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Brightspeed Internet plans: Top fiber deals for you

Updated 4:17 pm ET Aug 15

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Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.

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What is Brightspeed? 

Brightspeed internet provides fiber-optic and DSL internet in 20 states in the eastern U.S. With no data limits or contracts, plans start at $49/mo., offering speeds of up to 2 GB. This company was established after CenturyLink’s parent company, Lumen Technologies, sold this territory in 2022.

Brightspeed internet rates are competitively compared to other ISPs, as highlighted in the Brightspeed internet reviews section. For instance, Brightspeed’s Fiber 1 Gig plan at $75/mo. is in line with 1 GB deals from Google Fiber and Frontier, and more affordable than comparable plans from AT&T Fiber and Verizon Fios.

Read the full Brightspeed internet review with all these details:

Best Brightspeed Internet plans

The best Brightspeed plans are fiber connections with symmetrical speeds, or equal upload and download speeds, perfect for sending large files or uploading photos and videos. Other Brightspeed areas use copper lines to deliver DSL internet with maximum speeds of 20 Mbps.

Find all the Brightspeed internet plans and equipment costs in the following table. 

PlanDownload speedsPrice*Equipment
Brightspeed Fiber 200 Mbps200 Mbps $49/mo.Included
Brightspeed Fiber 500 Mbps500 Mbps$65/mo.Included
Brightspeed Fiber 1 Gig1 GB$75/mo.Included
Brightspeed Fiber 2 Gig2 GB$99/mo.Included
Brightspeed Internet Up to 20 Mbps$50/mo. $15/mo.
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of service. Additional fees and terms may apply. Plans and pricing vary by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Last updated 11/06/23.

Brightspeed internet fees

Overall, Brightspeed has fewer fees compared to many other internet service providers. With no contract required, you avoid early termination fees, and unlimited data means there are no overage charges.

Brightspeed’s fiber internet plans list a $99 installation fee, but it’s frequently waived due to ongoing promotions. Brightspeed fiber plans come with free equipment, including a modem and router. For DSL plans, fees are less predictable, but some may include a $15/mo. equipment fee and a $100 installation charge, depending on your area.

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value. 

How we reviewed Brightspeed

Our Brightspeed internet reviews give the provider a 3.9 out of 5 based on our scoring formula. The Brightspeed and CenturyLink connection is significant because Brightspeed took over areas previously served by CenturyLink. If you’re familiar with CenturyLink’s internet speeds and service, this can give you an idea of what to expect from Brightspeed.

Brightspeed’s fiber connections, availability and affordability earned it high marks. While fees are minimal with Brightspeed fiber plans, Brightspeed DSL can include installation and equipment charges depending on the area. These factors were included in our weighted ranking to determine the Brightspeed review overall score.

Our Brightspeed internet plan reviews

Brightspeed is great for supporting ultra-connected households and all types of internet activities. The ISP’s fiber deals are a good value and offer long-term pricing with the flexibility of no contracts, similar to other top internet providers

However, Brightspeed internet reviews in DSL areas may be less satisfactory for medium to heavy internet users. Still, if you need rural internet, Brightspeed offers a dedicated internet connection with unlimited data, which makes it a more attractive choice than satellite internet plans with limited data.

Thumbs up
Pros
  • Fast fiber speeds up to 2 GB (where available).

  • No contracts or data limits. Frequent free installation offers.

  • Up to $200 prepaid card on select fiber plans.

Thumbs Down
Cons
  • DSL speeds max out at 20 Mbps.

  • Equipment fees with DSL plans.

Brightspeed Fiber 200 and Fiber 500

Brightspeed fiber plans have free installations and complimentary equipment, which consists of a wireless gateway. Digital voice service can be added to the internet service for $20/mo. if you are interested in a home phone line. 

Who fits this plan? 

Brightspeed Fiber 200 or 500 plans are great for households with light to medium internet use. You can connect multiple devices at once to your home Wi-Fi without worrying about slowing down other users on your home network. Online gaming, streaming, remote work or school and general web browsing work well with either of these Brightspeed internet plans. 

