Bethesda, MD Internet
Internet Providers in Bethesda, MD
Compare every internet provider in Bethesda, MD: 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 91% of the city. If Verizon’s fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 2,048/2,048 Mbps reaching about 21% of the city.
Local results vary sharply: Xfinity leads Woodmont, covering about 97% of the ZIP, while Wood Acres is the standout for Verizon fiber, reaching about 55% there. Xfinity also dominates Bannockburn at about 68%, ZIP 20824 at about 95%, and ZIP 20827 at about 92%, so those neighborhood patterns should not be mistaken for the city-wide ranking. Bradley Hills deserves an address-level check, especially if a building still has older copper infrastructure. Students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences need to verify apartment-specific service for reliable Zoom, streaming, and gaming, and the same practical check applies around Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. T-Mobile’s fixed wireless network is another option, with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps reaching about 75% of the city, while Astound Broadband cable reaches about 36% with speeds up to 1,500/50 Mbps. Coverage can change street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Bethesda, MD
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in Maryland
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload81Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload70Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload66Our 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 Bethesda
Xfinity’s 2 Gig plan is available to about 91% of Bethesda, giving many households a strong chance of qualifying. This cable service is a solid option, offering up to 2,000 Mbps download, 35 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 89/100, above Bethesda’s city average of 51.
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 about 100% of Bethesda, so most residents have a strong chance of getting its cable service. Its best option is the 2 Gig plan, with up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, but it is available to about 91% of the city, while the up to 1.2 Gig plan reaches about 100% and offers excellent speeds for most households; check your address to confirm which tier is available.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 70% of all internet options in Maryland
- 1 Gig$89.99/mo for 12 months, then $99.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paper-free billing, new customers, credit approval required) · $200 Amazon Gift CardFiber940 MbpsDownload70Our score$89.99Per month
- 500 Mbps$74.99/mo for 12 months, then $84.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift CardFiber500 MbpsDownload70Our score$74.99Per month
- 300 Mbps$49.99/mo for 12 months (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required, new customers, Fios available in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift CardFiber300 MbpsDownload66Our score$49.99Per month
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload66Our 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Bethesda
Verizon’s fiber service offers low-latency, dependable performance for everyday use, with the 1 Gig plan providing up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 70/100, above Bethesda’s city average of 51. Fiber is available to about 98% of the city for these plans, but availability depends on your exact address, while Verizon’s 5G Home option reaches only about 6% of Bethesda and has more variable fixed-wireless performance.
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 fiber plans offer excellent everyday performance, with symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps down and 880 Mbps up, and up to 500 Mbps both ways for work, streaming, and gaming. Fiber is available to about 98% of Bethesda, while its 5G Home option reaches only about 6% of the city and offers up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up, so check your address for fiber before considering the more limited fixed-wireless fallback.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Speed Score: Faster than 88% of all internet options in Maryland
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 Bethesda
Astound Broadband is a strong option in Bethesda, with top-tier fiber service where available and a reliable cable alternative. Its cable plan offers up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 88, while its fiber plan offers up to 1500 Mbps both ways with a Speed Score of 88, well above the city’s average top speed score of 51. Because the fiber and cable networks do not reach every address, check which technology is available at your specific location.
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 where its fast cable service is available, offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload in about 37% of Bethesda census blocks. A very limited number of addresses may also qualify for excellent fiber service with up to 1500 Mbps both ways, so availability and technology are highly address-dependent.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 70% of all internet options in Maryland
- 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 MbpsDownload70Our 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 MbpsDownload70Our 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 MbpsDownload70Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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 Bethesda
For households with moderate internet needs, T-Mobile Rely Home Internet is a practical fixed wireless choice with up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload speeds, a 70/100 Speed Score, and pricing of $35 per month for 12 months, then $50 per month. Its score is above Bethesda’s city average of 51, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, and this plan is available to about 83% of the city, so address-level availability matters. A qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line are required.
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 reasonable fit for smaller households, remote workers, and everyday streaming users who want fixed wireless service with up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload speeds. Its plans have a Speed Score of 70/100 and include bundle requirements, while availability reaches about 83% for the 500 Mbps options, so check your address first because fixed wireless performance can vary and a faster fiber or cable alternative may be better for busy households.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 66% of all internet options in Maryland
- 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 MbpsDownload66Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Bethesda
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 66/100 that is above Bethesda’s city average. As fixed wireless, it is an adequate option for many households, though performance can vary more than wired service and you should consider checking other providers first if you need consistently low latency or heavy-use reliability. This plan is available to about 43% of Bethesda, so confirm availability and expected performance at 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 AT&T
At $40 per month for the first 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is a reasonable value for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households, though its Speed Score of 66/100 is below average. This fixed wireless plan reaches about 43% of Bethesda, and performance can vary by address, so check availability and compare faster fiber or cable options first if you need more reliable capacity for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 70% of all internet options in Maryland
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload51Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload14Our 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 Bethesda
Satellite internet can support everyday streaming and browsing, with Starlink’s Residential Max 400 Mbps plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, plus a 70/100 Speed Score that is above Bethesda’s city average of 51. It is available to 100.0% of the city, but satellite’s higher latency can make gaming, video calls, and other interactive uses less responsive than fiber or cable, so check which technologies reach your 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
