SIERRA VISTA, AZ
Find internet providers in Sierra Vista, AZ
Find internet offered in Sierra Vista, AZ – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Sierra Vista, AZ
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Sierra Vista, AZ, your best bet is Cox Communications, covering ~70% of the city with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. That maximum comes from Cox’s cable service, which reaches ~67% citywide, while its fiber service reaches ~2% with speeds up to 1000/100 Mbps. Near Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus in ZIP 85635, Cox leads with 84.0% coverage on cable, with speeds up to 2000/35 Mbps, a strong fit for student Zoom, streaming, and gaming. In Pueblo del Sol, ZIP 85650, Cox cable reaches 78.0%, while its fiber reaches 5.7% with speeds up to 1000/100 Mbps. ZIP 85636 is even more Cox-heavy, with cable reaching 90.2%. Pueblo del Sol, Canyon de Flores, and Country Club Estates still call for an address check, especially in student apartments where wiring can differ. Older copper or DSL lines are worth flagging if Cox is unavailable, since those buildings may not support the same experience for classes and calls. For a budget-minded alternative, fixed wireless is worth checking, with Verizon reaching 37.0% citywide and up to 300/20 Mbps on 31%. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before signing up.
Best plan here: 2 GIG internet — faster than 97% of all internet options in Arizona
- 2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/moCable2,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$115Per month
- 1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month
- 500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/moCable500 MbpsDownload85Our score$85Per month
- 300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/moCable300 MbpsDownload84Our score$55Per month
- StraightUp InternetCable100 MbpsDownload37Our score$50Per month
Source: Cox Communications 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 Sierra Vista
Cox Communications is a strong cable choice in Sierra Vista, with a headline Speed Score of 97/100, above the city average of 66. Its 2 GIG plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, with a 67.3% availability rate, making it a reliable option for demanding households. Availability is address dependent, so confirm that the plan reaches your home before choosing it.
About Cox Communications
Cox is a strong option in Sierra Vista for households that want fast cable internet, with plans offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload and Speed Scores as high as 97/100. The faster plans are available to 67.3% of the city, so availability is address-dependent, and the 100 Mbps StraightUp tier has a 37/100 Speed Score, making it wise to check your address for the higher-speed options first if you stream, game, work from home, or have several users.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Speed Score: Faster than 90% of all internet options in Arizona
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 Sierra Vista
CenturyLink is a top-tier option through its fiber plan, but its lower-speed copper tiers offer limited performance compared with alternatives. Fiber offers up to 940 Mbps download and 940 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 90, but it reaches only 0.3% of Sierra Vista, so availability is highly address-dependent. Where fiber is unavailable, copper plans range from up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload with a score of 5 to up to 140 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload with a score of 71, making it worth checking other providers at your address first.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is worth checking, but it is not a strong citywide choice unless your address qualifies for its limited fiber. That fiber offers up to 940 Mbps download and 940 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 90/100, but it reaches only 0.3% of census blocks, while the other listed options are copper or DSL with speeds from up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload to up to 140 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, so check for faster alternatives first because the fallback options may not meet modern household needs.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 84% of all internet options in Arizona
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload84Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload84Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Sierra Vista
Households that want fast home internet for streaming, work, and multiple devices may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless a competitive choice, with an 84/100 Speed Score that is above the city average of 66 and plans offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload. Both plans are available to 33.6% of Sierra Vista, so confirm your address, and remember that fixed wireless performance can vary with location and network conditions compared with other available technologies.
About T-Mobile
Homes with several users who want strong everyday speeds may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless a good fit: All-In offers up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps for $70/mo promotional, then $80/mo, while Rely offers up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps for $50/mo promotional, then $60/mo, and both have a Speed Score of 84/100. Availability is address-dependent at 33.6% of Sierra Vista, and because fixed wireless can be less consistent, check whether fiber or cable is available at your address first if you need the most reliable performance.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 2 Gig Fiber — faster than 98% of all internet options in Arizona
- 2 Gig Fiber$65/mo promotional rate, then $95/moFiber2,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$65Per month
- 940 Mbps / 1 Gig Fiber$40/mo promotional rate, then $75/moFiber940 MbpsDownload90Our score$40Per month
- Simply Fiber Internet 200 MbpsFiber200 MbpsDownload84Our score$30Per month
Source: Quantum Fiber 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 Sierra Vista
Fiber is an excellent choice for low-latency browsing, streaming, gaming, and work, with Quantum Fiber’s 2 Gig plan offering up to 2000 Mbps down and 2000 Mbps up and a Speed Score of 98/100. That score is above Sierra Vista’s city average of 66, while the 940 Mbps plan scores 90/100 and the 200 Mbps plan scores 84/100, making all three top-tier options. These plans are available to 1.2% of Sierra Vista, so confirm that Quantum Fiber reaches your specific address before choosing.
