How Brightspeed Works?

what is brightspeed

Brightspeed offers fiber plans with speeds up to 2 gigabits in some areas. The plans include unlimited data and require no contracts.

New fiber customers can get three months of free internet as part of a limited-time deal. Here’s a closer look at what Brightspeed can provide for your home.

In 2022, Brightspeed took over Lumen’s ILEC operations in 20 states. This move brought Brightspeed’s copper/DSL and fiber network under its management, previously operated by CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber.

Brightspeed’s service quality, speed, and availability depend on the connection type. Fiber plans are modern and reliable, but the older copper DSL network can be inconsistent and slow.

While DSL dominates its network, Brightspeed works hard to expand its fiber reach. Expanding fiber is challenging and costly, yet Brightspeed recently announced plans to bring high-speed fiber to over 38,000 homes in Columbia, Missouri.

In July, the company revealed it would use Ribbon’s Network Transformation Solution to enhance its infrastructure.

“Building a fiber broadband network across more than 160 communities in our footprint requires an investment in ensuring we can accelerate scalability,” said Brightspeed CTO Brian Bond in a press release.

Brightspeed shows promise with its range of plans and value. All plans have fixed pricing, eliminating unexpected rate increases.

With unlimited data and no contracts, Brightspeed offers flexibility and reliability through DSL or fiber. Let’s explore its offerings in detail.

Brightspeed Internet plans and costs

PlanMonthly CostMaximum SpeedsFees and Details
Brightspeed Internet 1.5$501.5Mbps download, 500Kbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Internet 20$5020Mbps download, 1.5Mbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Internet 30$5030Mbps download, 1.5Mbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Internet 40$5040Mbps download, 3Mbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Internet 60$5060Mbps download, 5Mbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Internet 80$5080Mbps download, 10Mbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Internet 100$50100Mbps download, 10Mbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Internet 140$50140Mbps download, 20Mbps upload$15 for modem rental or $200 to buy. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Fiber 200$39200Mbps download, 200Mbps uploadThere is no equipment fee. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Fiber 500$59500Mbps download, 500Mbps uploadThere is no equipment fee. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Fiber 1 Gig$59940Mbps download, 940Mbps uploadThere is no equipment fee. No data limits or contracts.
Brightspeed Fiber 2 Gig$792,000Mbps download, 2,000Mbps uploadThere is no equipment fee. No data limits or contracts.

Brightspeed provides eight DSL speed options and four fiber plans. If you can only access DSL, your speeds might be very slow, as low as 1.5Mbps.

Your speed will vary based on your location. If speeds below 100Mbps are your only option, you should explore faster alternatives.

On the other hand, Brightspeed’s fiber network delivers symmetrical speeds up to 2,000Mbps. Fiber connections are faster, more reliable, and consistent compared to different types of internet. 

They also include equal upload and download speeds. DSL plans have a $15 monthly equipment fee, while fiber plans include equipment rental. Both fiber and DSL plans offer unlimited data and no contracts.

Choose the gigabit plan (940Mbps) if fiber is available. It provides twice the speed of the 500Mbps plan for the exact cost. The price per Mbps is just 6 cents.

Brightspeed’s current offer gives customers on 500Mbps or higher fiber plans free internet for the first three months.

Brightspeed stands out by maintaining a fixed rate for all plans. Prices don’t increase after the promo period ends.

Many ISPs raise prices after one to two years, but Brightspeed offers a competitive rate that stays the same after 12 months.

Brightspeed DSL and Fiber Internet Availability

Brightspeed DSL and Fiber Internet Availability

Brightspeed is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and provides services to more than 6.5 million people in the Midwest and Southeast. It offers home internet across 20 states.

  • Alabama

  • Arkansas

  • Georgia

  • Indiana

  • Illinois

  • Kansas

  • Louisiana

  • Michigan

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • New Jersey

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • Pennsylvania

  • South Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Virginia

  • Wisconsin

The Federal Communications Commission lists 20 states for Brightspeed internet, but this doesn’t include its fiber services.

A Brightspeed representative told CNET, “We are investing billions to expand our fiber network to over 3 million locations in 17 states.

Since October 2022, Brightspeed Fiber Internet has reached over 1.2 million homes and businesses in over 160 communities.”

Internet Connection Types

Brightspeed provides both DSL and fiber connections. Your address determines which service is available.

The FCC reports Brightspeed’s fiber covers 0.312% of units nationwide, while its DSL network covers 3%. Brightspeed is working to shift more customers to fiber for better speed and reliability.

A spokesperson said, “We’re upgrading our infrastructure to move copper customers to our fiber network, improving quality and performance.”

Simple Terms for Brightspeed Internet

Simple Terms for Brightspeed Internet

Brightspeed offers plans with no contracts and unlimited data. However, details vary depending on the type of service.

Equipment Fees

DSL users must lease a gateway for $15 per month or buy one for $150–$200. Fiber plans include the rental fee.

Equipment rental also includes Secure Wi-Fi, powered by McAfee, to protect connected devices from online threats.

Installation Fees

Brightspeed waives the $100 fiber installation fee for eligible customers. DSL customers may pay $99 unless on specific plans like Internet 100 or 140, which offer free setup.

No Data Limits

All plans feature unlimited data, so no overage fees apply.

Promotions

Fiber customers signing up for 500Mbps or faster plans can get three months of free service through the end of the year.

Customer Satisfaction

Brightspeed’s customer satisfaction needs improvement. It scored 435 in J.D. Power’s South region survey, below the 559 regional average. Google Fibe ranked first in this area, with a score of 70a.

Online discussions show mixed opinions. While some users praise Brightspeed for reliability, others highlight billing issues, speed inconsistencies, and outages.

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