Milpitas, CA Internet
Internet Providers in Milpitas, CA
Compare every internet provider in Milpitas, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Milpitas, CA, the best overall pick is Xfinity: cable at up to 2,000 Mbps reaches about 48% of the city, and the provider’s footprint overall is about 80%. If AT&T reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber up to 5,000 Mbps available to about 19% of the city. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm your exact address before you commit.
Best Internet Providers in Milpitas, 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 Milpitas
Xfinity’s up to 2 Gig cable plan is available to about 48% of Milpitas, so your address will determine whether you can get it. With up to 2000 Mbps download, 35 Mbps upload, and a 91/100 Speed Score above the city average of 59, it is a solid, reliable cable option for demanding households.
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 much of Milpitas, with its main cable plans available to about 77% of the city, giving many addresses access to excellent speeds for streaming, gaming, and busy households. Address availability varies, since the up to 2 Gig plan reaches about 48% of the city, but most covered addresses can choose up to 1.2 Gig for $100 per month or up to 1 Gig for $50 per month, making Xfinity a strong option if its faster cable tiers are available at your address.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
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 Milpitas
At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T’s 5 GIG Fiber plan offers up to 5000 Mbps both ways and a $150 reward card, delivering strong value for demanding households. Its 95/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 59, making this fiber plan a top-tier option, though it is available to about 19% of Milpitas. Availability depends on your address, and AT&T Internet Air’s fixed wireless service has a different performance profile than fiber, so confirm which technology reaches your home.
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
AT&T offers excellent value, with fiber plans ranging from $35/mo for up to 300 Mbps to $90/mo for up to 5000 Mbps both ways, plus reward cards on several plans. The fastest fiber options are address-dependent, with the 5000 Mbps plan available to about 19% of Milpitas and the 1000 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 300 Mbps plans available to about 25%, while Internet Air reaches about 40% with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, so check for fiber first because the fixed wireless fallback may be less consistent for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Sail Internet
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 81% 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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Milpitas
Sail Internet’s up to 1,000 Mbps download and 1,000 Mbps upload Copper plan reaches about 3% of Milpitas, so availability odds are low. Its 81/100 speed score is strong, but Copper technology may not provide the same latency and consistency as fiber, and the 200/100 Mbps Copper plan reaches about 2% with a 59/100 score. If only the lower-tier plan is available at your address, consider checking other providers 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 Sail Internet
Sail Internet has limited reach in Milpitas, listed at 4.9% overall, so many shoppers will not be eligible. Where available, its copper service ranges from up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload to up to 200 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, making the faster plan a strong option for modern use, but availability is address-dependent and the slower fallback may be inadequate, so check for fiber or cable alternatives first.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
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 Milpitas
5G fixed wireless can handle everyday streaming, browsing, and video calls with up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, earning Verizon a 72/100 Speed Score that is above Milpitas’s city average of 59. The plan is available to 45.7% of the city, so check your address carefully, since fixed wireless performance can be more variable than wired connections and other available technologies may better fit 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 everyday streaming, video calls, and several connected devices, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber. This plan is available to about 46% of Milpitas, and the $60 monthly price requires Auto Pay plus a qualifying postpaid unlimited mobile plan, so check your address and compare faster wired options first if you need maximum reliability or heavy upload performance.
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 Milpitas
T-Mobile suits households that want up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload for streaming, remote work, and multiple connected devices, with an 80/100 Speed Score above the city average of 59. Its fixed wireless service is a practical option, though performance can vary with signal and congestion compared with wired connections. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 67% of Milpitas, so check your address before choosing, especially if you need consistently low-latency service.
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 fast, reasonably priced home internet and can manage a fixed-wireless connection, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps down and 60 Mbps up and a Speed Score of 80/100. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 67% of Milpitas, while the 400 Mbps option offers up to 400 Mbps down and 50 Mbps up at about 67% availability, so check your address first because fixed wireless can vary by location and performance.
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 Milpitas
Satellite service offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload on Starlink’s Residential Max plan, with an 80/100 Speed Score that is above Milpitas’s city average of 59, though satellite latency can be noticeable for gaming and video calls. This plan is available to 100.0% of Milpitas, but confirm service at your address and check other available technologies if low latency and consistently responsive performance matter most.
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 can reach homes that wired providers may miss, and Starlink’s Residential Max 400 Mbps plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 80/100 and availability at 100.0% of Milpitas. Satellite latency can affect video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address first; Starlink is a practical fallback when those faster wired options are unavailable.
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 Milpitas
HughesNet’s Fusion plan costs $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, for up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below Milpitas’s city average of 59. Satellite service is available to 100% of the city, though its limited performance makes it worth checking other options at your address before choosing, especially for demanding online use.
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
Starting at $39.99/mo, HughesNet offers up to 25 Mbps, while its $94.99/mo Fusion plan reaches up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, so the higher price buys more speed but still modest value for demanding use. HughesNet reaches 100.0% of Milpitas with satellite service, but satellite can have high latency and these below-average speed options may fall short for modern households, so check whether faster fiber or cable service is available at your address first.
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 Milpitas
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with a headline Speed Score of 18/100 versus Milpitas’s city average of 59. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability to 100% of the city, but satellite’s higher latency can affect everyday use, so check what other technologies reach your 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 Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a basic fallback rather than a top choice, since its satellite plans have below-average Speed Scores and should be compared with faster options first. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month and is available to 100% of Milpitas, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; satellite’s higher latency and limited speeds may not suit busy households, streaming, or frequent video calls.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Milpitas
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~77.1%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~77.1%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~77.1%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~77.1%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~67%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~67%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~67%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$100Per month~47.7%CoverageCable
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 Milpitas
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps at $40 promotional starting rate for 12 months, reaching about 77% of Milpitas.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches more of the city than faster Xfinity tiers and supports shared streaming.
Check first: Verify availability at your address because Xfinity's overall footprint is about 80%.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG where available, reaching about 25% of Milpitas.
Its symmetrical 1,000 Mbps fiber tier supports demanding uploads, video calls, and cloud work.
Check first: Fiber reaches only about 25% of the city, so confirm your exact address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, reaching about 48% of Milpitas.
Its 2,000 Mbps cable tier offers the strongest widely available Xfinity speed option.
Check first: The 2 Gig tier reaches less than Xfinity's 1,200 Mbps tier, so check eligibility.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 200 Mbps at $85 promotional starting rate, available everywhere in Milpitas.
Starlink's 200 Mbps plan reaches every address and avoids relying on limited wired footprints.
Check first: Confirm installation conditions and prioritize wired options if your address qualifies.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Milpitas
Sunnyhills 95035
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Shared streaming and everyday use.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers about 34% of ZIP 95035, while AT&T fiber reaches about 25%.
ZIP 95036
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 54% of ZIP 95036, exceeding its other listed tier.
Sunnyhills 95035
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for most households with regular streaming and work-from-home needs.
Xfinity leads this ZIP with 34.1% best-address share.
ZIP 95036
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for most households with regular streaming and work-from-home needs.
Xfinity leads this ZIP with 54.2% best-address share.
Internet providers near Milpitas
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Milpitas, check the neighboring market directly.
Milpitas Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Milpitas, CA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 48% of Milpitas. AT&T is faster where available, offering 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber to about 19% of the city, so choose AT&T only if that fiber tier reaches your address.
What is the fastest internet in Milpitas, CA?
AT&T offers the fastest service where available: 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 19% of Milpitas. Xfinity is the best overall choice, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 48%, but AT&T's top speed is not broadly available across its overall footprint.
Which internet provider covers the most of Milpitas, CA?
AT&T covers the most of Milpitas, reaching about 83% of the city, the widest footprint of any wired or fixed-wireless provider. Satellite from Starlink and HughesNet reaches every address but with higher latency.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Milpitas, CA?
The cheapest plans are tied at a promotional $35/mo: AT&T Fiber 300Mbps delivers 300 Mbps and reaches about 25%, while T-Mobile Rely Home Internet delivers 400 Mbps and reaches about 67%. AT&T requires AutoPay and paperless billing for new customers; T-Mobile requires a qualifying wireless bundle.
Can I get fiber internet in Milpitas?
AT&T fiber reaches about 25% of Milpitas for its 1,000 Mbps tier, while its 5,000/5,000 Mbps tier reaches about 19%. Check your address directly because fiber availability is much narrower than AT&T's overall approximately 83% footprint.
What internet speed do I need in Milpitas?
A 300 Mbps plan covers common Milpitas household needs, while 1,000 Mbps or more suits heavy uploads, gaming, and multiple simultaneous streams. Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches about 77% of the city, and AT&T's 1,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 25%.
Which internet providers are available in Sunnyhills?
ZIP 95035 lists Xfinity cable reaching about 34% at 2,000 Mbps and AT&T fiber reaching about 25% at 5,000/5,000 Mbps. Compare the exact address because ZIP-level figures describe coverage portions, not guaranteed service at every Sunnyhills home.
How We Analyze Internet in Milpitas
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 Milpitas report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Milpitas
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.