For those on the lookout for fiber internet in California, the competition often narrows down to two Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Race Communications vs Frontier.
Race Communications offers personalized customer service with cutting-edge fiber internet services. It’s a smaller company, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality and community engagement.
On the flip side, Frontier has a much broader footprint, active in 25 states as of 2023. It’s been making significant strides from cable internet to fiber-optic technology.
This guide is your shortcut to making an informed decision in choosing your next ISP. Let’s find the right fiber internet provider for you.
Disclaimer: This blog does not cover limited-time offers, and prices may differ based on location. We have based the information in this blog on the most current data available as of June 30th, 2025.
How does Race Communications compare to Frontier?
| Feature | Race Communications | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Fiber Optics | Copper & Fiber Optics |
| Max Internet Speeds | Up to 10 Gbps | Up to 5 or 7 Gbps |
| Pricing for 1 Gbps | $69.90 | $49.99 |
| No Contracts | ✅ | ✅* |
| Free Installation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free Router | ✅ | ✅ |
| Local Customer Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Phone Services | ✅ | ✅ |
Race Communications specializes in high-performance fiber-optic internet, offering speeds up to 10 Gbps — among the fastest residential speeds in California. Frontier also provides fiber-optic internet in many areas, but the exact type of connection (fiber or copper) depends on your location, which can affect available speeds.
Both providers promote contract-free plans. However, Frontier’s discounted introductory prices include an early termination fee if you cancel within the first 12 months. With Race, there are no early termination fees, giving you more flexibility if your plans change.
Both companies include free installation and a router with their plans, but Race goes further with dedicated local support teams who know the communities they serve.
Race Communications vs Frontier: Plans & Pricing
Race Communications specializes in pure fiber-optic internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 10 Gbps, some of the fastest residential speeds in California.
Frontier offers a mix of fiber and legacy DSL services, with speeds and technology varying by location.
Here’s how the latest plans compare:
| Speed | Race Communications | Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps |
$44.95 |
– |
| 500 Mbps | $59.90 | $29.99* |
| 1 Gbps | $69.90 | $49.99* |
| 2 Gbps | – | $62.99* |
| 5 Gbps | – | $89.99* |
| 7 Gbps | – | $109.99* |
| 10 Gbps | $129.95 | – |
*Frontier’s advertised prices are introductory rates that apply for the first 12 months. After that, monthly fees typically increase. For example, Frontier’s 1 Gbps plan jumps to $59.99 after the first year.
Both Race and Frontier offer flexible, no-contract service options. However, Frontier’s lower intro prices come with a catch: if you cancel within the first 12 months, you may be charged an early termination fee of up to $100. Race doesn’t have early termination fees, giving you true flexibility with no hidden strings attached.
While Frontier’s entry-level promotional pricing may look appealing upfront, Race’s straightforward pricing and faster top speeds make it a strong option for anyone who wants reliable fiber without worrying about surprise fees.
Race Communications vs Frontier: Customer Service & Support
Race’s approach to customer support reflects their commitment to community and personalized service, while Frontier’s broader reach often negatively affects customer satisfaction.
In short:
- Race Communications operates in California, providing a more localized customer support experience.
- They employ local people and offer dedicated support lines for almost nearly every community they serve.
- Race Communications offers customer support from 8 AM to 12 AM PST, Monday through Saturday, available for their customer base nearly all week.
- Frontier operates across 25 states, leading to a less personalized customer support experience due to its broad customer base.
- While offering various channels of customer support, Frontier has been criticized for being tough to contact and providing unsatisfactory support, including when resolving their own mistakes.
Race CommandIQ vs. MyFrontier: App Comparison
Choosing the right ISP isn’t just about speed and pricing. It’s about the quality and features of their service apps. ISPs are shifting from mere service providers to subscribers’ partners in navigating the internet safely.
Race CommandIQ shines with its extensive network management features, smart home integration, and security tools, catering to tech-savvy users who desire complete control over their home ecosystem.
- Network Overview: Simplify the view of your network and connected devices.
- Parental Controls: Manage profiles and set content filters with ease.
- Network Management: Conduct speed tests and manage network traffic effectively.
- Guest Networks: Set up guest networks quickly for visitors.
- Enhanced Security: Offers built-in security features, giving users peace of mind.
MyFrontier focuses on delivering a solid account and service management experience, ensuring users can handle their billing and service issues with ease.
- Account Management: View and manage billing and service appointments efficiently.
- Notification System: Track your billing and never miss a payment.
- Service Connectivity: Direct communication with service technicians for appointment updates.
- Support Access: Quick help with a call-back feature for troubleshooting.
- Service Tracking: Real-time updates and modifications to services and technician appointments.
While MyFrontier keeps you in the loop with your account and services, Race CommandIQ takes it a step further, turning your smartphone into a central command for your entire home network, which is especially beneficial for families and those invested in smart home technology.
Race Communications vs. Frontier: Final Verdict
For those in California seeking the best Frontier alternatives, Race Communications offers a compelling proposition. With its superior top internet speeds, consumer-centric policies, and innovative services like the Race CommandIQ app, Race Communications asserts itself as a prime choice.
Related reading:
Race Communications vs Spectrum: Which One is Best for You? [2025]
FAQs
Is Race Communications available everywhere?
Race focuses on areas where it can deliver its fiber-optic network, so availability may be limited.
See the Race Communications Service Areas here.
What is Race Communications customer support like?
Race’s community-focused approach may offer more personalized service than Frontier’s larger operations.
We’re available 8 AM – 12 AM PST, Monday-Saturday.