El Dorado Hills, CA Internet
Internet Providers in El Dorado Hills, CA
Compare every internet provider in El Dorado Hills, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn El Dorado Hills, CA, the best overall pick is Xfinity: cable at up to 1,200 Mbps reaches about 77% of the city, and the provider’s footprint overall is about 77%. If AT&T reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber up to 5,000 Mbps available to about 9% of the city. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm your exact address before you commit.
Best Internet Providers in El Dorado Hills, CA
Best plan here: 1.2 Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in California
Badge = fastest plan reaching at least 5% of the city. 2 Gig scores higher but reaches ~2%.
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
Xfinity reaches 76.9% of El Dorado Hills, giving many households a strong chance of qualifying for its service. Its cable plans are a solid option, led by the 1.2 Gig plan with up to 1,200 Mbps download, 35 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 89/100, above the city average of 45. Address-level availability still matters, so confirm the plan offered at your location before signing up.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 76.9% of El Dorado Hills, so many households have a good chance of getting its cable service. At those addresses, options include up to 1.2 Gig download speeds with 35 Mbps upload for $100 per month, plus more affordable plans from 300 Mbps to 1 Gig, making it a strong choice for streaming, gaming, and busy households. The fastest 2 Gig plan is available to only 1.7% of the city, so check your address to see which cable tier you can actually order.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Best plan here: AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed — faster than 95% of all internet options in California
- AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$90Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward cardFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300Mbps$35/mo for 12 months (new customers, with AutoPay & paperless bill discount, wired connection to gateway) · $200 AT&T Visa Reward CardFiber300 MbpsDownload72Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet 5 GIG offers up to 5,000 Mbps both ways over fiber, making it a top-tier option for demanding households. AT&T’s 95/100 headline Speed Score is above the city average of 45, while the $50/mo Fiber 1 GIG plan offers up to 1,000/1,000 Mbps with an 81/100 score. Fiber availability depends on the address, and the 5 GIG plan reaches about 9% of El Dorado Hills, so check your location before choosing between AT&T’s excellent fiber service and its fixed-wireless alternative.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About AT&T
For $35 to $90 per month, AT&T offers excellent value where its fiber is available, with up to 5,000 Mbps both ways on the 5 GIG plan or up to 1,000 Mbps both ways on the 1 GIG plan, plus promotional reward cards. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 16% of El Dorado Hills for the 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 GIG plans and about 9% for 5 GIG, while Internet Air reaches about 51% with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber first because the fixed wireless fallback may be less reliable for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
5G fixed wireless is a practical choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with Verizon’s 5G Home plan offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 72/100. That score is above El Dorado Hills’ city average of 45, making it a competitive option, though fixed wireless can vary more than wired connections. This plan is available to about 69% of the city, so confirm your address before relying on these speeds.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday internet use, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. The plan is available to about 69% of El Dorado Hills and costs $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid unlimited mobile plan, so check your address and compare any fiber or cable options first if you need the most consistent speeds.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Cal.net
Speeds up to 100 Mbps
Plans start at $39.95 /mo *
Speed Score: Slower than 79% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
Licensed fixed wireless can support basic browsing, streaming, and work-from-home needs, with speeds up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Cal.net’s plan reaches 90% of El Dorado Hills and has a Speed Score of 21/100, indicating limited performance compared with stronger alternatives. Availability and real-world performance depend on your address, so consider checking what other connection types are available before choosing this plan.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Cal.net
Cal.net’s licensed fixed wireless service offers up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, which is adequate for everyday browsing, video calls, and streaming but may feel limited for busy households or demanding online use. It reaches about 90% of El Dorado Hills census blocks, though fixed wireless performance can vary by address, so check whether a faster fiber or cable option is available before choosing this plan.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
- T-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
- T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless400 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want affordable service for streaming, work, and everyday use, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload. Its fixed wireless service has an 80/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 45, making it a competitive option, though performance can vary more than wired connections. The listed plans are available to about 63% of El Dorado Hills, so confirm your address before choosing, and note that the promotional pricing requires a qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a bundle.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want solid everyday performance at a relatively low introductory price, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. The 500 Mbps options are available to about 63% of El Dorado Hills, so address availability matters, and the service may be less consistent than cable or fiber for demanding work, gaming, or many simultaneous users; check your address before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 79% of all internet options in California
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload13Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload3Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
For $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 21/100 Speed Score is below El Dorado Hills’ city average of 45. As a satellite service, it has more limited real-world performance and higher latency than fiber or cable, so check what other technologies reach your specific address before choosing it.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About HughesNet
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys you up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score of 21/100 reflects satellite service that may feel limited for demanding modern use. The lower-cost Select and Lite plans start at $49.99 and $39.99 per month, with up to 50 Mbps and 25 Mbps download speeds, and all three plans are available to 100% of El Dorado Hills. Check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, since satellite’s latency and lower performance may not be a good fit for video calls, gaming, or multiple heavy users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
Satellite internet can support streaming, video calls, and everyday household use, with Starlink’s Residential Max plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 80/100. That score is above El Dorado Hills’ city average of 45 and the plan is available to 100% of the city, but satellite latency can affect gaming and other real-time applications, so check what alternatives reach your specific address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Starlink
Satellite internet offers broad availability and, with Starlink’s Residential Max 400 Mbps plan, up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for demanding uses like streaming and video calls, though satellite latency can still affect gaming and other real-time activities. Starlink reaches 100.0% of El Dorado Hills, and its Max plan has an excellent 80/100 Speed Score, but check your address for faster fiber or cable options first because they generally provide a smoother experience. Lower-priced plans offer up to 200 Mbps for $85/mo or up to 100 Mbps for $55/mo, which may be adequate for lighter use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 82% of all internet options in California
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload18Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload13Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for El Dorado Hills
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with its best plan, Viasat Essentials, offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, and a Speed Score of 18/100, below El Dorado Hills’ city average of 45. Satellite service can also have higher latency, so consider checking other providers available at your address first. Viasat Essentials is available to 100% of the city, but your specific address should still be verified.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a reasonable fallback for basic internet, but you should check for faster options first because its satellite plans are below average, with Essentials offering up to 55 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 18/100. Essentials costs $69.99 per month and is available to 100% of El Dorado Hills, while Unleashed costs $99.99 per month for up to 34 Mbps, so the slower speeds and satellite latency may not suit busy households, streaming, or gaming.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in El Dorado Hills
All 22 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 22 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~76.9%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~76.9%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~76.9%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month~76.9%CoverageCable
- T-MobileT-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard400 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$50Per month~62.7%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$60Per month~62.7%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$70Per month~62.7%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month~69%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 El Dorado Hills
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for shared streaming, browsing, and video calls.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches about 77% of El Dorado Hills, including many shared households.
