BIRMINGHAM, AL
Find internet providers in Birmingham, AL
Find internet offered in Birmingham, AL – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 10 internet providers for Birmingham, AL
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Birmingham, AL, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~92% of the city. Its fastest fiber tier reaches up to 5,000 Mbps, but that tier reaches ~46% of the city. Spectrum is a close runner-up, covering 89.4% of the city, with its cable network reaching up to 1,000 Mbps across ~89% of the city. Local results vary: Highland Park (35205) leans toward Spectrum at 67.8%, while Forest Park (35222) is an AT&T stronghold at 57.8%. In 35203, Spectrum leads at 39.1%, while AT&T takes 14.8% with fiber; 35204 is even more Spectrum-heavy at 68.5%. For University of Alabama at Birmingham students, apartments near campus and in Avondale or Crestwood can have different options, so check for fiber rather than older copper before relying on Zoom, streaming, or gaming. T-Mobile and Verizon are worth checking as fixed wireless alternatives, with tiers reaching ~41% and ~40% of the city at up to 100/20 and 300/20 Mbps, respectively. Coverage can change street to street, including at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base, so confirm the exact address before signing up.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 99% of all internet options in Alabama
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
At $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, AT&T Fiber 5 GIG buys up to 5000 Mbps both ways and a 99/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier option for demanding households. That score is above Birmingham’s city average of 74, but this fiber plan is available to 45.5% of the city, so your address determines whether you can get its fiber performance rather than another AT&T technology.
About AT&T
For $35/mo for the first 12 months, AT&T’s Fiber 300 offers up to 300 Mbps both ways, while $50/mo gets up to 1,000 Mbps both ways and $95/mo gets up to 5,000 Mbps both ways, making it an excellent value for streaming, work, and gaming before rates rise to $60, $90, and $135/mo respectively. Those excellent fiber choices are address-dependent: the 300, 500, and 1 GIG plans are available to 48.8% of Birmingham, and 5 GIG to 45.5%; the fallback Internet Air plan reaches 37.7% with up to 300 Mbps at $55/mo initially, but fixed wireless can be less consistent for demanding use, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in Alabama
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload78Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload57Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, paired with an 89/100 Speed Score, can comfortably handle multiple 4K streams, video calls, gaming, and busy connected households. Spectrum’s cable service is a solid, reliable choice for most uses and its score is above the city average of 74. Internet Gig is available to 89.3% of Birmingham, so confirm availability and consider other technologies at your address if upload performance or latency is a priority.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s cable Internet Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for busy households with multiple streams, video calls, gaming, and large downloads. It is a strong option where available, with the gig plan reaching 89.3% of Birmingham, while the 500 Mbps tier costs $40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo. The 100 Mbps plan at $30/mo can cover basic browsing and streaming, but most households should check whether the faster tiers are available at their address first.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Cspire
Speeds up to 8,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 100% of all internet options in Alabama
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
Cspire reaches just 1.4% of Birmingham, so checking your address is essential because availability is limited. Where available, its fiber plan is a top-tier option, offering up to 8,000 Mbps download and up to 8,000 Mbps upload with a 100/100 Speed Score, well above the city’s 74 average.
About Cspire
Cspire reaches only 1.4% of Birmingham through its fiber service, so availability is a long shot for most addresses. At an eligible address, its fiber plan is an excellent choice, offering up to 8,000 Mbps both ways for demanding work, streaming, gaming, and large households.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 78% of all internet options in Alabama
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload78Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
Households wanting fast internet for streaming, work, and multiple devices may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service competitive, with a Speed Score of 78/100, above Birmingham’s 74 average. All-In offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional. Availability is address-dependent, with each plan reaching 66.1% of the city, and fixed wireless performance can be more variable than wired alternatives, so check your address before choosing.
About T-Mobile
Households looking for good everyday speeds without needing fiber-level performance may find T-Mobile a practical fit, with 5G Fixed Wireless plans offering up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps or up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps and a Speed Score of 78/100. Fixed wireless is an adequate option rather than the most consistent one, and it is available to 66.1% of Birmingham, so check your address for fiber or cable first if your home has several heavy users, demanding uploads, or latency-sensitive work.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 73% of all internet options in Alabama
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload73Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload73Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
Satellite service offers broad reach and can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and work, but its higher latency can make gaming and video calls less consistent than wired connections. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with a 73/100 Speed Score that is about the same as Birmingham’s 74 average and availability to 100.0% of the city, so check wired alternatives at your address if low-latency performance matters most.
