SANTA MONICA, CA
Find internet providers in Santa Monica, CA
Find internet offered in Santa Monica, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Santa Monica, CA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Santa Monica, CA, your best bet is Frontier, covering ~86% of the city; its FCC filings list speeds up to 7,000 Mbps. That top speed is not universal, since Frontier’s fiber network reaches ~48% of the city at speeds up to 5,000 Mbps down and 5,000 Mbps up, so check for fiber rather than slower copper. In 90401, Frontier and Spectrum are nearly tied at 40.8% and 40.5%, while Wilshire-Montana (90403) tilts sharply toward Frontier at 73.9%. Pico District (90405) is especially strong for Frontier, whose fiber reaches 88.3% there at speeds up to 7,000 Mbps down and 7,000 Mbps up. North of Montana (90402) is even more one-sided, with Frontier reaching 96.7% on fiber at speeds up to 5,000 Mbps down and 5,000 Mbps up. By contrast, Spectrum leads 90406 at 47.1%, while Frontier reaches 30.0%, and Ocean Park is another reason to verify building-level availability. Santa Monica College students should ask about apartment wiring, since old DSL or copper can complicate Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Spectrum is the broad cable fallback, while T-Mobile and Verizon offer fixed-wireless alternatives, so confirm the exact address before ordering.
Best plan here: Fiber 7 Gig — faster than 99% of all internet options in California
- Fiber 7 GigFiber7,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$109.99Per month
- Fiber 5 GigFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$89.99Per month
- Fiber 2 GigFiber2,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$64.99Per month
- Fiber 1 GigFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$49.99Per month
- Fiber 500Fiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$29.99Per month
- Fiber 200Fiber200 MbpsDownload80Our score$29.99Per month
Source: Frontier official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
Frontier’s headline Speed Score of 99/100 reflects a top-tier fiber option, with Fiber 7 Gig offering up to 7000 Mbps download and 7000 Mbps upload for demanding multi-device households, 4K streaming, gaming, and large file transfers. That score is above the Santa Monica city average of 68, and Frontier’s fiber tiers remain strong down to Fiber 200 and Fiber 500, both with Speed Scores of 80/100. Fiber 7 Gig is available to 34.6% of the city, so confirm your address can receive the fastest tier before choosing it.
About Frontier
Frontier’s top plan offers up to 7000 Mbps both ways, easily handling heavy streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. Its fiber lineup is excellent, with up to 5000 Mbps available to 82.8% of Santa Monica and the 7000 Mbps tier available to 34.6%, but availability is address-dependent, so confirm fiber service at your address before choosing a plan.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 90% of all internet options in California
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload58Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
Spectrum’s headline speed score of 90/100 supports up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, making its cable service a solid option for streaming, gaming, video calls, and busy households. That score is above the city average of 68, and the Internet Gig plan is available to 94.9% of Santa Monica, though you should confirm availability at your address before choosing it.
About Spectrum
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload over cable can comfortably support 4K streaming, online gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. Spectrum is a strong option for most homes, with this Gig plan available to 94.9% of Santa Monica, while 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps tiers offer lower-cost alternatives depending on your address and budget.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 98% 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 Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
AT&T’s $95/mo introductory price for Fiber 5 GIG buys up to 5000 Mbps download and 5000 Mbps upload, making it a top-tier option with a 98/100 Speed Score; the price rises to $135/mo after 12 months. Fiber 5 GIG is available to 5.7% of Santa Monica, so your address may instead qualify for Internet Air fixed wireless at $55/mo for up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload, then $60/mo, with an 80/100 Speed Score. AT&T’s 98/100 headline Speed Score is above the city average of 68.
About AT&T
AT&T’s fiber pricing is strong value: Fiber 300 is $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, for up to 300 Mbps both ways, while Fiber 1 GIG is $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, for up to 1000 Mbps both ways. Those excellent fiber options are available to 5.7% of Santa Monica, so address availability matters; across 59.3% of the city, the fallback is Internet Air at $55/mo, then $60/mo, with up to 300 Mbps both ways, which is adequate but generally less consistent than fiber for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Copper
Copper
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
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle everyday streaming, work, and gaming, though performance may be less consistent than a wired connection. The 5G Home Plus plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional, with a Speed Score of 87/100, above Santa Monica’s city average of 68, and is available to 71.7% of the city. The 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 80/100, so check your address to confirm which plan is available.
