Arlington Heights, IL Internet
Internet Providers in Arlington Heights, IL
Compare every internet provider in Arlington Heights, IL: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedXfinity is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 87% of Arlington Heights, while its overall footprint reaches nearly the entire city. If AT&T fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 18% of the city. Where Xfinity does not reach, Astound Broadband is the broadest backup, mostly cable with speeds up to 1,500 Mbps reaching about 85% of the city.
In Ivy Hill, Xfinity leads about 72% of the ZIP, while AT&T fiber reaches about 22%, making that one of the better places to check for symmetrical high-speed service. Scarsdale looks similar, with Xfinity at about 74% and AT&T fiber at about 21%. ZIP 60006 is more heavily tilted toward Xfinity, which covers about 89%, while AT&T fiber reaches only about 3% there. Rolling Green and Arlington Heights Estates still deserve an address-level check, since nearby streets can have different wired options. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile or Verizon is worth considering when wired choices are limited, but coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before ordering.
Best Internet Providers in Arlington Heights, IL
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 93% of all internet options in Illinois
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload93Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload87Our 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 MbpsDownload73Our 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 Arlington Heights
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan is available to about 100% of Arlington Heights, giving most shoppers a strong chance of getting reliable high-speed service. Xfinity is a solid cable option, with its 2 Gig plan earning a 93/100 Speed Score, above the city average, and offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload speeds. The 2 Gig plan reaches about 87% of the city, so check your address because the highest-speed option may not be available there.
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 99.7% of Arlington Heights, so most residents have a strong chance of getting its cable service. Its options are excellent for most households, including up to 2 Gig download speeds, and the 1.2 Gig plan is available to 99.7% of the city, while the fastest 2 Gig plan reaches about 87%; availability and exact plan choices depend on your address.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Speed Score: Faster than 91% of all internet options in Illinois
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 Arlington Heights
Astound Broadband is a strong choice in Arlington Heights, with a cable plan offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 91, making it a reliable choice that reaches 84.8% of the city. Its fiber plan is a top-tier option with up to 1500 Mbps both ways and a Speed Score of 91, but fiber reaches only about 1% of the city, so the best technology available depends on your address. Both plans compare favorably with the city’s average top speed score of 62.
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 Astound Broadband
Astound Broadband is a strong option for most households, with cable service reaching 84.8% of Arlington Heights and offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, an excellent speed level for most uses. Fiber is available to only about 1% of census blocks, but those addresses can get up to 1500 Mbps both ways, so the best technology is address-dependent.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed — faster than 97% of all internet options in Illinois
- 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 MbpsDownload97Our 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 MbpsDownload73Our 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 MbpsDownload73Our 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 Arlington Heights
Starting at $35/mo for 12 months, AT&T offers up to 300 Mbps both ways over fiber, while $90/mo gets you up to 5,000 Mbps both ways, plus a reward card. AT&T fiber is a top-tier option, with the 5 GIG plan scoring 97/100, above Arlington Heights’ city average of 62. Availability depends on your address: the 5 GIG plan reaches about 18% of the city and other fiber plans about 23%, while Internet Air reaches about 51% with up to 300/30 Mbps over fixed wireless.
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 $90/mo, AT&T’s fiber plan offers excellent value with up to 5000 Mbps both ways, while its $50/mo fiber plan provides up to 1000 Mbps both ways, though these options are available to about 18% and 23% of Arlington Heights, respectively. Fiber is the better choice for demanding households, but availability is address-dependent, and the fallback Internet Air plan costs $40/mo for up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload across about 51% of the city, which may be adequate for basic use but less suitable for busy modern households.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 73% of all internet options in Illinois
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload73Our 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 Arlington Heights
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it adequate for everyday streaming, browsing, and video calls, though wireless conditions can affect performance. Its Speed Score of 73/100 is above Arlington Heights’ city average of 62, so it is a competitive option. Availability depends on your address, with this plan reaching 68.4% of the city, so confirm service 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 good for everyday browsing, streaming, and many connected devices, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. It has a Speed Score of 73/100 and is available to about 68% of Arlington Heights, so check your address before choosing it, especially if faster fiber or cable service is available nearby.
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 Illinois
- 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 MbpsDownload79Our 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 Arlington Heights
Households that want affordable internet for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile a competitive option, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 80/100, above Arlington Heights’ city average of 62. Because this is fixed wireless rather than fiber or cable, real-world performance depends on the address, and the 500 Mbps plans are available to about 72% of the city.