About Starlink
Satellite internet offers broad availability but typically has higher latency, making Starlink practical for everyday browsing and streaming while being less ideal for latency-sensitive gaming or demanding uploads. Its plans offer up to 100 Mbps for $55/mo, up to 200 Mbps for $85/mo, or up to 400 Mbps for $130/mo, with the plans shown available to 100.0% of Birmingham, but check your address for fiber or cable first if those faster technologies are available.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Speed Score: Faster than 94% of all internet options in Alabama
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
Brightspeed’s top plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload, enough for multiple 4K streams, gaming, video calls, and heavy uploads in a busy home. With a Speed Score of 94/100, this fiber service is an excellent, top-tier option. The fiber tier covers 0.3% of Birmingham, so the best technology may not reach your address; where it does not, the copper plans offer up to 80 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload (Speed Score: 51/100), 40 Mbps and 3 Mbps (46/100), or 10 Mbps and 1 Mbps (5/100), which have limited performance compared with alternatives.
About Brightspeed
Brightspeed’s fastest option is up to 1000 Mbps down and 1000 Mbps up, excellent for busy households, 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and large uploads. That fiber is address-dependent and listed in just 0.3% of census blocks, while the copper fallback options reach only up to 80 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up, 40 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, or 10 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up, so check your address for fiber or another faster provider before choosing Brightspeed.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
CRC Communications LLC
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 94% of all internet options in Alabama
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
Up to 1000 Mbps download and upload can comfortably support 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and many connected devices at once. With a 94/100 Speed Score, CRC Communications LLC’s fiber plan is an excellent choice and a top-tier option for performance. Fiber coverage is shown for 1.0% of Birmingham, so confirm that this plan is available at your address.
About CRC Communications LLC
Up to 1000 Mbps both ways can comfortably support 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. This excellent fiber option is available across 1.0% of Birmingham’s census blocks, so check your address first because no slower fallback plan is listed here if CRC Communications LLC’s fiber is unavailable.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 78% of all internet options in Alabama
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
5G fixed wireless can handle everyday streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional pricing, then $70/mo. Verizon’s 78/100 Speed Score is above Birmingham’s 74 city average, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo. Availability and performance can vary with your address and local wireless conditions, and both plans are available to 56.2% of Birmingham, so verify service reaches your home.
About Verizon
5G fixed wireless is an adequate option for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, though it may be less consistent than fiber or cable. Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional, then $70/mo, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional, then $60/mo. With a good Speed Score of 78/100, Verizon is worth checking, but service is address-dependent and available to 56.2% of Birmingham, so confirm your address before signing up.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 64% of all internet options in Alabama
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload36Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload6Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 36/100 Speed Score makes it a weak value for the performance. Satellite service has higher latency and limited performance compared with other technologies, and HughesNet’s score is below Birmingham’s city average of 74. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Birmingham, but consider checking what other providers and technologies reach your specific address before choosing, especially for gaming, video calls, or heavy streaming.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for up to 25 Mbps down and up to 3 Mbps up, $49.99/mo for up to 50 Mbps down and up to 5 Mbps up, or $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps down and up to 5 Mbps up during the first 12 months, HughesNet offers limited value for the performance, especially after introductory pricing ends. All three plans show 100.0% availability in Birmingham, but satellite latency and below-average speeds make them better suited to basic browsing than modern household demands, so check your address for faster fiber or cable options first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 94% of all internet options in Alabama
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload6Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Birmingham
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Birmingham, with a headline Speed Score of 6/100, below the city average of 74. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 6/100 and availability to 100.2% of the city, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 1/100. Because both plans use satellite, check what other services reach your specific address first, especially if low latency matters.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback choice in Birmingham, not a strong first pick for modern internet use, because its fastest listed plan is satellite with up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 6/100. The other satellite plan offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 1/100, so check your address for fiber or cable first, since satellite latency and these lower speeds may not be sufficient for gaming, video calls, or several heavy users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Birmingham
All 20 product lines from the 7 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 20 plans
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60$70Per month~89.3%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload73Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload73Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload78Our score$40$50Per month~89.3%CoverageCable
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload78Our score$50$60Per month~66.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload78Our score$70$80Per month~66.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- SpectrumInternet Advantage100 MbpsDownload57Our score$30Per month~89.3%CoverageCable
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$50$90Per month~48.8%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo5,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$95$135Per month~45.5%CoverageFiber
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Birmingham providers head-to-head
See how Birmingham’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Birmingham
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage, a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps reaching 89.3% of Birmingham.
