2.5
4.1
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Previously known as Residential Communications Network, RCN was founded in 1993 and is based in Princeton, New Jersey. RCN is a cable internet company that provides affordable service in a handful of major cities in the United States, including Allentown, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Washington, D.C., Virginia; New York, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Services are delivered over RCN's own fiber-optic local network, as well as through competitive dialup and DSL.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Affordable Plans
- No Contracts
- Low Equipment Rental Prices
- Firewall Protection
- Same-Day Installation
Affordable Plans
RCN offers low introductory rates on all of its cable internet packages. With five different plans to choose from (depending on your area), customers have the ability to find one that works well with their budget. RCN also offers a couple of bundle packages called Double Play, and Triple Play. These bundles include fast internet, TV, and phone.
- Internet 25 — 25 Mbps (download)
- Internet 50 — 50 Mbps
- Internet 155 — 155 Mbps
- Internet 330 — 330 Mbps
- Internet 1000 — 1 Gbps
No Contracts
RCN does not require its customers to sign into any contracts, which is convenient for customers who may need to cancel service for any reason.
Low Equipment Rental Prices
RCN's equipment rental charges are separate from the initial pricing, but rental fees are low, ranging from just $2 to $6.95 per month. Customers have the option to rent a modem, wireless router, or 3-in-1 gateway, or use their own equipment for free.
Firewall Protection
RCN provides firewall protection through McAfee Internet Security Suite. This is included with any internet purchase.
Same-Day Installation
RCN provides same-day installations with two-hour service windows. The company also has a 24/7 customer support team and an online chat service to best meet its customers needs.
The Bad
- Limited Service Area
- No Phone and Internet Bundles
- Fees
Limited Service Area
RCN's service area is limited when compared to many other companies in the industry. The company only services a few major U.S. cities, such as Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Philadelphia.
No Phone and Internet Bundles
RCN does not offer phone/internet bundles, which can cause issues for satellite users.
Fees
RCN charges an installation fee of $49.95 and a one-time setup fee of $25. These fees are not included in the initial price quote. Service protection plans are optional but cost another $4.95 per month. Without a protection plan, service call fees will cost at least $49.95.
The Bottom Line
RCN offers affordable plans with no contracts, low equipment rental prices, firewall protection, and same-day installations. However, the company charges several additional fees and its service area is limited. If you live within their service area we suggest researching their options to see if they fit your needs.
Review Source
Liz Tucson, AZ
3 years ago