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 fast everyday service and can qualify for its bundled fixed wireless plans, including up to 500 Mbps downloads and 60 Mbps uploads, with the strongest options rated 80/100. The plans are available to about 72% of Arlington Heights, so availability is address-dependent, and you will need a qualifying credit check, a postpaid voice line, and a bundle; check your address before counting on service.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 79% of all internet options in Illinois
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload79Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload32Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink 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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Arlington Heights
Satellite service can provide useful broadband for streaming, work, and multiple connected devices, but its higher latency may affect gaming and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 79/100, above Arlington Heights’ city average of 62, and is available to 100.0% of the city. Because satellite performance is more limited than wired technologies, check which alternatives reach 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 Starlink
Satellite internet can reach places wired providers may not, and Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a good 79/100 Speed Score. It is available across 100.0% of Arlington Heights, but satellite can have higher latency, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address first, especially for gaming, video calls, or other demanding uses.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 68% of all internet options in Illinois
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload32Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload15Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload4Our 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 Arlington Heights
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 32/100 Speed Score is below Arlington Heights’ city average of 62. Satellite service can have higher latency and more limited real-world performance than cable or fiber, so check what else is available at your address, even though Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of the city.
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 up to 25 to 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service is below average for speed and may feel limited for modern streaming, gaming, and video calls. The 100 Mbps Fusion plan is the best value for heavier use, while Select and Lite fit lighter browsing, but check your address for faster fiber or cable options first since HughesNet’s satellite plans are available throughout Arlington Heights yet have higher latency.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 71% of all internet options in Illinois
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload29Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload14Our 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 Arlington Heights
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with its top plan scoring 29/100, below Arlington Heights’s city average of 62. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability at 100.0% of the city. Satellite service can involve higher latency, so check what other providers and technologies reach 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 is mainly a fallback option, so check whether faster fiber or cable service is available at your address before choosing it. Its satellite plans reach 100.0% of Arlington Heights, but Viasat Essentials offers only up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up with a 29/100 Speed Score, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up with a 14/100 score, which may feel limiting for busy households, streaming, and other modern needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Arlington Heights
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 MbpsDownload87Our score$100Per month~99.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~99.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload93Our score$100Per month~86.6%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~99.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload79Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload73Our score$40Per month~99.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- 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~72%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~72%CoverageFixed Wireless
- 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 MbpsDownload79Our score$35$50Per month~72%CoverageFixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Arlington Heights providers head-to-head
See how Arlington Heights’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Arlington Heights
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 100% of Arlington Heights.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches about 100% citywide, supporting shared streaming, browsing, and video calls.
Check first: The $40/mo rate is promotional; verify equipment terms and exact address availability.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG where available, reaching about 23% of Arlington Heights.
Its fiber tier offers 1,000 Mbps symmetrical service for demanding video calls and uploads.
Check first: Fiber reaches only about 23% citywide, so confirm your address before choosing it.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, reaching about 87% of Arlington Heights.
The 2,000 Mbps cable tier supports multiple high-bandwidth streams and gaming devices.
Check first: The fastest tier reaches about 87%, not Xfinity's nearly citywide overall footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps at $55/mo, available everywhere in Arlington Heights.
Starlink's entry plan delivers 100 Mbps and is available everywhere, including harder-to-serve addresses.
Check first: The $55/mo rate is promotional; confirm installation requirements and service conditions.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Arlington Heights
Ivy Hill 60004
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 72% of ZIP 60004, while AT&T fiber reaches about 22%.
Scarsdale 60005
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 74% of ZIP 60005, while AT&T fiber reaches about 21%.
ZIP 60006
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 89% of ZIP 60006, with Astound fiber at about 5%.
Internet providers near Arlington Heights
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Arlington Heights, check the neighboring market directly.
Arlington Heights Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Arlington Heights, IL?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 87% of Arlington Heights. If AT&T fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, offering up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps to about 18% of the city.
What is the fastest internet in Arlington Heights, IL?
AT&T is fastest where available, with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 18% of Arlington Heights. Xfinity is the best overall alternative, offering 2,000 Mbps cable to about 87% of the city.
Which internet provider covers the most of Arlington Heights, IL?
Xfinity has the largest non-satellite footprint at about 100% overall coverage in Arlington Heights, while eight providers are listed. Satellite services are available everywhere, but Xfinity offers the broadest conventional wired footprint and reaches about 87% with its 2,000 Mbps tier.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Arlington Heights, IL?
The cheapest plans are tied at $35/mo promotional pricing: AT&T Fiber 300Mbps delivers 300 Mbps to about 23% of Arlington Heights, and T-Mobile Rely Home Internet delivers 400 Mbps to about 72%. AT&T requires AutoPay and paperless billing; T-Mobile requires a qualifying wireless line and bundle.
Can I get fiber internet in Arlington Heights?
About 23% of Arlington Heights can get AT&T fiber 1,000 Mbps service, while AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 18%. Check the exact address because fiber's coverage is much smaller than AT&T's overall footprint.
What internet speed do I need in Arlington Heights?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point for many Arlington Heights households, while 1,000 Mbps or more suits heavy simultaneous streaming, gaming, and uploads. Xfinity's 300 Mbps tier reaches about 100%, and AT&T's 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 23%.
Which internet provider is strongest in Ivy Hill?
Xfinity reaches about 72% of ZIP 60004 in Ivy Hill, compared with AT&T fiber at about 22%. Xfinity is the more broadly available choice there, but address-level verification remains necessary.
How We Analyze Internet in Arlington Heights
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 Arlington Heights report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Arlington Heights
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.