About Quantum Fiber
Quantum Fiber uses fiber, an excellent connection for streaming, video calls, gaming, and multiple devices at once. Where available, it offers up to 2000 Mbps both ways for $65/mo, up to 940 Mbps both ways for $40/mo, or up to 200 Mbps both ways for $30/mo, but coverage is limited to 1.2% of Sierra Vista, so check your address before counting on these options.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 70% of all internet options in Arizona
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload44Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload44Our 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 Sierra Vista
Satellite service can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and work, but its higher latency may feel less responsive for gaming and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with a 70/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 66, and is available to 100.0% of Sierra Vista. The lower-priced plans offer up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $85/mo or up to 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $55/mo, but both have 44/100 Speed Scores, so compare what is available at your address and consider satellite’s performance limits.
About Starlink
Starlink is satellite internet, available to 100.0% of Sierra Vista, with plans offering up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, though satellite latency can be noticeable during gaming, video calls, and other real-time use. The $130/mo Max plan is the strongest choice for demanding households, while the $85/mo 200 Mbps and $55/mo 100 Mbps plans can cover everyday use, but check your address for fiber or cable first if you need lower latency or more consistent performance.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 85% of all internet options in Arizona
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload85Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload84Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Sierra Vista
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload with 5G Home Plus, which can support streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices. Its 85/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 66, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload with an 84/100 score. Because 5G availability is address-specific, 5G Home Plus reaches 37.0% of Sierra Vista, so check your address before choosing a plan.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, though this technology is adequate rather than top-tier and can have local performance issues. The 5G Home Plus plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional rate, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional rate; both are available to 37.0% of Sierra Vista, so check your address and compare other providers if Verizon is not available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 1 Gig Internet — faster than 89% of all internet options in Arizona
- 1 Gig Internet$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $105/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$40Per month
- 300 Mbps Internet$24.95/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moCable300 MbpsDownload84Our score$24.95Per month
Source: Sparklight 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 Sierra Vista
Large households with heavy streaming, gaming, and simultaneous connections should consider Sparklight’s cable service. Its 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 89/100, making it a reliable choice and above Sierra Vista’s city average of 66. The 300 Mbps plan is also a reliable option at up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 84/100. Both plans are listed for 4.3% of the city, so confirm availability at your address.
About Sparklight
Households that stream, game, or work from home should consider Sparklight when available, with cable plans offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 89/100, plus a 300 Mbps option for $24.95/mo for the first 12 months. This excellent cable service reaches 4.3% of Sierra Vista, so availability is highly address-dependent; check your address first, and remember the 1 Gig plan rises to $105/mo after the first 12 months.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 80% of all internet options in Arizona
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload20Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload2Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload2Our 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 Sierra Vista
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 20/100 Speed Score is below Sierra Vista’s city average of 66. Satellite service has higher latency and limited performance compared with fiber and cable, so check which other technologies reach your address before committing, even though Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of the city.
About HughesNet
HughesNet’s $39.99/mo Lite plan, rising to $49.99/mo after 12 months, buys up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, while $94.99/mo Fusion, rising to $119.99/mo, reaches up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, so the speeds are modest for the price. All three satellite plans are shown across 100.0% of Sierra Vista, but their 2/100 and 20/100 speed scores reflect the technology’s limitations, so treat HughesNet as a fallback and check your address for fiber, cable, or another faster option first if you need modern gaming, video calls, or heavy streaming.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 98% of all internet options in Arizona
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload2Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload2Our 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 Sierra Vista
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Sierra Vista, so check what other providers can serve your address first. Its satellite plans offer up to 55↓/4↑ Mbps for $69.99/mo or up to 34↓/4↑ Mbps for $99.99/mo, and both have a Speed Score of 2/100, below the city average of 66. Viasat Essentials is listed as available to 100.0% of the city, but satellite service can have higher latency and may be less suitable for gaming, video calls, and other demanding uses.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mostly a fallback choice in Sierra Vista, so check for faster options first. Its satellite plans are available to 100.0% of the city, but the faster Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 2/100, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo. Since satellite has higher latency and these are below-average speeds, Viasat may be adequate for basic use but could be limiting for video calls, gaming, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Sierra Vista
All 22 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 22 plans
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$115$154Per month~67.3%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100$124Per month~67.3%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/mo500 MbpsDownload85Our score$85$94Per month~67.3%CoverageCable
- Cox Communications300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/mo300 MbpsDownload84Our score$55$74Per month~67.3%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload44Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload44Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload85Our score$45$70Per month~37%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload84Our score$35$60Per month~37%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload84Our score$50$60Per month~33.6%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Sierra Vista
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Try Sparklight's 300 Mbps Internet at its promotional starting rate of $24.95/mo where its 4.3% reach includes your address.
