Newark, CA Internet
Internet Providers in Newark, CA
Compare every internet provider in Newark, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedXfinity is the best overall choice, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 78% of the city, while its overall footprint is about 99%. If AT&T reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 45% of the city.
In NewPark, ZIP 94560, AT&T fiber leads with coverage of about 48% of the ZIP, while Xfinity’s cable service reaches about 39%. That makes NewPark one of the clearer places to look for fiber, though availability can change from one block to the next. Across Lakeshore, Newark Village, and Cedar Park, the exact address still matters more than the neighborhood name. For a wireless option, T-Mobile’s fixed wireless network reaches about 59% of the city with speeds up to 100 Mbps, while Verizon reaches about 50% with speeds up to 300 Mbps. Check the exact address before ordering, especially if you are counting on fiber or Xfinity’s fastest cable tier.
Best Internet Providers in Newark, 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 Newark
Xfinity’s 2 Gig cable plan reaches about 78% of Newark, giving many households a strong chance of qualifying. With speeds up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, plus a 91/100 Speed Score, it is a solid, reliable choice and performs above the city’s average Speed Score of 59. Confirm availability at your address, since the plan’s cable coverage does not reach every household.
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 99.0% of Newark, so it is a strong option for many households. Its cable plans offer excellent choices, including up to 2 Gig with a Speed Score of 91/100, while the fastest 2 Gig tier is available to about 78% of the city and the 1.2 Gig, 1 Gig, 500 Mbps, and 300 Mbps plans reach about 96%; check your address because the top speed is more location-dependent.
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 Newark
Starting at $35/mo, AT&T fiber offers strong value with up to 300 Mbps both ways and a 72/100 Speed Score, while $50/mo upgrades to AT&T Fiber 1 GIG with up to 1000 Mbps both ways and an 81/100 score. For maximum performance, AT&T Internet 5 GIG costs $90/mo and offers up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a 95/100 Speed Score, above Newark’s city average of 59. Fiber is an excellent choice, but availability depends on your address: the 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 GIG fiber plans reach 52% of the city, while the 5 GIG plan reaches 45%; AT&T Internet Air reaches more locations but uses fixed wireless with up to 300 Mbps download, 30 Mbps upload, and a 72/100 score.
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 strong value, including fiber plans with up to 300, 500, 1,000, or 5,000 Mbps, with the fiber tiers providing fast, symmetrical service and the 1 GIG plan available to about 52% of Newark. Availability is address-dependent, however, and homes outside the fiber footprint may need Internet Air, which offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload over fixed wireless and may be less consistent for heavy streaming, large households, or demanding online work.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
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 Newark
Sail Internet reaches about 2.0% of Newark, so availability is limited and your odds of qualifying are relatively low. Its Copper plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 81/100, but copper technology can have more limitations than fiber or cable for latency and consistency. Check your address carefully and compare other available technologies 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 Sail Internet
Sail Internet reaches about 2% of Newark, so most shoppers have a low chance of being able to order it. Where available, its copper plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload, an excellent advertised speed, but availability is highly address-dependent and copper connections can be less dependable for demanding modern use than fiber or cable.
Available Plans
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 Newark
Verizon’s 5G Home fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a good option for streaming, video calls, and everyday connectivity, though fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired connections. Its Speed Score of 72/100 is above Newark’s city average of 59, but 5G Home availability depends on your exact address, so confirm service and expected performance 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 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 5G Home plan is available to about 58% of Newark, so check your address first, especially since Verizon’s option here is not fiber or cable and may be less consistent for demanding households.
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 Newark
For households that want solid everyday performance for streaming, work, and multiple connected devices, T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service offers up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload with an 80/100 Speed Score, above Newark’s city average of 59. Fixed wireless can vary with location and network conditions, and the 500 Mbps plans reach about 91% of Newark, so confirm service at your address and compare available wired options 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 solid everyday performance, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. Its strongest 500 Mbps options are available to about 91% of Newark, but availability is address-dependent, so check your address and compare alternatives before choosing, especially if you need the consistency of fiber or cable.
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 Newark
Satellite service offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload on Starlink’s Residential Max plan, making it a competitive choice for streaming, video calls, and everyday use, though satellite latency can affect gaming and other real-time activities. Its 80/100 Speed Score is above Newark’s city average of 59 and the plan is available to 100% of the city, but actual availability and performance should still be confirmed at your address, especially since Starlink also offers lower-speed plans.
