Los Altos, CA Internet
Internet Providers in Los Altos, CA
Compare every internet provider in Los Altos, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedXfinity, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 68% of the city, is the best overall choice, with its broader network footprint reaching about 93%. AT&T fiber reaches about 60% of the city at speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps, and if it reaches your address, it is the faster choice.
South Los Altos, ZIP 94024, strongly favors AT&T, with fiber reaching about 80% of the ZIP, while Xfinity reaches about 12% with its 2,000 Mbps cable tier. North Los Altos, ZIP 94022, is more mixed, with AT&T fiber reaching about 58% and Xfinity cable reaching about 27%. ZIP 94023 also leans AT&T, with its fiber reaching about 54%, while Xfinity reaches about 35% with cable at up to 2,000 Mbps. For a budget fixed-wireless option, T-Mobile reaches about 43% of the city at up to 100 Mbps, while Verizon reaches about 41% at up to 300 Mbps. Coverage can change street by street in Loyola, Country Club, and elsewhere, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Los Altos, CA
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 91% of all internet options in California
- 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 Los Altos
Xfinity’s cable service reaches 92.8% of Los Altos, giving most addresses a strong chance of qualifying. Its 2 Gig plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 91/100, making Xfinity a solid, reliable cable option that scores above the city average of 61. The 2 Gig plan is available to about 68% of the city, so confirm your address qualifies for the highest-speed tier 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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches about 93% of Los Altos, giving many shoppers a strong chance of getting service. Its cable plans offer excellent speeds for most households, including up to 2 Gig where available to about 68% of the city, while the up to 1 Gig and up to 1.2 Gig plans reach about 93%; check your address because the fastest option is not available everywhere, though the widely available 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps plans are still solid choices.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
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 Los Altos
AT&T’s $90/mo 5 GIG Fiber plan buys up to 5000 Mbps both ways, making it a top-tier option with a Speed Score of 95/100. It is an excellent choice for demanding households and scores above the city average of 61, with availability to about 60% of Los Altos. Since AT&T also offers fixed wireless, the best technology and performance depend on whether fiber reaches your specific address.
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
Starting at $35/mo, AT&T offers strong value in Los Altos, with fiber plans ranging from up to 300 Mbps for $35/mo to up to 5,000 Mbps both ways for $90/mo. Fiber is available to about 62% of the city, so check your address first; elsewhere, the up to 300 Mbps Internet Air plan has 30 Mbps upload speeds and may be only adequate for modern households.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Los Altos Hills Community Fiber
Speeds up to 10,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in California
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 Los Altos
Households needing exceptional performance for heavy streaming, gaming, remote work, or many simultaneous users should consider Los Altos Hills Community Fiber’s fiber plan, which offers up to 10,000 Mbps both ways and has a 99/100 Speed Score. It is a top-tier option and well above Los Altos’s 61 average top speed score, but this plan reaches only 1.6% of the city, so confirm fiber availability at your address.
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 Los Altos Hills Community Fiber
Households that need exceptional performance for demanding work, gaming, streaming, or many connected devices may find Los Altos Hills Community Fiber an excellent fit, with fiber offering up to 10000 Mbps both ways and a Speed Score of 99/100. Availability is very limited and address-dependent, so check your exact address before counting on this top-tier option.
Available Plans
Fiber
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 Los Altos
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it suitable for everyday streaming, video calls, and connected-home use, though performance can vary more than with wired connections. Its 72/100 Speed Score is above Los Altos’s city average of 61, so it is a competitive option where available. This plan reaches about 51% of the city, so check your address to confirm eligibility and whether Verizon’s 5G signal is strong enough for your needs.
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 several connected devices, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. The plan is available to about 51% of Los Altos and costs $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid mobile unlimited plan, so check your address and compare faster fiber or cable options before choosing it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Los Altos
Households needing reliable everyday internet for streaming, work, and multiple connected devices can consider T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service, with up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 80/100, above Los Altos’s city average of 61. Fixed wireless is an adequate option, though performance and availability can vary by address, and the 500 Mbps plans reach about 61% of the city, so confirm eligibility 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want strong everyday performance from fixed wireless, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. Its best-priced options require a qualifying postpaid voice line and bundle, and availability is address-dependent, with the listed plans reaching about 61% of Los Altos, so check your address before relying on it for demanding work, streaming, or many connected devices.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Los Altos
Satellite internet can support streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and other real-time applications. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100, above Los Altos’s city average of 61, making it a competitive satellite option. The plan is available to 100.0% of the city, though it is worth checking other technologies at your address first if low latency and consistently responsive performance are priorities.
