What EarthLink is and how to get service

EarthLink is an internet service provider that offers broadband connections in select areas across the United States. The company sells internet access through different technologies depending on where you live — primarily cable, fiber, and DSL — and also bundles internet with phone service in some regions.

To get EarthLink service, you visit their website or call their sales line, enter your address, and see which plans are available in your area. Not every address can get EarthLink; availability depends on whether their infrastructure reaches your location. If service is available, you choose a plan based on read speed and price, then schedule installation. A technician comes to your home to set up the modem, router, and any necessary wiring, usually within one to two weeks of ordering.

You can also bring your own modem and router if they are compatible with EarthLink's network, which can lower your monthly cost since you avoid the equipment rental fee. EarthLink publishes a list of approved modems on their website.

Key Takeaways

  • EarthLink operates in select areas and uses cable, fiber, or DSL technology depending on your location and address.
  • Installation typically takes one to two weeks and includes a technician visit to set up equipment in your home.
  • You can rent a modem and router from EarthLink or bring your own compatible equipment to reduce monthly costs.
  • Monthly bills include the internet service fee, equipment rental (if applicable), and taxes, with no long-term contract required for most plans.
  • Customer support is available by phone, email, and online chat during business hours.

Understanding EarthLink's internet speeds and plan types

EarthLink offers plans at different speed tiers, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). read speeds typically range from around 10 Mbps on the slowest plans to 1,000 Mbps or higher on fiber plans, depending on what technology is available at your address. Higher speeds cost more per month.

The speed you choose should match how you use the internet. Basic plans (10–50 Mbps) work for light browsing and email. Mid-tier plans (100–300 Mbps) suit households with multiple people streaming video or working from home. High-speed plans (500+ Mbps) are for heavy users or homes with many connected devices.

EarthLink also offers bundled packages that combine internet with phone service. These bundles sometimes cost less than buying internet alone, but you pay for both services on one bill. Phone service through EarthLink uses your internet connection (VoIP), not a traditional phone line.

What your monthly bill includes and what it costs

Your EarthLink bill shows the internet service charge, any equipment rental fees, taxes, and any promotional discounts you may have. Prices vary by location and plan speed. EarthLink frequently advertises introductory rates for the first few months or year; after that period ends, your rate increases to the regular price. Always check the contract terms to see when your promotional rate expires.

If you rent equipment from EarthLink, that fee appears as a separate line item on your bill each month. Bringing your own modem eliminates this charge. Some plans include a router; others charge extra for one.

EarthLink does not require a long-term contract for most residential internet plans, which means you can cancel without a penalty if you move or want to switch providers. However, promotional pricing often applies only if you commit to a certain length of service — typically 12 months. Read the terms before you order.

How to set up your EarthLink connection at home

After you order, EarthLink schedules an installation appointment. A technician arrives during your chosen window and connects the modem to the cable, fiber, or phone line that serves your home. They then set up your router and test the connection to make sure it works. This process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.

The technician gives you the login credentials for your modem and router — usually printed on a sticker on the equipment or in a welcome email. Write these down or save them somewhere safe; you will need them if you ever need to restart the equipment or change your Wi-Fi password.

If you brought your own modem, the technician will help you connect it and set up it on EarthLink's network. If you rent equipment from EarthLink, it arrives pre-configured and the technician just needs to set up it.

Managing your account and making changes

You can manage your EarthLink account online through their customer portal. Log in with your account number and password to view your bill, make a payment, change your plan speed, or update your contact information. The portal also shows your data usage if you have a plan with a data cap, though most residential plans do not have limits.

If you want to upgrade or downgrade your speed, you can request the change online or by phone. Speed changes usually take effect within a few business days. If you upgrade, your bill adjusts for the new rate on your next billing cycle. If you downgrade, the credit or refund depends on when in your billing period you make the change.

To pause or cancel service, contact EarthLink customer support. If you are moving, ask whether EarthLink serves your new address before you cancel — you may be able to transfer service instead of ending it.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

If your internet stops working, start by restarting your modem and router. Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in. This fixes most temporary connection issues. If the problem persists, check whether other devices can connect; if only one device has trouble, the issue is likely with that device, not your internet service.

If your entire connection is down, check EarthLink's service status page to see whether there is an outage in your area. If there is, you can report it or check when service is expected to return. If there is no outage, restart your modem again and wait a few minutes for it to fully boot up.

If restarting does not work, contact EarthLink support by phone, email, or chat. Have your account number and modem model number ready. Support staff can run diagnostics on your line and modem to identify the problem. If the modem is faulty, EarthLink will ship a replacement.

Comparing EarthLink to other internet providers in your area

EarthLink is not available everywhere, so your choice of providers depends on your address. When you check availability, you will see which other providers serve your location. Compare them on speed, price, contract terms, and customer reviews. A faster plan from one provider may cost less than a slower plan from another, or vice versa.

Also consider the technology type. Fiber is generally the fastest and most reliable but is not available in all areas. Cable is widely available and offers good speeds. DSL is the slowest but reaches many rural areas. If EarthLink uses DSL in your area and you need higher speeds, a cable or fiber provider may be a better fit.

Check whether each provider requires a contract, charges equipment fees, and offers bundle discounts. Some providers lock you in for 12 or 24 months; others have no contract. These details affect your total cost and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my own modem with EarthLink?

Yes, as long as your modem is compatible with EarthLink's network type (cable, fiber, or DSL). EarthLink publishes a list of approved modems on their website. Using your own modem saves you the monthly equipment rental fee, but you are responsible for replacing it if it fails.

What happens to my service if I move?

Contact EarthLink before you move to find out whether service is available at your new address. If it is, you may be able to transfer your account. If it is not, you will need to cancel. Cancellation outside a promotional period usually has no penalty, but check your contract terms.

How do I pay my EarthLink bill?

You can pay online through your account portal using a bank account or credit card, by phone with a representative, or by mail with a check. Most customers set up automatic payments so the bill is paid on the same day each month.

What should I do if my internet is slow?

Restart your modem and router first. If that does not help, check how many devices are connected and using bandwidth. Too many devices streaming video at once can slow your connection. If the problem persists, contact EarthLink support to check whether your line is delivering the speed you are paying for.

Does EarthLink have data limits?

Most EarthLink residential plans do not have data caps, meaning you can use as much data as you want each month. Check your plan details or contact EarthLink to confirm whether your specific plan has a limit.