What Do You Actually Pay for EarthLink Internet?

EarthLink makes most of its money reselling internet service from other providers, so its terms and conditions vary widely based on where you live.

EarthLink advertises price locks on some of its fiber plans, but doesn’t publish info about how long the price lock lasts. Instead, our pricing database shows there’s a good chance of getting locked into data caps, contracts, and early termination fees when you sign up for EarthLink internet service, whether you get fixed wireless, cable, 5G home internet, fiber, or DSL.

The fees and pricing wrinkles aren’t great, but EarthLink has a reputation for a helpful customer service department, and we like its widespread availability and how you can sign up without agreeing to a credit check.

We’ll tell you what we can below, but EarthLink doesn’t make it easy. You should ask for broadband labels and read customer agreements before you sign with any provider, but it’s particularly important to do so if you’re considering EarthLink.

What to expect as a EarthLink customer

EarthLink offers different plans, speeds, and internet types across America. You should call in to see what’s available at your address and place an order. We’ve seen promotions for price guarantees, but we’ve also seen plans that require contracts and penalize you if you leave early.

Here are the things you should ask about before you agree to have installation crews or equipment sent to your home:

Length of price guarantees: You could get a price guarantee on fiber internet, but it’s unclear how long the price lock lasts.

Data caps: EarthLink doesn’t cap data on fiber plans, but there are strict caps on some fixed wireless plans.

Required contracts: You may have to agree to a one-year contract with EarthLink’s fiber internet, and fixed wireless internet may require contracts of 12, 24, or 36 months.

Early termination fees (ETF): Fiber plans often carry a $200 cancellation fee, prorated by the time left on your contract, but some plans carry a $400 ETF.

Equipment rental fees: Options differ based on your internet tech type, but you could be charged $14.95 monthly to use EarthLink’s equipment.

EarthLink doesn’t typically offer online checkout, so it may be hard to find a standard broadband label. Instead, ask your rep about each of the above before you hand over payment info or schedule installation.

Your first EarthLink bill

Your first EarthLink bill will include any installation and activation charges you agreed to when you ordered. EarthLink doesn’t make a complete list of these fees public. A $79.95 activation fee is typical for fixed wireless and 5G home internet, but you could be charged up to $600, according to the EarthLink Terms & Conditions. Fiber installation could cost significantly more, and you may also be charged activation fees and one-time processing fees on any plan.

EarthLink’s 5G home internet plans are prepaid, but other plans may bill at the end of the month, so you may see prorated charges for a partial month’s service on your first bill.

All that said, EarthLink’s business model means that it offers internet service on different plans, tech types, and agreements all around the country. There’s no single source of information on plan types and fees, so you need to ask for details when you call in to order.

How to pay your EarthLink bill

You can pay your EarthLink bill using either Guest Pay or the EarthLink Customer Portal. Autopay and paperless billing are generally required for all new EarthLink service plans.

Your monthly EarthLink bill

Like with your first bill, it’s hard to know exactly what to expect on subsequent bills from EarthLink. You could pay taxes, usage fees, and an administrative and support fee up to $6 per bill, according to the EarthLink Terms & Conditions.

You may also see charges for add-ons in your monthly bill. Here’s a list of what EarthLink offers, but prices and plans vary.

• Security suite: EarthLink Protect+ (Norton 360 + LifeLock) and EarthLink Guardian (parental controls via Bark)
• EarthLink EasyTech remote IT support
• EarthLink Online Backup for cloud storage of important files

If you cancel before your contract is up, you could be charged an early termination fee up to $400, prorated by the number of months left on your contract. You’ll also be charged the full monthly service fee, no matter which day of the month you cancel.

Finally, don’t forget to return any EarthLink equipment you were leasing. Unreturned equipment fees can cost up to $400.

EarthLink doesn’t offer TV or mobile phone services, so there are no bundle discounts to be had. On the flip side, there are also no extra fees to expect here.

EarthLink internet plans and prices

Here’s a look at plans and prices EarthLink may offer in your area, but you’ll need to call in for a local lineup and plan-by-plan details.

How to save money on EarthLink internet

The best way to save money with EarthLink is to use your own Wi-Fi equipment instead of renting from EarthLink. Lease rates and the type of equipment you need vary widely, though. Ask about using your own equipment when you call in to order.

Aside from monthly savings, you may qualify for a perk or promotion when you sign up for EarthLink. Here’s an up-to-the-minute look at what’s on offer:

• Contact EarthLink Customer Service
• How To Get Low-Income Internet Through EarthLink
• How EarthLink Prepaid Internet Could Tidy Up Your Monthly Budget
• Is EarthLink Internet Down?

FAQ about EarthLink billing