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 gives Starlink broad reach and up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, but its higher latency can be noticeable for gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. The Residential Max plan is available to 100% of Los Altos and is the strongest option here, though you should check your address for fiber or cable first, since those technologies are generally better for modern, latency-sensitive use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
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 Los Altos
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 over satellite, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below Los Altos’s city average of 61. Fusion is shown as available to 100.0% of the city, though availability is address-specific, and satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking what else is available at your address.
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 $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25, 50, or 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service delivers below-average value for modern streaming, gaming, and multiple-device use. It reaches 100.0% of Los Altos, though you should check for faster fiber or cable at your address first, since satellite is generally a fallback when better local options are unavailable.
Available Plans
Gso 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 Los Altos
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Los Altos. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 18/100, below the city average of 61, while Viasat Unleashed drops to up to 34/4 Mbps with a 13/100 score; both plans are available to 100.0% of the city, but satellite latency and speeds make it worth checking other providers at your address first.
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 mainly an adequate fallback, not a top choice for modern internet needs, because its satellite plans have below-average Speed Scores and offer up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month with Viasat Essentials, or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month with Viasat Unleashed. Both plans reach 100% of Los Altos, but satellite internet can have high latency, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service before choosing Viasat.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Los Altos
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
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$100Per month~68.4%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- AT&TAT&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 card5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$90Per month~60.1%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&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 card1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~62.2%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&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 card500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month~62.2%CoverageFiber
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 Los Altos
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 93% of Los Altos.
Its cable footprint is broader than most wired options and suits shared streaming, browsing, and video calls.
Check first: Confirm address eligibility because Xfinity does not reach every Los Altos address.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 300 Mbps for $35/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 62% of Los Altos.
Fiber provides a strong wired option for video meetings, uploads, and multiple connected devices.
Check first: The promotional rate requires new-customer eligibility, AutoPay, paperless billing, and a wired gateway connection.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T 5 GIG fiber where available for symmetrical 5,000 Mbps service reaching about 60% of Los Altos.
Its fiber upload and download speeds support demanding streaming, large downloads, and busy connected households.
Check first: The 5,000 Mbps tier reaches only about 60% of Los Altos, so verify your address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55/mo promotional pricing, available everywhere in Los Altos.
Satellite service provides an option where wired providers may not reach the address.
Check first: Verify satellite service conditions and performance at your specific address before ordering.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Los Altos
North Los Altos 94022
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber households.
AT&T fiber reaches about 58% of ZIP 94022, while Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 27%.
South Los Altos 94024
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Broadest wired choice.
AT&T fiber reaches about 80% of ZIP 94024, giving it the strongest listed wired footprint there.
ZIP 94023
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber availability.
AT&T fiber reaches about 54% of ZIP 94023, while Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 35%.
Internet providers near Los Altos
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Los Altos, check the neighboring market directly.
Los Altos Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Los Altos, CA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 68% of Los Altos; AT&T reaches 5,000/5,000 Mbps on fiber across about 60%. Choose Xfinity for broader overall availability, but choose AT&T if its faster fiber tier reaches your address.
What is the fastest internet in Los Altos, CA?
AT&T is the fastest where available, offering 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 60% of Los Altos. If it reaches your address, it is the faster choice; otherwise, Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 68%.
Which internet provider covers the most of Los Altos, CA?
Xfinity covers the most among non-satellite providers, reaching about 93% of Los Altos overall. Satellite providers are available everywhere, while Xfinity's 1,200 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps tiers also reach about 93%.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Los Altos, CA?
The lowest promotional price is $35/mo for 300 Mbps from AT&T Fiber, reaching about 62%, tied with T-Mobile Rely Home Internet at $35/mo for 400 Mbps, reaching about 61%. AT&T requires AutoPay and paperless billing; T-Mobile requires a qualifying wireless line and bundle.
Can I get fiber internet in Los Altos?
AT&T 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 60% of Los Altos, while AT&T 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 62%; Los Altos Hills Community Fiber reaches about 2%. Check the exact address because fiber tiers cover less than provider-wide footprints.
What internet speed do I need in Los Altos?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point, with Xfinity's tier reaching about 93% of Los Altos and AT&T Fiber's tier reaching about 62%. Larger households with simultaneous streaming, gaming, uploads, and video calls should check fiber availability or consider higher tiers.
What internet options are available around Downtown Los Altos?
Downtown Los Altos is within a city where Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches about 93% and AT&T Fiber 300 Mbps reaches about 62%. Availability is address-specific, so verify whether the selected wired tier reaches the home rather than relying on citywide coverage.
How We Analyze Internet in Los Altos
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 Los Altos report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Los Altos
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.