Check first: Confirm Xfinity availability at the exact address before ordering.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T fiber where available for symmetrical speeds and demanding video-call workloads.
AT&T fiber reaches about 16% of the city, with 1,000 Mbps upload and download tiers.
Check first: Fiber availability is limited, so verify the address before relying on symmetrical service.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 1.2 Gig where available for high-bandwidth streaming and downloads.
The 1,200 Mbps cable tier reaches about 77% of El Dorado Hills.
Check first: The 2 Gig tier reaches only about 2% of the city.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink Residential 100 Mbps, available everywhere in El Dorado Hills.
Starlink offers 100 Mbps service with universal availability for harder-to-reach addresses.
Check first: Check wired and fixed-wireless options first for potentially different performance.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in El Dorado Hills
Serrano 95762
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable broadband and streaming.
Xfinity reaches about 67% of ZIP 95762, while AT&T fiber reaches about 10%.
Serrano 95762
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for most households with regular streaming and work-from-home needs.
Xfinity leads this ZIP with 66.7% best-address share.
Internet providers near El Dorado Hills
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside El Dorado Hills, check the neighboring market directly.
El Dorado Hills Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in El Dorado Hills, CA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable service up to 1,200 Mbps reaching about 77% of the city. AT&T fiber reaches about 9% at up to 5,000 Mbps, so it is the faster choice if it reaches your address.
What is the fastest internet in El Dorado Hills, CA?
AT&T fiber is fastest where available, offering up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps across about 9% of the city. Xfinity is the best overall option, with 1,200 Mbps cable service reaching about 77%.
Which internet provider covers the most of El Dorado Hills, CA?
T-Mobile covers the most among non-satellite providers, reaching about 92% of El Dorado Hills. Satellite services are available everywhere, while T-Mobile’s 400 Mbps plan reaches about 63% and requires address qualification.
What is the cheapest internet plan in El Dorado Hills, CA?
The cheapest plans are T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps at $35/mo for 400 Mbps, reaching about 63%, and AT&T Fiber 300Mbps at $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching about 16%. Both are promotional starting rates with qualifying conditions, including a T-Mobile wireless line or AT&T AutoPay.
Can I get fiber internet in El Dorado Hills?
AT&T fiber reaches about 16% of El Dorado Hills, including 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1,000 Mbps tiers. The 5,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 9%, so confirm exact address eligibility before choosing fiber.
What internet speed do I need in El Dorado Hills?
A 300 Mbps plan supports typical households, while 500 Mbps or more better suits multiple streams, remote work, and gaming. Xfinity’s 300 Mbps tier reaches about 77%, and T-Mobile’s 400 Mbps plan reaches about 63%.
Which internet provider is best for Serrano in ZIP 95762?
Xfinity is the leading listed provider in Serrano, reaching about 67% of ZIP 95762 with cable service up to 1,200 Mbps. AT&T fiber reaches about 10%, so residents should verify the exact address before prioritizing fiber.
How We Analyze Internet in El Dorado Hills
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
A state-wide percentile of each plan’s maximum advertised download speed against every option filed with the FCC in the state, all technologies on one scale. It is not a measured speed test.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in El Dorado Hills report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for El Dorado Hills
How We Calculate Speed Score
The Speed Score is a state-wide percentile from 0 to 100. It answers one question: of every internet option filed with the FCC in this state, across every technology, what share is slower than this plan’s maximum advertised download speed?
What goes in:
- The plan’s maximum advertised download speed, as the provider files it with the FCC and lists it for sale.
- Every other serviceable option in the state from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, counted by the census blocks it reaches.
Speed Score = share of the state’s filed options with a lower advertised download speed
A score of 85 means this plan’s advertised speed beats 85% of the options filed in the state. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all on the same scale, so a 1,000 Mbps plan scores the same whoever sells it.
What it is not: a measured speed test. It does not include latency, upload speed, reliability or congestion. Real throughput at an address varies with wiring, equipment and time of day.
How providers are ordered on this page: each provider’s tier scores are averaged across the census blocks it serves, then multiplied by the share of the city it reaches. Wired providers rank ahead of wireless-only ones, and satellite last, because their filings describe a signal footprint rather than a plant. The same rule sets the title and the 30-second verdict.
Data source: FCC National Broadband Map (Broadband Data Collection), republished roughly twice a year; provider plan lists checked monthly.
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.