Brightspeed Review 2023: A Comprehensive Guide to Internet, TV, Landline, & More

We at ModemGuides have conducted an in-depth review of Brightspeed, a provider of internet, landline, and fiber services. We have analyzed their offerings, pricing, and customer support, as well as their pros and cons. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you decide if Brightspeed is the right choice for you.

Brightspeed is a telecommunications company that provides internet, landline, and fiber services in 20 states. Their services are geared towards individuals, families, and businesses alike. In this review, we will explore the pros and cons of their services, their internet plans and pricing, and what sets them apart from the competition.

Pros and Cons of Brightspeed Services

As with any service provider, Brightspeed has its pros and cons. Here are the main things we found during our analysis:

Pros of Brightspeed

Affordable internet and landline plans compared to the competition

Brightspeed’s prices are competitive when compared to other providers in the same market. Their plans start at $30 for fiber internet, and they offer unlimited data usage.

Good support for business customers

Brightspeed has a dedicated team that focuses on providing support to businesses. They offer solutions that cater to the specific needs of businesses, including customized plans and 24/7 customer support.

No minimum contracts or data caps

Brightspeed does not require a minimum contract term for their services. Customers are free to cancel or change their plan at any time without incurring additional fees. They also offer unlimited data usage, which means customers don’t have to worry about hitting a data cap.

Hidden fees kept to a minimum

Unlike some other providers, Brightspeed keeps their hidden fees to a minimum. Customers can rest assured that the price they see is the price they will pay.

Reliable customer support, 12 hours a day

Brightspeed offers customer support 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their team is knowledgeable and helpful, and they are available to assist customers with any questions or concerns they may have.

Available in 20 states

Brightspeed’s services are available in 20 states across the United States. This means that customers in these states have access to their high-speed internet and landline services.

Good fiber coverage

Brightspeed’s fiber coverage is expanding rapidly. They offer high-speed internet with upload and download speeds up to 940 Mbps, which is ideal for streaming, gaming, and more.

Cons of Brightspeed

No wireless or TV services

Brightspeed does not offer wireless or TV services. Customers looking for these services will need to look elsewhere.

Fastest possible internet speed is only 1 Gbps

Brightspeed’s fastest internet plan is 1 Gbps. While this is fast, it may not be sufficient for some users who require even faster speeds.

Very limited deals and no bundles

Brightspeed does not offer any bundled plans or discounts. This means that customers may not be able to save money by bundling services.

DSL plans slow and expensive

Brightspeed’s DSL plans are more expensive than their fiber plans, and the speeds are slower. This is due to the fact that DSL is an older technology that is being phased out in favor of fiber.

Brightspeed Internet Plans and Pricing

Brightspeed offers two types of internet plans: fiber and DSL. Their fiber plans are faster and more affordable than their DSL plans. Here is a breakdown of their plans and pricing:

*None of these prices include hidden fees or taxes. See later in this article for more information on these.

Brightspeed Simply Unlimited

Brightspeed’s DSL plans are available in areas where fiber is not yet available. While they are more expensive and slower than their fiber plans, they may be the only option for some customers. Here is a breakdown of their Simply Unlimited plan:

It’s important to note that DSL is an older technology that is being phased out in favor of fiber. Brightspeed’s DSL plans are more expensive to maintain and slower than their fiber plans. This is why they are gradually being replaced.

It’s also worth noting that the speed you get with the Simply Unlimited plan may be lower than advertised. Brightspeed will assign you a speed cap based on your location, and you’ll pay the same price no matter how fast your internet is. This means that you may end up paying more for slower speeds.

Overall, we recommend Brightspeed’s fiber plans for their affordability and fast speeds. However, if fiber is not yet available in your area, their Simply Unlimited plan may be a good option to consider.

Hidden Fees and Taxes

Like most service providers, Brightspeed charges hidden fees and taxes that are not included in their advertised prices. These fees can add up and make your bill more expensive than you expected.

Some of the fees and taxes you may encounter include:

• Federal Universal Service Charge
• State Universal Service Charge
• Regulatory Recovery Fee
• 911 Emergency Service Fee
• Taxes

Brightspeed keeps their hidden fees to a minimum, but it’s important to be aware of them before signing up for their services. We recommend reading the fine print and checking your bill carefully to avoid any surprises.

Can You Own Your Brightspeed Modem?

Yes, customers can use their own modem with Brightspeed’s internet service as long as it is compatible with their network. Brightspeed provides a list of compatible modems on their website. Customers can either purchase a modem from Brightspeed or use their own modem, as long as it is compatible with their network.

For fiber internet, Brightspeed recommends using a modem that supports GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology. They recommend modems such as the Nokia G-240W-B, the Calix 844G-1, or the Huawei HG8245H.

For DSL internet, Brightspeed recommends using a modem that supports ADSL2+ technology. They recommend modems such as the Netgear DM200, the TP-Link Archer VR400, or the Zyxel C1100Z.

It’s important to note that using a modem that is not on their list of compatible modems may result in compatibility issues or a suboptimal experience. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the compatibility of your modem with Brightspeed’s network before using it.

Rural Internet Access With Brightspeed

It’s important to note that while Brightspeed offers high-speed fiber and DSL plans, the availability of these services and the internet speeds achieved can significantly depend on your geographical location. For rural customers, particularly those in areas where fiber services are not yet fully accessible, achieving the advertised speeds can sometimes be a challenge.

Brightspeed offers a DSL plan, the Simply Unlimited, which is typically more suitable for areas where fiber connectivity is limited or not yet available. Although DSL technology is older and typically slower than fiber, it can still provide a viable internet solution for rural households or businesses.

In addition, the speed of your connection can depend on a number of factors beyond the control of your service provider. These include the quality of the infrastructure leading up to your property, the distance from your home or business to the nearest exchange, and the type of wiring within your premises.

It’s also worth noting that while Brightspeed aims to provide a consistent level of service across their coverage area, customers in certain locations may not experience the full benefit of the maximum advertised speeds. In some rural areas, customers may only achieve speeds of 4.2 Mbps to 6.6 Mbps, even on a good day.

While Brightspeed is making efforts to improve coverage and speeds in rural areas, we understand that this can be a source of frustration for customers whose internet needs are not fully met by the available plans. Therefore, we encourage customers in rural areas to communicate directly with Brightspeed or a local representative about their specific needs and challenges. It’s also worthwhile to explore the possibility of leveraging other technology solutions, such as satellite or fixed wireless internet, to supplement your DSL connection if faster speeds are required for your work or lifestyle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brightspeed offers affordable internet and landline services with good customer support. Their fiber plans are fast and affordable, while their DSL plans are more expensive and slower. They do not offer wireless or TV services, but their internet plans come with unlimited data usage and no minimum contract term.

Overall, we recommend Brightspeed for their competitive pricing, good customer support, and expanding fiber coverage. However, we advise being aware of their hidden fees and taxes, and checking your bill carefully to avoid any surprises.