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

TDS vs. Optic Communication

Whether you’re researching TDS vs. Optic Communication 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.

TDS
Price: $49.99 - $165.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, DSL, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (28)

View Plans

Optic Communication
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

View Plans

TDS and Optic Communication compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with TDS covering 3,607,032 people nationwide and Optic Communication serving 16,557. TDS primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Optic Communication specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of TDS and Optic Communication’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

TDS vs. Optic Communication | Pros & Cons

TDS Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Extensive fiber network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Installation fees apply
  • Contracts required for best pricing

View Plans

Optic Communication Logo

Pros:

  • Gigabit speeds available
  • Extensive fiber network
  • Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
  • Multiple payment options available

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Higher speeds require premium pricing
  • May require credit check for service activation

View Plans

TDS vs. Optic Communication | Availability

TDS and Optic Communication 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 | TDS Available | Optic Communication Available | No Coverage

TDS currently offers internet service in 1,945 cities and 301 counties across 31 states, reaching approximately 3,607,032 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Madison, WI; Nashville, TN; and Charlotte, NC. By comparison, Optic Communication serves 16,557 residents in 12 cities and 4 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Carl Junction, MO; Columbus, KS; and Pittsburg, KS.

TDS has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 33 indicates they primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability..

Optic Communication is prominent in the West North Central region with service to 12 cities and 7 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 42, Optic Communication primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability.

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

TDS vs. Optic Communication | Speeds & Technology

TDS and Optic Communication utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, TDS primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 63.0% of their customers. They also offer DSL to 27.2% of their coverage area. Optic Communication relies on fiber technology, which comprises 100.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, TDS offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 3,169 Mbps compared to Optic Communication’s average speed of 1,000 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, TDS 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. TDS’s premium Fiber service reaches 63.0% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Optic Communication’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.

TDS vs. Optic Communication | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for TDS and Optic Communication, 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.

TDS Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
100M Fiber Internet$74.99100 Mbps100 MbpsFiber
300M Fiber Internet$74.99300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
1 Gig Fiber Internet$74.991000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
2 Gig Fiber Internet$94.992000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber
5 Gig Fiber Internet$124.995000 Mbps5000 MbpsFiber
8 Gig Fiber Internet$224.998000 Mbps8000 MbpsFiber

Sourced directly from TDS's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, 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.

TDS Plans

Optic Communication Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Residential 50 MBPS$50.0050 Mbps50 MbpsFiber
Residential 100 MBPS$65.00100 Mbps100 MbpsFiber
Residential 500 MBPS$70.00500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
Residential Gigabit$84.001000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Optic Communication's official website. 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.

Optic Communication 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.

TDS vs. Optic Communication | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

TDS Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.53 of 5 stars

(15)

Cable

Cable: 2.75 of 5 stars

(12)

DSL

DSL: 3.20 of 5 stars

(5)

TDS has an overall rating of 3.19 out of 5, with a total of 32 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into TDS’s ratings, their Fiber service (47% of reviews) averages 3.53 / 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 TDS Internet Reviews page.

TDS vs. Optic Communication | 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.

TDS Service

Fee

Not Provided by TDS

Optic Communication Service

Fee

Not Provided by Optic Communication

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.

TDS vs. Optic Communication | Top Cities

TDS serves 1,945 cities while Optic Communication is available in 12 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

TDS Cities

Madison, WI
  • Availability: 42.69%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,496 Mbps
Nashville, TN
  • Availability: 6.49%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,345 Mbps
Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 4.86%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,704 Mbps
Bend, OR
  • Availability: 95.20%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Boise, ID
  • Availability: 14.29%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 8,000 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

TDS and Optic Communication don't compete in any cities.InfoWe still compare these non-competing providers because many of our users are researching internet options for different locations—whether for an upcoming move, a second home purchase, or simply to understand regional differences in internet service. This comparison helps you evaluate both providers based on the same criteria, giving you valuable insight regardless of where you currently live.

Optic Communication Cities

Carl Junction, MO
  • Availability: 82.19%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Columbus, KS
  • Availability: 82.44%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Pittsburg, KS
  • Availability: 6.88%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Galena, KS
  • Availability: 27.64%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Loma Linda, MO
  • Availability: 78.50%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps