FindBetterInternet

San Clemente, CA Internet

Internet Providers in San Clemente, CA

Compare every internet provider in San Clemente, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.

Person using internet

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated
CoxBest overall
Coverage95%Speed Score91
AT&TFastest where available
Coverage78%Speed Score95
Verizon
Coverage60%Speed Score72
T-Mobile
Coverage89%Speed Score80

Cox Communications is the best overall choice, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 93% of San Clemente. If AT&T fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 29% of the city.

Local results vary quite a bit: in 92672, Cox leads with about 48% while AT&T fiber reaches about 41%, making that ZIP the strongest local pocket for fiber. Talega in 92673 is much more cable-oriented, with Cox serving about 80% and AT&T fiber reaching about 13%. ZIP 92674 is the closest contest, where AT&T fiber leads at about 36% and Cox reaches about 36%, so checking the exact street matters. Forster Ranch and Marblehead can likewise fall on different sides of the Cox versus AT&T divide, even within the same broader area. T-Mobile and Verizon are worth a look if you prefer fixed wireless, with their strongest city-wide tiers reaching about 52% and about 54%, respectively. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address and technology before choosing.

Best Internet Providers in San Clemente, CA

Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps

Plans range $50–$90 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 4 plans →


Coverage ~95% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
91

Best plan here: Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig — faster than 91% of all internet options in California

  • Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig$90/mo for 12 monthsCable2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$90Per month
  • Go Super Fast 1 Gig$70/mo for 12 monthsCable1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$70Per month
  • Go Even Faster 500 Mbps$50/mo for 12 monthsCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
  • Fast 300 Mbps$55/mo for 12 monthsCable300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

91

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.

Download 2,000 Mbps
Upload 100 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Good

Gaming

Good

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for San Clemente

Cox Communications is a solid cable option in San Clemente, led by its Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig plan with up to 2,000 Mbps download, 100 Mbps upload, and a 91/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 54. That top score makes Cox competitive for demanding streaming, gaming, and work, while the Go Super Fast 1 Gig plan offers up to 1,000 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 81/100. Plan availability depends on your address, with these cable options reaching about 93% of the city, so confirm which speeds are offered at 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 Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a strong option for most households in San Clemente, with cable plans offering up to 2,000 Mbps download speeds and a top Speed Score of 91/100. These plans are available to about 93% of the city, but availability is address-dependent, so check your exact address before choosing a plan, especially if you need the fastest option.

Available Plans

91
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 92.8% of city
81
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 4.7% of city
91
Fiber
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city

Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps

Plans range $35–$90 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 5 plans →


Coverage ~78% of cityfastest plan shown reaches ~29%
Connection type Fixed Wireless, Fiber
95

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

95

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.

Download 5,000 Mbps
Upload 5,000 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for San Clemente

At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet 5 GIG offers up to 5,000 Mbps both ways over fiber, plus a $150 reward card, making its 95/100 Speed Score above the city average of 54. It is a top-tier option for demanding households, though this plan is available to about 29% of San Clemente, so the best fiber performance may not reach your address. AT&T also offers fixed wireless service, but fiber is the stronger technology for consistent speed and low latency.

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’s $90/mo 5 GIG Fiber plan offers excellent value with up to 5000 Mbps both ways, while its $50/mo 1 GIG Fiber plan offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways. These excellent fiber options are address-dependent, available to about 29% to 32% of San Clemente, with a $35/mo 300Mbps Fiber plan providing a more affordable alternative; elsewhere, Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which may be adequate but is less capable for heavy modern use.

Available Plans

95
Fiber
5000 Mbps Download
5000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 29.2% of city
3
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 23.2% of city
1
Copper
10 Mbps Download
1 Mbps Upload
Coverage 20.9% of city
21
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 8.9% of city
81
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
1000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 2.5% of city
21
Copper
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.7% of city
13
Copper
50 Mbps Download
10 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.3% of city
18
Copper
75 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.1% of city
3
Copper
25 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.8% of city

Speeds up to 300 Mbps

Plans range $60 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 1 plans →


Coverage ~60% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
72

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

72

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.

Download 300 Mbps
Upload 75 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for San Clemente

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a practical choice for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. Its 5G Home plan has a Speed Score of 72/100, above San Clemente’s city average of 54, and is available to about 60% of the city. Address-level availability matters, so confirm that this plan reaches your home 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 everyday browsing, streaming, and many work-from-home needs, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. The plan has a Speed Score of 72/100 and is available to about 60% of San Clemente, so check your address before counting on it, and compare faster fiber or cable options first if they are available.

Available Plans

72
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 54.0% of city
13
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 5.5% of city

Speeds up to 500 Mbps

Plans range $35–$55 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~89% of cityfastest plan shown reaches ~70%
Connection type Fixed Wireless
80

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

80

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.

Download 500 Mbps
Upload 60 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for San Clemente

T-Mobile is a strong fit for households that want fast everyday internet, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload. Its 80/100 Speed Score is above San Clemente’s 54 city average, making it competitive, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 70% of the city, so check your address because T-Mobile’s best performance may not reach every 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 T-Mobile

T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want strong everyday performance, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. Its fastest plans are available to about 70% of San Clemente, so service quality is address-dependent, and you should confirm availability and compare wired options before choosing, especially if your household needs consistently reliable performance for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple users.

