satisfaction, Surf earns an overall rating of 3.96 / 5 stars from 24 customer reviews, while AirCell maintains a 4.00 / 5 rating from 1 reviews. AirCell outperforms Surf by 0.0 points in overall satisfaction. Surf’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 4.26 / 5 stars, compared to AirCell’s highest-rated service, Fixed Wireless, at 4.00 / 5 stars.

Surf Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 4.26 of 5 stars

(19)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 2.80 of 5 stars

(5)

Surf has an overall rating of 3.96 out of 5, with a total of 24 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Surf’s ratings, their Fiber service (79% of reviews) averages 4.26 / 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 Surf Internet Reviews page.

AirCell Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 4.00 of 5 stars

(1)

AirCell has an overall rating of 4.00 out of 5, with a total of 1 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into AirCell’s ratings, their Fixed Wireless service (100% of reviews) averages 4.00 / 5 stars, equal to 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 AirCell Internet Reviews page.

Surf vs. AirCell | 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.

Surf Service

Fee

Not Provided by Surf

AirCell Service

Fee

Not Provided by AirCell

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.

Surf vs. AirCell | Top Cities

Surf serves 371 cities while AirCell is available in 32 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Surf Cities

Chicago, IL
  • Availability: 1.61%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 6,239 Mbps
Grand Rapids, MI
  • Availability: 4.51%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 7,287 Mbps
Detroit, MI
  • Availability: 1.07%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 5,797 Mbps
Elkhart, IN
  • Availability: 46.97%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,245 Mbps
Goshen, IN
  • Availability: 66.35%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,004 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Troy Grove, IL
  • Surf Avg. Speed: 6,069 Mbps
  • AirCell Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
Triumph, IL
  • Surf Avg. Speed: 25 Mbps
  • AirCell Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
Meriden, IL
  • Surf Avg. Speed: 25 Mbps
  • AirCell Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps
Mendota, IL
  • Surf Avg. Speed: 994 Mbps
  • AirCell Avg. Speed: 100 Mbps

AirCell Cities

Chicago, IL
  • Availability: 0.07%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 424 Mbps
Mount Morris, IL
  • Availability: 72.64%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Kirkland, IL
  • Availability: 95.40%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 797 Mbps
Leland, IL
  • Availability: 76.80%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 100 Mbps
Shabbona, IL
  • Availability: 100.00%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 692 Mbps