Spectrum covers 39.1% of ZIP 35203; Internet Advantage reaches 89.3% of Birmingham overall.
Check first: Downtown Birmingham's ZIP 35203 shows only 39.1% Spectrum coverage; confirm service at your address.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 300: a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 48.8% of Birmingham.
Forest Park's ZIP 35222 lists AT&T fiber at 57.8%, making address-level verification especially important.
Check first: Highland Park's ZIP 35205 lists AT&T fiber at 17.3%; verify the exact address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Spectrum Internet Gig, a promotional starting rate of $60/mo for 1,000 Mbps reaching 89.3% of Birmingham.
Spectrum's cable technology lists 1,000/35 Mbps and reaches 89.3%, including 51.8% coverage in ZIP 35206.
Check first: Spectrum's cable service lists 35 Mbps upload and reaches 89.3%; confirm availability by address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps, a promotional starting rate of $55/mo for 100 Mbps reaching 100% of Birmingham.
Starlink's basic NGSO satellite service also reaches about 100% of Birmingham, covering the broadest listed footprint.
Check first: Confirm the exact address even though this Starlink plan reaches 100% of Birmingham.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Birmingham
Downtown Birmingham
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for budget cable service.
Spectrum leads ZIP 35203 at 39.1%; Starlink reaches 27.3%, AT&T fiber 14.8%, and Verizon 9.7%.
Highland Park
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for shared-home cable availability.
Spectrum cable covers 67.8% of ZIP 35205, versus AT&T fiber at 17.3% and Starlink at 10.2%.
Forest Park
AT&T is currently the strongest option for high-bandwidth fiber use.
AT&T fiber leads ZIP 35222 at 57.8%, ahead of Spectrum at 25.4% and Starlink at 12.9%.
Internet providers near Birmingham
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Birmingham, check the neighboring market directly.
Birmingham Internet FAQs
Who is the fastest internet provider in Birmingham, AL?
Cspire is the fastest listed Birmingham provider: its 8,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 1% of the city. AT&T's 5,000 Mbps Fiber 5 GIG reaches 45.5%, while Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps Internet Gig reaches 89.3%, so the fastest option depends on address availability.
Can I get fiber internet in Birmingham, AL?
Yes—AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 48.8% of Birmingham at 300 Mbps, while Cspire fiber reaches about 1%. ZIP data show AT&T fiber at 57.8% in Forest Park's 35222 and 17.3% in Highland Park's 35205, so verify availability at your specific address before choosing a plan.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Birmingham, AL?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Birmingham's cheapest listed plan at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 89.3% of the city. Check your address because the plan's 89.3% reach does not mean every Birmingham address qualifies; verify service before ordering.
How much internet speed do I need for my Birmingham home?
For a Birmingham household, 100 Mbps is a listed starting speed, with Spectrum Internet Advantage reaching 89.3% of Birmingham at that speed. Households needing more simultaneous capacity can consider Spectrum's 500 Mbps or 1,000 Mbps plans, each reaching 89.3%, or AT&T's 1,000 Mbps plan reaching 48.8%.
What internet providers are available in Highland Park, Birmingham, AL?
In Highland Park's ZIP 35205, Spectrum cable reaches 67.8%, AT&T fiber 17.3%, Starlink 10.2%, and Spectrum fiber 1.8%. These ZIP-level figures identify listed coverage, not guaranteed service at every address, so verify availability before choosing a plan in Highland Park.
How We Analyze Internet in Birmingham
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Birmingham report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Birmingham
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.