Available Plans

21
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 51.6% of city
3
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 18.7% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100% of city
Connection type Satellite
21

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

21

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.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for San Clemente

At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet Fusion buys you up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload over satellite. Its 21/100 Speed Score is below San Clemente’s 54 city average, and satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking other providers first. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of the city, but confirm service at your specific address before ordering.

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

HughesNet costs $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $49.99 to $119.99, but that buys satellite service with speeds up to 25, 50, or 100 Mbps and below-average performance, including a Speed Score of 21/100 for Fusion. It covers 100.0% of San Clemente, making it a broadly available fallback, but satellite latency and limited speeds can be frustrating for modern needs, so check your address for faster cable or fiber options first.

Available Plans

21
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 55 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~100% of city
Connection type Satellite
18

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

18

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.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for San Clemente

Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with its satellite service scoring below San Clemente’s average. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with a Speed Score of 18/100 and availability to 100% of the city. Satellite’s higher latency and lower scores make it worth checking what other providers can serve 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 Viasat Inc

Viasat Inc is a nationwide fallback, but it should not be your first choice for modern internet needs because its satellite plans are below average and can have high latency. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability across about 100% of San Clemente, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; check your address for faster fiber or cable options first.

Available Plans

21
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in San Clemente

All 21 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 21 plans

  • Cox CommunicationsGo Beyond Fast 2 Gig$90/mo for 12 months2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$90Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
  • StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • Cox CommunicationsGo Super Fast 1 Gig$70/mo for 12 months1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$70Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
  • Cox CommunicationsGo Even Faster 500 Mbps$50/mo for 12 months500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
  • Cox CommunicationsFast 300 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55Per month~92.8%CoverageCable
  • StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • 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~70.3%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~70.3%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~70.3%CoverageFixed Wireless
  • Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month~59.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless

Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.

Best Fit by Household Type in San Clemente

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Cox Go Even Faster 500 Mbps for $50/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 93% of San Clemente.

Its cable tier combines strong speed with the city's broadest wired footprint.

Check first: Confirm Cox availability at the address, especially outside its cable footprint.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Choose AT&T Fiber 300Mbps for $35/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 32% of the city.

The fiber connection offers symmetrical 300 Mbps service where available.

Check first: The promotional rate requires AutoPay, paperless billing, and a wired gateway connection.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose AT&T Internet 5 GIG for 5,000/5,000 Mbps where available, reaching about 29% of the city.

Its fiber tier is San Clemente's fastest listed option, with matching upload and download speeds.

Check first: Check the exact address because this 5-gig fiber tier has limited coverage.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Consider Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55/mo, available everywhere in San Clemente.

Satellite availability reaches every address, including homes outside major wired footprints.

Check first: The $55/mo price is promotional; verify current terms before ordering.

Internet Providers by ZIP Code in San Clemente

San Clemente Pier 92672

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.

Cox leads ZIP 92672 at about 48%, while AT&T fiber reaches about 41%.

Talega 92673

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

Cox reaches about 80% of ZIP 92673, substantially exceeding AT&T's approximately 13% fiber reach.

ZIP 92674

AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber availability.

AT&T fiber reaches about 36% of ZIP 92674, narrowly ahead of Cox's approximately 36% cable reach.

Internet providers near San Clemente

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

San Clemente Internet FAQs

Who is the best internet provider in San Clemente, CA?

Cox Communications is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps to about 93% of San Clemente. AT&T is faster where available, with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 29%, so check your address before choosing.

What is the fastest internet in San Clemente, CA?

AT&T fiber is fastest where available, reaching about 29% of San Clemente with 5,000/5,000 Mbps service. Cox is the best overall option, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 93%, making address-level availability the deciding factor.

Which internet provider covers the most of San Clemente, CA?

Cox Communications covers the most of San Clemente, reaching about 95% 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 San Clemente, CA?

The cheapest plans are tied at a promotional $35/mo: T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps reaches about 70%, and AT&T Fiber 300Mbps reaches about 32%. T-Mobile requires qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a new Internet line; AT&T requires new-customer AutoPay and paperless billing.

Can I get fiber internet in San Clemente?

AT&T fiber reaches about 32% of San Clemente with its 1,000 Mbps and 300 Mbps tiers, while 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 29%. Check the exact address because fiber coverage is substantially smaller than AT&T's overall footprint.

What internet speed do I need in San Clemente?

A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point in San Clemente, with Cox and AT&T offering tiers at that speed on their respective footprints. Choose 500 Mbps or more for multiple simultaneous streams, gaming, remote work, or larger households.

Which internet provider is strongest in Talega?

Cox Communications reaches about 80% of Talega's ZIP 92673, compared with AT&T fiber at about 13%. Cox is therefore the leading wired option there, but an address check still determines whether the available tier reaches the home.

How We Analyze Internet in San Clemente

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 San Clemente report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for San Clemente

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
926729267392674
Census Tracts: 16 tracts
Census Blocks: 637 blocks analyzed

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.