West Covina, CA Internet
Internet Providers in West Covina, CA
Compare every internet provider in West Covina, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedSpectrum is the best overall choice, with cable speeds up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 97% of West Covina. If Frontier fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 7,000/7,000 Mbps reaching about 59% of the city. Frontier is especially strong in Shadow Oak, where its fiber coverage reaches about 66%, and in South Hills, where it reaches about 56%.
ZIP 91793 also leans heavily toward Frontier, while ZIP 91792 is more mixed, with Frontier’s fiber reaching about 42% and Spectrum’s cable reaching about 35%. Woodside Village and other nearby blocks can still vary considerably, so the city-wide numbers should not replace an address check. Verizon and T-Mobile are worth a look if you prefer fixed wireless, with Verizon reaching about 67% of the city at speeds up to 300/20 Mbps and T-Mobile reaching about 38% at speeds up to 100/20 Mbps. Coverage can change street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in West Covina, CA
Best plan here: Internet Gig 1 Gig — faster than 81% of all internet options in California
- Internet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Internet 100$30/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable100 MbpsDownload21Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum 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 West Covina
Spectrum’s headline Speed Score of 81/100 reflects a strong cable option for streaming, gaming, video calls, and busy households, with Internet Gig offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload. Its score is above West Covina’s city average of 50, making it a competitive choice, while the 500 Mbps Premier plan offers a lower-cost alternative with a Speed Score of 80/100. Both plans are available to 96.6% of the city, but confirm your address because availability and plan options can vary.
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 Spectrum
Spectrum’s fastest option is up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is excellent for streaming, video calls, gaming, and busy households, and it earns a strong 81/100 speed score. Its cable plans are available to about 97% of West Covina, with up to 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps options also offered, so Spectrum is a strong choice for most households, though your exact address should be checked because availability can vary.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: Fiber 7 Gig — faster than 98% of all internet options in California
- Fiber 7 Gig$124.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, maintain service 365 days for Samsung credit) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber7,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$124.99Per month
- Fiber 5 Gig$104.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher, maintain service for 365 days) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$104.99Per month
- Fiber 2 Gig$79.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$79.99Per month
- Fiber 1 Gig$64.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig plan) · $400 Best Buy promo code for Samsung productsFiber1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$64.99Per month
- Fiber 500$44.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher for Samsung credit) · $400 Best Buy promo code for Samsung productsFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$44.99Per month
- Fiber 200$29.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher for Samsung credit) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber200 MbpsDownload59Our score$29.99Per month
Source: Frontier 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 West Covina
Frontier’s Fiber 7 Gig plan offers up to 7000 Mbps both ways, enough for heavy 4K streaming, large downloads, gaming, and many connected devices at once. With a Speed Score of 98/100, it is a top-tier fiber option and above West Covina’s city average of 50, although this plan is available to about 59% of the city, so confirm that fiber reaches your 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 Frontier
Frontier’s up to 7,000 Mbps Fiber 7 Gig plan, with matching upload speeds, is excellent for busy households, 4K streaming, gaming, large downloads, and many simultaneous devices. Fiber is the strong option here, with Fiber 5 Gig, 2 Gig, 1 Gig, 500, and 200 plans available to about 81% of West Covina, while the fastest 7 Gig tier reaches about 59%, so check your address because availability varies.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for West Covina
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday household use, though performance can vary more than with wired connections. Its Speed Score of 72/100 is above West Covina’s city average of 50, making it a competitive option. This plan is available to about 70% of the city, so confirm that 5G Home reaches your specific address 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 households, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. This plan is available to about 70% of West Covina and costs $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid unlimited mobile plan, so check your address and compare faster fiber or cable options before choosing it.
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 West Covina
Households seeking affordable internet for streaming, video calls, and everyday use may find T-Mobile competitive, with the Rely Home Internet plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 80/100, above West Covina’s city average of 50. Fixed wireless can be adequate but may be more variable than wired service, and this plan is available to about 61% of the city, so confirm availability and performance at your address 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want reasonably fast internet for streaming, video calls, and everyday use, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. The plans are available to about 61% of West Covina and require a qualifying postpaid voice bundle, so check your address first because availability is location-specific and fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- 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
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 West Covina
At $40/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it a reasonably priced option for everyday internet use. Its 72/100 Speed Score is above West Covina’s city average of 50, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections. Availability reaches 62.4% of the city, so check your specific address to confirm this plan is offered and whether its performance fits your needs.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About AT&T
At $40 per month for the first 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers good value for up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it a solid choice for streaming, video calls, and everyday household use. Its fixed wireless service has a Speed Score of 72/100 and is available to about 62% of West Covina, but availability and performance depend on your address, so check first whether a faster fiber or cable option is available nearby.
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 West Covina
Satellite internet can support streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, though its higher latency may feel less responsive than wired connections. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with an 80/100 Speed Score that is above West Covina’s city average of 50. It is available to 100.0% of the city, but checking wired options at your address may be worthwhile if low latency is a priority.
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 gives Starlink broad reach across West Covina, with service shown at 100.0% of the city, and its Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, enough for streaming and many connected devices. Satellite latency can make gaming and video calls less responsive, so check for fiber or cable at your address first, while Starlink is a practical fallback where faster wired options are unavailable.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 79% of all internet options in California
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload13Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload3Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for West Covina
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below West Covina’s city average of 50. As a satellite service available to 100.0% of the city, it offers broad reach but more limited real-world performance and higher latency than other technologies, so check what else is available at your address before choosing it.
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 $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 to 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service and below-average speed scores make that value limited for modern households. All three plans are available to 100% of West Covina, though you should check for faster fiber or cable options at your address first, since HughesNet is mainly a fallback for basic browsing and lighter internet use.
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 West Covina
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with a headline Speed Score of 18/100 that falls below West Covina’s city average of 50. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed drops to up to 34/4 Mbps for $99.99 per month, and both plans are available to 100% of the city. Because satellite service can have higher latency and slower real-world performance than wired technologies, check other providers available at your specific address first.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a fallback option rather than a first choice, since its satellite plans have below-average speed scores and may not meet modern needs as comfortably as faster wired service. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month and is available to 100% of West Covina, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month across 100% of the city, so check your address for faster fiber or cable options first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in West Covina
All 22 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 22 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$60Per month~96.6%CoverageCable
- FrontierFiber 5 Gig$104.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher, maintain service for 365 days) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo code5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$104.99Per month~81.4%CoverageFiber
- SpectrumInternet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month~96.6%CoverageCable
- FrontierFiber 2 Gig$79.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo code2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$79.99Per month~81.4%CoverageFiber
- FrontierFiber 1 Gig$64.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig plan) · $400 Best Buy promo code for Samsung products1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$64.99Per month~81.4%CoverageFiber
- FrontierFiber 500$44.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher for Samsung credit) · $400 Best Buy promo code for Samsung products500 MbpsDownload80Our score$44.99Per month~81.4%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- FrontierFiber 7 Gig$124.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, maintain service 365 days for Samsung credit) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo code7,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$124.99Per month~58.6%CoverageFiber
- 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~70.1%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 West Covina
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet 100 at $30/mo promotional pricing for 12 months, reaching about 97% of West Covina.
Its 100 Mbps cable tier combines broad availability with a low promotional starting rate.
Check first: Verify the address, because Spectrum does not reach every West Covina home.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Frontier Fiber 200 for 200 Mbps where available, reaching about 81% of West Covina.
Fiber offers a stronger work-from-home fit than satellite or fixed wireless options.
Check first: Frontier's 7,000 Mbps fiber reaches only about 59% of the city.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Frontier Fiber 7 Gig where available for symmetrical 7,000 Mbps service reaching about 59% of West Covina.
Its symmetrical fiber speeds suit heavy streaming, uploads, and multiple simultaneous users.
Check first: Check your exact address because the fastest Frontier tier is not broadly available.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential 100 at $55/mo promotional starting pricing, available everywhere with 100 Mbps.
Starlink provides a citywide option where wired providers may not reach an address.
Check first: Compare address-level wired availability before choosing satellite service.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in West Covina
Shadow Oak 91790
Frontier is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber.
Frontier's 7,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 66% of ZIP 91790, leading the listed local options.
South Hills 91791
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Fast fiber service.
Frontier's 7,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 56% of ZIP 91791, ahead of its other listed tiers.
ZIP 91792
Frontier is currently the strongest option for 5,000 Mbps fiber.
Frontier's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 42% of ZIP 91792, the largest listed provider figure.
ZIP 91793
Frontier is currently the strongest option for 7,000 Mbps fiber.
Frontier's 7,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 59% of ZIP 91793, exceeding the listed Spectrum and Verizon figures.
Internet providers near West Covina
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside West Covina, check the neighboring market directly.
West Covina Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in West Covina, CA?
Spectrum is the best overall provider, with cable up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 97% of West Covina. Frontier is faster where available, offering symmetrical 7,000 Mbps fiber to about 59% of the city, so check your address before choosing.
What is the fastest internet in West Covina, CA?
Frontier is the fastest internet in West Covina where it is available: fiber up to 7,000/7,000 Mbps, reaching about 59% of the city. Spectrum reaches far more homes at up to 1,000 Mbps.
Which internet provider covers the most of West Covina, CA?
Spectrum has the largest non-satellite footprint at about 97% of West Covina. Satellite providers are available everywhere, while Spectrum's cable plans offer the strongest broad wired coverage for most addresses.
What is the cheapest internet plan in West Covina, CA?
Frontier Fiber 200 is the cheapest plan at $29.99/mo promotional pricing for 12 months, offering 200 Mbps and reaching about 81% of West Covina. New customers must meet the stated Fiber 1 Gig-or-higher Samsung-credit condition.
Can I get fiber internet in West Covina?
Frontier fiber reaches about 81% of West Covina for tiers up to 5,000 Mbps, while its 7,000 Mbps tier reaches about 59%. Address-level verification matters because the fastest fiber tier covers substantially less of the city.
What internet speed do I need in West Covina?
A 100 Mbps plan is available from Spectrum across about 97% of West Covina and can suit basic streaming, browsing, and smaller households. Larger households, remote workers, and streamers should consider Frontier fiber where its higher-speed tiers reach the address.
Which internet provider is best in South Hills?
Frontier's 7,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 56% of South Hills ZIP 91791, the largest listed local coverage figure. Verify the exact address because Spectrum and Frontier's other tiers have different availability within the ZIP.
How We Analyze Internet in West Covina
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 West Covina report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for West Covina
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.