Sparklight is the lowest-priced listed plan, but Cox cable covers 84.0% in ZIP 85635 and 90.2% in ZIP.
Check first: Its 4.3% footprint makes address verification essential before relying on the advertised rate.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Use Cox's 1 GIG internet at 1,000 Mbps where its 67.3% plan footprint reaches your address.
Cox cable covers 84.0% in Downtown Sierra Vista and 78.0% in Pueblo del Sol.
Check first: Cox's 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches only about 2%, unlike its broader cable plans.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Pick Cox's 2 GIG internet for 2,000 Mbps where its 67.3% plan footprint reaches your address.
In ZIP 85636, Cox cable reaches 90.2%, supporting strong address-level odds.
Check first: Quantum's 2,000 Mbps fiber reaches just 1.2%, so do not assume fiber at every address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at its promotional starting rate of $55/mo; that plan reaches 100% of Sierra Vista.
It provides a citywide fallback where Cox's 67.3% cable-plan footprint is unavailable.
Check first: Starlink's 100 Mbps plan is slower than its 200 Mbps and Max tiers, though all reach.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Sierra Vista
Downtown Sierra Vista
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Heavy streaming and large households.
Cox cable reaches 84.0% of ZIP 85635 in Downtown Sierra Vista, while Starlink is listed at 12.5%.
Pueblo del Sol
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Streaming and work-from-home.
Cox Communications leads ZIP 85650 with 78.0% cable coverage and an additional 5.7% fiber listing in Pueblo del Sol.
ZIP 85636
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Cox cable reaches 90.2% of ZIP 85636, with Starlink listed at 9.8%.
Internet providers near Sierra Vista
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Sierra Vista, check the neighboring market directly.
Sierra Vista Internet FAQs
what is the fastest internet provider in Sierra Vista, AZ?
Cox Communications and Quantum Fiber tie for the fastest listed speed at 2,000 Mbps; Cox's 2 GIG internet plan reaches 67.3% of Sierra Vista, while Quantum's 2 Gig Fiber reaches 1.2%. Cox is the practical first check for more addresses, but availability and technology still depend on your exact location.
can I get fiber in Sierra Vista, AZ?
Fiber availability is limited: Cox's 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 2% of Sierra Vista, while Quantum Fiber's 2,000 Mbps option reaches 1.2%. Those percentages make exact-address checking essential, especially because fiber availability is far narrower than either provider's broader listed footprint.
what is the cheapest internet plan in Sierra Vista, AZ?
Sparklight's 300 Mbps Internet is Sierra Vista's cheapest plan at a promotional starting rate of $24.95/mo, reaching 4.3% of the city. It is the required lowest-price choice, but its limited footprint means you should confirm Sparklight service at your exact address before budgeting for it.
what internet speed do I need for a family in Sierra Vista, AZ?
A family juggling streaming, gaming, and video calls should target at least 300 Mbps; Cox's 300 Mbps internet reaches 67.3% of Sierra Vista. If unavailable, Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps reaches 100% of the city, offering broader availability with a lower listed speed.
is Cox internet available in Pueblo del Sol?
Yes—Cox Communications covers 78.0% of ZIP 85650, Pueblo del Sol, with cable and another 5.7% with fiber. Cable is the dominant listed option there, while fiber is less common, so ZIP-level figures should guide your search rather than replace exact-address verification.
How We Analyze Internet in Sierra Vista
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 Sierra Vista report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Sierra Vista
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.