About Verizon
Verizon uses 5G fixed wireless, which can support streaming, video calls, gaming, and multiple connected devices, with speeds up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus. Both plans are available to 71.7% of Santa Monica, but service is address-dependent and fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable, so check your exact address before choosing it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
For households prioritizing strong everyday speeds at a moderate price, T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless is a competitive choice, with an 80/100 Speed Score above Santa Monica’s city average of 68. All-In offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo; both have an 80/100 Speed Score. Both plans are available to 85.1% of the city, but availability and real-world fixed-wireless consistency can vary by address, so verify service before signing up if you need the steadier performance of a wired connection.
About T-Mobile
Households that want strong everyday speeds for streaming, work, and several connected devices, without needing fiber or cable, may find T-Mobile a good fit: All-In Home Internet offers up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for a $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for a $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both are fixed wireless plans with a Speed Score of 80/100 and are available to 85.1% of Santa Monica, but service is address-dependent and can be less consistent than fiber or cable, so check your address before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Starry Gigabit — faster than 87% of all internet options in California
- Starry Gigabit$45/mo promotional rate, then $50/moFixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45Per month
- Starry 500$40/mo promotional rate, then $45/moFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Starry 200$30/mo promotional rate, then $35/moFixed Wireless200 MbpsDownload72Our score$30Per month
Source: Starry Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
Starry is a strong, competitive fixed-wireless option in Santa Monica, with a top Speed Score of 87/100, above the city average of 68. Its Starry Gigabit plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload at a $45/mo promotional rate, then $50/mo, while Starry 500 scores 80/100 and Starry 200 scores 72/100. Fixed wireless can be more variable than fiber or cable, so confirm availability at your address, as the listed plans reach 44.5% of Santa Monica.
About Starry Inc
Starry Inc is a strong option for fast, affordable internet where available, but its fixed wireless service is generally less dependable than fiber or cable. Its plans offer up to 1000 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload for $45/mo, up to 500/250 Mbps for $40/mo, or up to 200/50 Mbps for $30/mo, with each available to 44.5% of Santa Monica, so check your address because performance and availability can vary.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 70% of all internet options in California
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
Satellite internet prioritizes broad availability over low-latency performance, so it can handle everyday browsing and streaming but may be less responsive for gaming and video calls. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with a Speed Score of 70/100, about the same as Santa Monica’s 68 city average, and is available to 100.0% of the city. The lower-priced Residential – 200 Mbps and Residential – 100 Mbps plans score 46/100, so check other options available at your address if latency or consistently responsive performance matters.
About Starlink
Satellite internet offers broad reach and can handle everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may make video calls, online gaming, and other real-time uses less responsive; Starlink covers 100.0% of Santa Monica with plans up to 400 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up for $130/mo. It is a practical fallback where faster wired service is unavailable, but check your address for fiber or cable first if you need consistently responsive service for work, gaming, or multiple heavy users.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
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
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.
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
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score is only 29/100. As a satellite service available to 100.0% of Santa Monica, it has more limited performance and higher latency than other technologies, so check what else is available at your address, especially since its score is below the city average of 68.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for up to 25 Mbps, or $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps for the first 12 months before rising to $119.99/mo, HughesNet offers relatively limited speed for the price. All three plans are satellite and available to 100.0% of Santa Monica, but even the fastest has a 29/100 Speed Score, so check your address for fiber or cable first, since HughesNet may be adequate for basic use but limiting for modern needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
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
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.