Starlink uses satellite internet, making it broadly available across 100.0% of Bethesda, but its higher latency can be noticeable for gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. The Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130/mo, though you should check for fiber or cable at your address first because they are generally better for modern, latency-sensitive use, while Starlink is a useful fallback where those options are unavailable.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 86% of all internet options in Maryland
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload14Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload12Our 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 Bethesda
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with the alternatives available in Bethesda. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 14/100, below the city average of 51, and is available to 100% of the city. Because both listed plans use satellite technology, performance can include 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 Inc is mainly an adequate fallback, not a first choice for modern internet needs, because its satellite plans offer only up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with below-average Speed Scores of 14/100 for Viasat Essentials and 12/100 for Viasat Unleashed. Both plans are available to 100% of Bethesda at the listed address, but satellite service can have high latency, so check your address for faster fiber or cable options before choosing Viasat.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 86% of all internet options in Maryland
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload14Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload12Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload2Our 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 Bethesda
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 14/100 and availability at 100.0% of Bethesda. Because satellite service typically has higher latency and more limited real-world performance than wired alternatives, this score is below the city average of 51, so consider checking other providers first for demanding streaming, gaming, or work 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 HughesNet
HughesNet costs $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $49.99 to $119.99, but the satellite plans offer only up to 25 to 100 Mbps download and have below-average Speed Scores, so check for faster cable or fiber options at your address first. Its Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and is available to 100% of Bethesda, while Select and Lite offer up to 50 Mbps and 25 Mbps respectively, making HughesNet a reasonable fallback for basic needs but potentially limiting for busy households, streaming, or gaming.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Bethesda
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
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload81Our score$100Per month~99.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~90.6%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~99.8%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload70Our score$45$55Per month~99.8%CoverageCable
- Verizon500 Mbps$74.99/mo for 12 months, then $84.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift Card500 MbpsDownload70Our score$74.99$84.99Per month~97.8%CoverageFiber
- Verizon1 Gig$89.99/mo for 12 months, then $99.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paper-free billing, new customers, credit approval required) · $200 Amazon Gift Card940 MbpsDownload70Our score$89.99$99.99Per month~97.8%CoverageFiber
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload66Our score$40Per month~99.8%CoverageCable
- Verizon300 Mbps$49.99/mo for 12 months (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required, new customers, Fios available in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift Card300 MbpsDownload66Our score$49.99Per month~97.8%CoverageFiber
- 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 MbpsDownload70Our score$35$50Per month~82.9%CoverageFixed 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 Bethesda
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40/mo promotional pricing with 99.8% city reach.
It combines broad availability with enough capacity for shared streaming, video calls, and coursework.
Check first: Confirm the address and promotional terms before ordering.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon fiber where available for symmetrical speeds up to 2,048 Mbps.
Verizon's fastest fiber tier reaches about 21% of Bethesda, supporting demanding uploads and video meetings.
Check first: The 2,048 Mbps tier is address-specific, not Verizon-wide.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, reaching about 91% of Bethesda.
Its 2,000 Mbps cable tier offers the strongest widely available performance for multiple streams and downloads.
Check first: Verify 2 Gig availability because the 1,200 Mbps tier reaches nearly all addresses.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55/mo promotional pricing, available everywhere.
Starlink offers 100 Mbps service at every address when wired options do not reach the home.
Check first: Check satellite equipment, installation, and performance expectations before subscribing.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Bethesda
Woodmont 20814
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 97% of Woodmont, while Verizon fiber reaches about 2% across its listed tiers.
Wood Acres 20816
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fastest fiber access.
Verizon fiber reaches about 55% of Wood Acres with up to 2,048 Mbps symmetrical service.
Bannockburn 20817
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable coverage.
Xfinity reaches about 68% of Bannockburn, while Verizon's fastest fiber reaches about 24%.
ZIP 20824
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable.
Xfinity reaches about 95% of ZIP 20824, compared with Verizon fiber reaching about 5%.
ZIP 20827
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 92% of ZIP 20827, with the listed cable tier offering up to 2,000 Mbps.
Internet providers near Bethesda
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Bethesda, check the neighboring market directly.
Bethesda Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Bethesda, MD?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps across about 91% of Bethesda and an overall footprint near 100%. Verizon is faster where available, with 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaching about 21%; check your address before choosing.
What is the fastest internet in Bethesda, MD?
Verizon fiber is fastest where available at 2,048/2,048 Mbps, reaching about 21% of Bethesda. Xfinity is the best broadly available alternative, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 91%, so compare address-level availability before ordering.
Which internet provider covers the most of Bethesda, MD?
Xfinity covers the most of Bethesda, reaching about 100% of the city, the widest footprint of any wired or fixed-wireless provider. Satellite from Starlink and Viasat Inc reaches every address but with higher latency.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Bethesda, MD?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet is the cheapest at $35/mo promotional pricing for 400 Mbps, reaching about 83% of Bethesda, with a qualifying credit, postpaid wireless line, and new Internet line required. The price lasts 12 months, then the listed rate is $50/mo.
Can I get fiber internet in Bethesda?
Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaches about 21% of Bethesda, while its 940/880 Mbps fiber reaches about 98%. Fiber availability varies by address, so residents should verify the exact tier rather than assume Verizon's overall footprint provides the fastest service.
What internet speed do I need in Bethesda?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical baseline for many Bethesda households, and Verizon's 300 Mbps tier reaches about 98% while Xfinity's 500 Mbps tier reaches about 100%. Larger households, frequent streamers, and upload-heavy workers should check faster tiers where their addresses qualify.
What internet options are available in Wood Acres?
Verizon fiber reaches about 55% of Wood Acres, including its 2,048/2,048 Mbps tier, while Xfinity cable reaches about 44%. Wood Acres has unusually strong access to Verizon's fastest fiber, but address-level verification remains necessary before selecting a plan.
How We Analyze Internet in Bethesda
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 Bethesda report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Bethesda
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.