Who doesn’t fit this plan?

Households with 20 or more connected devices are better off getting Brightspeed 1 GB speeds to keep up with the constant demand for high-speed internet and Wi-Fi. 

Brightspeed Fiber 1 Gig

One of Brightspeed’s fastest plans is its 1 GB internet option. Perks of this internet deal include free installation and the ability to connect 20 or more devices at once with no lag.

Who fits this plan? 

Brightspeed Fiber 1 Gig is for households that are consistently online with many devices. Larger homes with continually connected devices (like wireless security systems) that need a stronger Wi-Fi network are good candidates for 1 GB internet. 

Who doesn’t fit this plan?

Smaller homes with modest internet use or few devices do not need 1 GB internet. 

Brightspeed Internet (DSL)

DSL plans do not include equipment, but you can rent equipment for $15/mo., purchase the equipment for a one-time fee of $150–200, or provide your own wireless router and modem. Self-installation is free, or a technician installation costs $99. 

Who fits this plan? 

Brightspeed DSL is best for light internet users. Activities that work best with DSL include general web browsing, email, streaming music or podcasts, and streaming video in standard definition (SD). This plan is good for homes with five or fewer devices since Brightspeed DSL has a max speed of 20 Mbps. 

Who doesn’t fit this plan?

Homes with more than five devices, large homes that need broader Wi-Fi coverage and households that do a lot of streaming and gaming are not good candidates for this plan.

Brightspeed vs. other providers

Compare Brightspeed prices and speed with other ISPs in the same market area. Brightspeed’s internet speeds and price put the provider about midway between the cheapest internet and the more expensive plans. Brightspeed fiber service is a solid choice for home internet, but Brightspeed’s copper connections are best for lighter internet use. 

ProviderSpeed rangeStarting price range*Connection type
Brightspeed 10–2,000 Mbps$49–$99/mo.Fiber, DSL
AT&T Fiber300–5,000 Mbps$65–$255/mo.Fiber
Xfinity50–6,000 Mbps$9.95–$299.95/mo. Cable
T-Mobile 5G Home72–245 Mbps$60/mo. 5G
Hughesnet50–100 Mbps$49.99–$94.99/mo. Satellite
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary. As of 1/18/24.

Brightspeed internet availability

Brightspeed internet is available in these 20 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Brightspeed fiber

Brightspeed fiber is found in portions of all the states within its coverage area. Cities with a larger fiber presence include:

Brightspeed customer service

  • Call 1-833-692-7773 for Brightspeed customer service. To reach customer support, press 2. To reach technical support, press 4. 
  • Chat online with a Brightspeed customer service representative. 

Brightspeed bill pay

  • Online: Log in to your online Brightspeed account to pay online. 
  • App: Pay in the Brightspeed app, available on Google Play or the App Store.
  • Phone: Call 1-833-692-7773, then press 2. You will need the phone number associated with your account or your nine-digit account number. A convenience fee of $3.50 will apply. 

Brightspeed outages

A Brightspeed outage could be due to a local network issue, a technology issue within your home or a late payment. Use the Brightspeed Troubleshooter to diagnose the source of your outage. 

Brightspeed Internet FAQs

How much does Brightspeed cost per month?

Brightspeed fiber costs $49/mo. and includes equipment. Brightspeed copper service, or DSL, starts at $50/mo. and equipment is an additional $15/mo. Brightspeed is less expensive than other ISPs, particularly the $75/mo. gigabit plan.

Can you get out of a Brightspeed contract?

Brightspeed plans do not have contracts. The plans are flexible, and you can end service at any time without paying a penalty or early termination fee (ETF).

Who owns Brightspeed?

A private equity firm called Apollo Global Management owns Brightspeed, and the company’s legal name is Connect Holding II LLC. Previously, Brightspeed was owned by Lumen Technologies, the same parent company of CenturyLink.

How can I speed up Brightspeed internet?

You can get faster internet with Brightspeed by upgrading your plan to a quicker speed tier. Alternatively, try these fixes for slow internet.

This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.

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Lisa IscrupeAllconnect.com

Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.

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Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.

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