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
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Monica
Viasat is a limited-performance choice for Santa Monica, so consider checking other providers first. 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 68, while Viasat Unleashed drops to up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a score of 1/100. Essentials is listed as available to 100.0% of Santa Monica, but satellite service has higher latency and you should still confirm availability and performance at your address.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is mainly a fallback option in Santa Monica, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address before choosing it. Its satellite service is available to 100.0% of the city, but the faster Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 4/100, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a score of 1/100, and satellite latency may limit activities such as gaming and video calls.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Santa Monica
All 29 product lines from the 9 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 29 plans
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload90Our score$60$70Per month~94.9%CoverageCable
- FrontierFiber 5 Gig5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$89.99Per month~82.8%CoverageFiber
- FrontierFiber 2 Gig2,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$64.99Per month~82.8%CoverageFiber
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40$50Per month~94.9%CoverageCable
- FrontierFiber 1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$49.99Per month~82.8%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~85.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70$80Per month~85.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- FrontierFiber 500500 MbpsDownload80Our score$29.99Per month~82.8%CoverageFiber
- FrontierFiber 200200 MbpsDownload80Our score$29.99Per month~82.8%CoverageFiber
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Santa Monica
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage: 100 Mbps at a $30/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 94.9% of Santa Monica.
Spectrum covers 94.9% citywide and appears in ZIP 90406 at 47.1%.
Check first: Check the address because Spectrum's 94.9% footprint leaves some homes uncovered.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Frontier Fiber 500: 500 Mbps at a $29.99/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 82.8% citywide.
ZIP 90402 lists Frontier fiber at 96.7%, the highest listed local fiber share.
Check first: Fiber 500 still needs an address check because its city reach is 82.8%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Frontier Fiber 1 Gig: 1,000 Mbps at a $49.99/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 82.8%.
Its gigabit tier reaches 82.8%, while the 7 Gig option reaches only 34.6%.
Check first: Confirm the exact tier; Frontier's 7 Gig option reaches only 34.6%.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps: 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 100% citywide.
Starlink's basic NGSO satellite service reaches about 100% of the city.
Check first: Confirm the selected tier: Starlink lists 100, 200, and 400 Mbps plans, each reaching 100%.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Comparing fiber and cable.
Frontier leads ZIP 90401 at 40.8%, narrowly ahead of Spectrum at 40.5%.
Wilshire-Montana
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Fiber availability.
Frontier reaches 73.9% in ZIP 90403, while AT&T fiber is listed at 11.6%.
Pico District
Frontier is currently the strongest option for High-coverage fiber.
Frontier leads ZIP 90405 at 88.3%, with Spectrum listed at 6.5%.
North of Montana
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Broad fiber availability.
Frontier fiber leads ZIP 90402 at 96.7%; Spectrum is 1.7%, and AT&T is 0.6%.
ZIP 90406
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Cable availability.
Spectrum leads ZIP 90406 at 47.1%, ahead of Frontier at 30.0%.
Internet providers near Santa Monica
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Santa Monica, check the neighboring market directly.
Santa Monica Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Santa Monica?
Frontier is Santa Monica's fastest listed provider, with Fiber 7 Gig delivering 7,000 Mbps where available and reaching 34.6% of the city. Its 500 Mbps Fiber 500 plan reaches 82.8%, so verify the address before expecting the top tier.
Can I get fiber in North of Montana, Santa Monica?
Yes—Frontier fiber covers 96.7% of ZIP 90402, while AT&T fiber covers 0.6%. That makes North of Montana a strong fiber area, but address-level checks still matter because ZIP percentages do not guarantee every tier at every home.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Santa Monica?
Frontier Fiber 500 is Santa Monica's cheapest listed plan at a $29.99/mo promotional starting rate for 500 Mbps, reaching 82.8% of the city. It is the city's minimum listed price, but availability remains address-specific; ZIP 90401 shows Frontier at 40.8%, while ZIP 90402 shows 96.7%.
How much speed do I need for streaming and gaming in Santa Monica?
For a higher-demand household, start with Frontier Fiber 1 Gig at 1,000 Mbps, reaching 82.8% of Santa Monica. The 7,000 Mbps Fiber 7 Gig tier reaches 34.6%, so higher speed is much less broadly available.
Which internet provider covers Downtown Santa Monica?
In Downtown Santa Monica's ZIP 90401, Frontier leads the listed shares at 40.8%, narrowly ahead of Spectrum at 40.5%. Compare both at your address, because the ZIP breakdown shows provider shares rather than guaranteed service for every location.
How We Analyze Internet in Santa Monica
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 Santa Monica report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Santa Monica
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.