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

Surf vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks

Whether you’re researching Surf vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks 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)

View Plans

Mainstream Fiber Networks
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber
Rating (Reviews): (2)

View Plans

Surf and Mainstream Fiber Networks compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Surf covering 786,177 people nationwide and Mainstream Fiber Networks serving 139,044. Surf primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Mainstream Fiber Networks specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Surf and Mainstream Fiber Networks’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Surf vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks | 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

View Plans

Mainstream Fiber Networks Logo

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited plan variety
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure

View Plans

Surf vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks | Availability

Surf and Mainstream Fiber Networks 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 | Mainstream Fiber Networks 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, Mainstream Fiber Networks serves 139,044 residents in 123 cities and 20 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Louisville, KY; Newburgh, IN; and Corydon, IN.

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..

Mainstream Fiber Networks is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 75, Mainstream Fiber Networks 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 Mainstream Fiber Networks at your location, use our address search tool:

Surf vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks | Speeds & Technology

Surf and Mainstream Fiber Networks 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. Mainstream Fiber Networks relies on fiber technology, which comprises 0.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

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 Mainstream Fiber Networks’s average speed of 1,000 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 0.00%.

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, Mainstream Fiber Networks’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Surf vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Surf, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, Mainstream Fiber Networks 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 Mainstream Fiber Networks, 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.

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

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. Mainstream Fiber Networks | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Surf and Mainstream Fiber Networks 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 Mainstream Fiber Networks maintains a 3.00 / 5 rating from 2 reviews. Surf outperforms Mainstream Fiber Networks by 1.0 points in overall satisfaction. Surf’s best-rated service is their Fiber offering at 4.26 / 5 stars, compared to Mainstream Fiber Networks’s highest-rated service, Fiber, at 3.00 / 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.

Mainstream Fiber Networks Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.00 of 5 stars

(2)

Mainstream Fiber Networks has an overall rating of 3.00 out of 5, with a total of 2 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly lower than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Mainstream Fiber Networks’s ratings, their Fiber service (100% of reviews) averages 3.00 / 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 Mainstream Fiber Networks Internet Reviews page.

Surf vs. Mainstream Fiber Networks | 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.

Mainstream Fiber Networks 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 Mainstream Fiber Networks directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

Surf Service

Fee

Not Provided by Surf

Mainstream Fiber Networks Service

Fee

Not Provided by Mainstream Fiber Networks

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. Mainstream Fiber Networks | Top Cities

Surf serves 371 cities while Mainstream Fiber Networks is available in 123 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

Mainstream Fiber Networks Cities

Louisville, KY
  • Availability: 4.27%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Newburgh, IN
  • Availability: 59.59%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Corydon, IN
  • Availability: 83.59%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Evansville, IN
  • Availability: 4.55%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Floyds Knobs, IN
  • Availability: 53.78%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps