FindBetterInternet

MISSION VIEJO, CA

Find internet providers in Mission Viejo, CA

Find internet offered in Mission Viejo, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.

Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.

We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.

Austin Shrum, FindBetterInternet

Austin Shrum

Charlotte, NC

Ali Yazdi, FindBetterInternet

Ali Yazdi

Charlotte, NC

Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.

Person using internet

Shop and compare 7 internet providers for Mission Viejo, CA

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated

In Mission Viejo, CA, your best bet is Cox Communications: it covers ~97% of the city, and its fastest FCC-filed tier reaches speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Its cable network reaches ~95% of the city at up to 2,000/100 Mbps, making it the practical default for most homes. In Alicia Park, Cox’s 2,000/100 Mbps cable service covers 80.4% of the ZIP, while AT&T’s up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber appears in 4.1%. Casta del Sol is similarly Cox-heavy, with 70.2% on 2,000/100 Mbps cable and just 0.7% showing AT&T fiber. ZIP 92690 is more mixed, with Cox’s 2,000/100 Mbps tier at 46.9%, its 2,000/500 Mbps tier at 26.5%, and the slower 2,000/35 Mbps tier at 14.3%. Around Palmia and Kite Hill, students near Saddleback College should verify that apartments are not relying on old DSL or copper, especially for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Verizon fixed wireless reaches 74% of the city at speeds up to 300/20 Mbps, while T-Mobile reaches 58% at up to 100/20 Mbps. Coverage changes street to street, so check the exact address and building connection before signing up.

Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps

Plans range $50–$115 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 5 plans →


Coverage ~96.9% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
94

Best plan here: 2 GIG internet — faster than 94% of all internet options in California

  • 2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/moCable2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$115Per month
  • 1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100Per month
  • 500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/moCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$85Per month
  • 300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/moCable300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
  • StraightUp InternetCable100 MbpsDownload58Our score$50Per month

Source: Cox Communications official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

94

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.

Download 2,000 Mbps
Upload 35 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Good

Gaming

Good

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Mission Viejo

Cox Communications is a solid, competitive cable option in Mission Viejo. Its top plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 94/100, above the city average of 63. Cable is reliable for most households, but its upload performance may be more limited than fiber, and the listed plans are available to 94.9% of the city, so confirm availability and technology at your address.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a strong choice in Mission Viejo, offering cable internet that should handle streaming, gaming, and busy households well. Its 2 GIG plan has a Speed Score of 94/100 and offers up to 2000 Mbps download and up to 35 Mbps upload for $115/mo promotional pricing, with availability varying by address and shown at 94.9% of the city, while the slower StraightUp plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and up to 5 Mbps upload and may feel limiting for modern needs.

Available Plans

92
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 94.9% of city
89
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 2.7% of city
94
Fiber
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.9% of city

Speeds up to 300 Mbps

Plans range $35–$45 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~79.4% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
87

Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 87% of all internet options in California

  • 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45Per month
  • 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month

Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

87

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.

Download 1,000 Mbps
Upload 75 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Mission Viejo

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can support everyday streaming and multiple connected devices, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 87/100. That score is above Mission Viejo’s city average of 63, but fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired connections, and this plan is available to 79.4% of the city, so confirm eligibility at your address. The 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100.

About Verizon

5G fixed wireless can support streaming, video calls, and everyday home use without wired installation, though performance may vary with signal and local congestion. Verizon offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo; both plans are available to 79.4% of Mission Viejo, so check your address before counting on service.

Available Plans

78
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 73.7% of city
44
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 5.7% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $50–$70 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~93.4% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
80

Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in California

  • All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70Per month
  • Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month

Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

80

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.

Download 498 Mbps
Upload 55 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Mission Viejo

For households that need fast everyday service for streaming, work, and multiple devices, T-Mobile’s 5G Fixed Wireless plans are a competitive choice, with up to 498 Mbps download, 55 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 63. Fixed wireless performance can vary by location and network conditions, and the All-In plan is available to 82.0% of Mission Viejo, so verify service at your address before signing up.

About T-Mobile

Households looking for good everyday internet at a straightforward price may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless a solid option, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, and Rely Home Internet offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both plans have a Speed Score of 80/100 and are available to 82.0% of the city, but fixed wireless is less dependable than fiber or cable, so check your address and consider faster wired options first if they are available.

Available Plans

58
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 58.3% of city
39
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 23.7% of city

Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps

Plans range $35–$95 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 5 plans →


Coverage ~82.2% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless, Fiber
80

Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 80% of all internet options in California

  • AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
  • AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month

Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

80

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.

Download 5,000 Mbps
Upload 5,000 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Mission Viejo

At $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, AT&T Fiber 300 offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100, making it an excellent choice for everyday use where it is available. The $50/mo Fiber 1 GIG plan for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a 91/100 Speed Score, while Fiber 5 GIG costs $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, and offers up to 5000 Mbps download and 5000 Mbps upload with a 98/100 score. Fiber 300 is available to 4.2% of Mission Viejo, so your address is decisive; where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air costs $55/mo, then $60/mo, and offers up to 300 Mbps both ways with an 80/100 score, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber. AT&T’s headline Speed Score of 80/100 is above the city average of 63.

About AT&T

At introductory prices from $35/mo to $95/mo for the first 12 months, AT&T offers strong value where its fiber plans are available, with speeds up to 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 1000 Mbps, or 5000 Mbps. Fiber is highly address-dependent, reaching 2.6% of the city for Fiber 5 GIG and 4.2% for the other fiber plans, while Internet Air reaches 54.7% with speeds up to 300 Mbps but may be less consistent for demanding or busy households. Check your exact address for fiber first, since it is the better choice for intensive streaming, gaming, and multiple users.

Available Plans

39
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 41.7% of city
52
Copper
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 38.3% of city
58
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 13.0% of city
43
Copper
50 Mbps Download
10 Mbps Upload
Coverage 8.9% of city
48
Copper
75 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 7.5% of city
3
Copper
10 Mbps Download
1 Mbps Upload
Coverage 5.8% of city
98
Fiber
5000 Mbps Download
5000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 2.6% of city
31
Copper
25 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.9% of city
91
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
1000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.6% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
29

Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 71% of all internet options in California

  • Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99Per month
  • Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload4Our score$49.99Per month
  • Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month

Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

29

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.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Mission Viejo

At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 29/100 Speed Score is below Mission Viejo’s city average of 63. As a satellite service, it has more limited performance and higher latency than fiber or cable, so check which other internet options reach your specific address before choosing it.

About HughesNet

HughesNet ranges from $39.99/mo for Lite to $94.99/mo for Fusion for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo to $119.99/mo, for satellite speeds of up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, or up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload. With Speed Scores of 1, 4, and 29, these are below-average options despite plan availability at 100.0% of Mission Viejo, so check your address for faster fiber or cable first, especially if you need reliable streaming, video calls, or service for multiple users.

Available Plans

29
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
4

Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 96% of all internet options in California

  • Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload4Our score$69.99Per month
  • Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month

Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

4

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.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Mission Viejo

Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Mission Viejo, especially for demanding internet use. Its best plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 4/100, below the city average of 63, and satellite service can have higher latency. Essentials is listed as available to 100.4% of the city, but availability and performance can vary by address, so check what other services are available at yours first.

About Viasat Inc

Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option in Mission Viejo, so check whether faster fiber or cable service is available at your address first. Its fastest plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 4/100 and availability to 100.4% of the city, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo with a Speed Score of 1/100, so these satellite plans may not be sufficient for modern needs.

Available Plans

16
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city
0
Gso Satellite
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.4% of city

Every plan available in Mission Viejo

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

  • Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$115$154Per month~94.9%CoverageCable
  • Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$100$124Per month~94.9%CoverageCable
  • Cox Communications300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$74Per month~94.9%CoverageCable
  • Cox Communications500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/mo500 MbpsDownload80Our score$85$94Per month~94.9%CoverageCable
  • StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45$70Per month~79.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~82%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70$80Per month~82%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~79.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • Cox CommunicationsStraightUp Internet100 MbpsDownload58Our score$50Per month~94.9%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 Mission Viejo

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Cox 300 Mbps where available; its plan reaches 94.9% of Mission Viejo.

Cox is the leading listed wired option in Alicia Park, Casta del Sol, and ZIP 92690.

Check first: Confirm the exact Cox tier at your address; ZIP percentages combine multiple cable performance levels.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Choose Cox 1 GIG where available; its plan reaches 94.9% of Mission Viejo.

Cox’s 94.9% plan reach is broader than AT&T Fiber 1 GIG’s 4.2% plan reach.

Check first: Verify the exact address and upload needs; the plan’s listed availability is not universal.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose Cox 2 GIG where available; its plan reaches 94.9% of Mission Viejo.

Cox’s listed 2,000/100 Mbps cable technology pairs high download capacity with broad plan reach.

Check first: Confirm the exact address; Cox’s 2 GIG plan reaches 94.9%, not every home.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps; its plan reaches 100% of Mission Viejo.

Starlink offers the broadest listed reach at 100%, while AT&T Fiber 5 GIG reaches 2.6%.

Check first: Confirm the exact address even with 100% listed plan reach before ordering.

Top ZIP-Level Insights in Mission Viejo

92691

Alicia Park

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Broad wired coverage.

Cox covers 80.4% at 2,000/100 Mbps in Alicia Park, while AT&T fiber reaches 4.1%.

92692

Casta del Sol

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Streaming and shared households.

Casta del Sol has 70.2% Cox coverage at 2,000/100 Mbps and 23.4% at 2,000/35 Mbps.

92690

ZIP 92690

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable choices.

ZIP 92690 lists Cox at 46.9% for 2,000/100 Mbps and 26.5% for 2,000/500 Mbps.

Internet providers near Mission Viejo

Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Mission Viejo, check the neighboring market directly.

Mission Viejo Internet FAQs

What is the fastest internet provider in Mission Viejo, CA?

AT&T offers the fastest listed speed: Fiber 5 GIG delivers 5,000 Mbps where available and reaches 2.6% of Mission Viejo. Cox’s 2 GIG plan reaches 94.9% of the city, making it the more broadly available high-speed option; check your address before choosing.

Can I get fiber in Mission Viejo, CA?

Yes, AT&T fiber is listed: Fiber 300 reaches 4.2% of Mission Viejo, while Fiber 5 GIG reaches 2.6%. The AT&T Fiber 300 promotional starting rate is $35/mo, and that plan reaches 4.2%, so enter your address to confirm eligibility.

What is the cheapest internet plan in Mission Viejo, CA?

The cheapest listed plan is AT&T Fiber 300 at a $35/mo promotional starting rate for 300 Mbps, reaching 4.2% of Mission Viejo. It is the city’s minimum listed price, but its limited reach makes address verification essential before relying on fiber availability.

How much internet speed do I need in Mission Viejo, CA?

For multiple heavy users, consider 1,000 Mbps: Cox’s 1 GIG plan reaches 94.9% of Mission Viejo. Cox also lists 300 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 94.9%, while AT&T Fiber 1 GIG reaches just 4.2%.

Can I get Cox internet in Alicia Park or Casta del Sol?

Yes—Cox covers 80.4% in Alicia Park (ZIP 92691) and 70.2% in Casta del Sol (ZIP 92692) at 2,000/100 Mbps. Check each address before ordering, because ZIP percentages summarize coverage rather than guaranteeing service at every home; Starlink’s 100% city coverage provides a fallback.

How We Analyze Internet in Mission Viejo

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 Mission Viejo report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for Mission Viejo

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
926909269192692
Census Tracts: 27 tracts
Census Blocks: 738 blocks analyzed

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.