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 plan offers up to 400 Mbps down and 40 Mbps up, a strong option for streaming, video calls, and several users despite satellite latency. Starlink reaches 100.0% of Newark with its satellite plans, but satellite is generally less responsive than fiber or cable, so check your address for faster wired service first, especially if the available alternatives are only adequate copper or DSL.
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 Newark
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet’s Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below Newark’s city average of 59. Satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking which other technologies reach your address, especially for gaming, video calls, or multiple users, although Fusion is available to 100% of Newark.
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 offers 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. Select costs $49.99 per month for the first 12 months for up to 50 Mbps, while Lite costs $39.99 for up to 25 Mbps, and all three are available to 100% of Newark; check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, since satellite latency and speeds may not suit streaming, gaming, or busy households.
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 Newark
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives in Newark, with a provider Speed Score of 18/100 versus the 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, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month and has a Speed Score of 13/100. Because satellite service can have higher latency and slower real-world performance, check what other technologies are available at 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 Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly an adequate fallback, not a first choice for modern internet needs, because its satellite plans offer below-average performance and high latency. Viasat Essentials is the faster option at up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; both are available to 100% of Newark, so check for faster fiber or cable service at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Newark
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~96%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~96%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~96%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~91.1%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~91.1%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~91.1%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~78.2%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month~96%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
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 Newark
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40 promotional starting rate with 96% city reach.
Its 300 Mbps plan covers more Newark addresses than faster Xfinity tiers.
Check first: Confirm address eligibility; the promotional rate may require qualifying terms.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG for symmetrical 1,000 Mbps where its 52% fiber footprint reaches.
Equal upload and download speeds can support video calls, backups, and large work files.
Check first: Fiber availability is address-specific despite AT&T's broader city footprint.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Internet 5 GIG where available, reaching about 45% of Newark.
Its 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber tier is Newark's fastest listed option.
Check first: Check the address carefully because this fastest tier has limited coverage.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55 promotional starting rate, available everywhere.
Starlink's entry plan reaches every address and provides 100 Mbps service.
Check first: Verify installation conditions and actual performance before choosing satellite service.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Newark
NewPark 94560
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber-speed households.
AT&T leads NewPark with about 48% coverage for its listed 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber tier.
NewPark 94560
AT&T is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
AT&T leads this ZIP with 48.1% best-address share.
Internet providers near Newark
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Newark, check the neighboring market directly.
Newark Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Newark, CA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 78% of Newark. AT&T is faster where available, offering 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber to about 45% of the city, so it is the faster choice if it reaches your address.
What is the fastest internet in Newark, CA?
AT&T has Newark's fastest listed service: 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 45% of the city. Xfinity is the best overall provider, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 78%, making it the stronger broadly available option.
Which internet provider covers the most of Newark, CA?
Xfinity covers the most Newark addresses among non-satellite providers, reaching about 99% overall. Satellite services are available everywhere, while Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 78%, so address-level checking still matters.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Newark, CA?
The cheapest plans are tied at a promotional $35 per month: T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps reaches about 91%, and AT&T Fiber 300Mbps reaches about 52%. T-Mobile requires a qualifying wireless line and bundle; AT&T requires new-customer enrollment with AutoPay and paperless billing.
Can I get fiber internet in Newark?
AT&T fiber reaches about 52% of Newark, including its 1,000 Mbps and 5,000/5,000 Mbps tiers; Xfinity fiber tiers reach about 5% at most. Check your exact address because fiber availability is much smaller than some providers' overall footprints.
What internet speed do I need in Newark?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point for many Newark households, while 1,000 Mbps suits heavier work, streaming, and multi-device use. Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan reaches about 96%, and AT&T Fiber's 1,000 Mbps tier reaches about 52%, so availability should guide the choice.
What internet options are available in NewPark?
NewPark ZIP 94560 has AT&T listed at about 48% coverage for its 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber tier. Xfinity's listed cable tiers reach about 39% at 2,000 Mbps and about 10% at 1,200 Mbps, so compare the exact address before selecting service.
How We Analyze Internet in Newark
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 Newark report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Newark
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.