How Do I Know Which Internet Providers Are Available at My Home?
Internet availability varies widely from location to location and can even vary from building to building. Wired internet providers offering cable and fiber services, such as AT&T, Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Spectrum, and Frontier, are available only in select areas. In contrast, 5G Home Internet coverage from carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile is generally available nationwide, but coverage and quality can vary from home to home. Satellite providers like Starlink, Viasat and Hughesnet are available to almost every household and the only option for many rural areas.
While multiple wired and wireless internet options may be available, the fastest speeds aren’t guaranteed. The quality of wired connections can decrease over distance, and wireless connections may experience disruptions due to obstacles, resulting in packet loss, higher latency (ping), and slower speeds. To check availability, search your zip code to find which Fiber-Optic, cable, 5G Home Internet, or satellite options are available to you.
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How Much Does Internet Cost?
The cost of internet service varies widely depending on the type of connection, the provider, your location, and the speed tier you select. On average, broadband internet plans range from $30 to $100 per month. Cable plans tend to be more affordable, with prices starting around $30 to $50 per month for lower-speed options. Fiber-optic internet, which offers faster speeds, usually costs between $50 and $100 per month. Some providers also offer premium plans with speeds exceeding 1 Gbps for $100 or more per month. Additional fees, such as equipment rental or installation charges, may apply, and promotional discounts can temporarily lower the price for the first year.
Largest Internet Providers
| Provider | Speeds Up To | Connection Types | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5 Gbps | Fiber, 5G Home Internet, DSL | 21 States | Check Availability |
  | 2 Gbps | Cable | 41 States | Check Availability |
 | 1 Gbps | Cable | 42 States | Check Availability |
 | 2 Gbps | Fiber, 5G Home Internet | 50 States | Check Availability |
 | 245 Mbps | 5G Home Internet | 48 States | Check Availability |
 | 5 Gbps | Fiber, DSL | 25 States | Check Availability |
 | 2 Gbps | Cable | 19 States | Check Availability |
 | 220 Mbps | Satellite | 50 States | Check Availability |
 | 8 Gbps | Fiber | 17 States | Check Availability |
What Is Broadband Internet?
Broadband internet refers to high-speed internet that supports a wide range of online activities, such as video streaming, gaming, and remote work. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), broadband is now defined as an internet connection with a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps. These updated requirements reflect the growing need for faster speeds due to increased data usage from activities like 4K video streaming, large file downloads, and virtual meetings. Broadband can be delivered through various technologies, including fiber-optic, cable, DSL, and satellite, each offering different speeds and reliability. The goal of broadband expansion is to provide fast, reliable internet access to households across the country, helping to bridge the digital divide.
How Do I Choose an Internet Provider That Is Best For Me?
Choosing the right internet provider depends on your usage habits and availability in your area. For frequent streaming, Fiber, Cable, or 5G Home Internet plans (in that order) offer the fastest speeds. Your location plays a significant role, as availability varies by provider. While wireless and satellite providers offer broader coverage, they often have data caps and streaming limits. We recommend starting by comparing the top two to three available providers in your area based on speed and price. If you have specific speed requirements, one provider may stand out, or if you’re on a budget, you may prefer the more affordable option.
What Is The Difference Between Fiber, Cable, Satellite and 5G Home Internet?
Fiber, Cable, Satellite, and 5G Home Internet are the primary sources of internet service and are substantially different technologies and each offers varying performance levels for internet access.
- Fiber-optic internet provides the fastest speeds, offering symmetrical download and upload speeds, with minimal latency and high reliability, making it ideal for heavy data use like streaming video and gaming. Look for fiber internet from providers like; AT&T, Verizon, Quantum, CenturyLink, and Frontier
- Cable internet uses coaxial cables and offers fast speeds, but operates on a shared connection. It can be affected by network congestion during peak hours, resulting in occasional slowdowns. Major cable providers include Spectrum, Xfinity, and Cox
- 5G Home Internet leverages the latest cellular technology, offering fast wireless speeds with low latency. Its availability is limited to certain areas with strong 5G coverage. Verizon and T-Mobile are the largest 5G Home Internet providers, but AT&T’s network is growing quickly.
- Satellite internet relies on satellites to provide internet access, offering wide coverage, particularly in rural areas. It often suffers from higher latency, slower speeds, and data limits compared to the other internet technologies. Each option has its pros and cons, making it important to choose based on your location, usage needs, and available service providers. Starlink, Viasat and HughesNet are your choices for satellite internet.