Columbia, MD Internet
Internet Providers in Columbia, MD
Compare every internet provider in Columbia, 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 choice, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 59% of Columbia. Verizon is the safe fallback where Xfinity does not reach, offering mostly fiber with speeds up to 940/880 Mbps and an overall footprint of about 97% of the city. In Wilde Lake, Xfinity covers about 75% with cable up to 2,000 Mbps, while Verizon fiber reaches about 23%, so the local choice is fairly clear.
Hickory Ridge follows a similar pattern, with Xfinity at about 66% and Verizon fiber at about 32%. Kings Contrivance is more competitive, with Xfinity covering about 58% and Verizon fiber about 34%, while Owen Brown deserves an address-level check rather than an assumption based on another neighborhood. For Howard Community College students, apartment wiring can differ from nearby homes, and older buildings may still have copper infrastructure, which matters for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. T-Mobile and AT&T are worth checking as budget fixed-wireless options, but coverage changes street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Columbia, 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 Columbia
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan reaches about 99% of Columbia, giving most households a strong chance of getting service. Cable is a solid, reliable option, with up to 1,200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, and Xfinity’s 89/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 41. The top 2 Gig tier may not be available at every address, so confirm the exact plan options 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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 99.1% of Columbia, so most residents have a good chance of getting its service. Its cable plans are excellent for most modern needs, including up to 1 Gig download and 35 Mbps upload available to about 99% of the city, while the top 2 Gig option is available to only about 59%, so check your address to see which speed tier you can order.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
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 Columbia
Fiber is Verizon’s strongest connection type for streaming, gaming, remote work, and multiple devices, with the 500 Mbps plan offering up to 500 Mbps both ways and a Speed Score of 70/100, above the city average of 41. Fiber plans are available to about 93% of Columbia, so the best performance depends on whether Fios reaches your specific address. Where fiber is unavailable, Verizon’s 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, but it reaches only about 27% of the city and may provide less consistent 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 service offers excellent everyday performance, with symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, plus plans up to 500 Mbps both ways for smooth streaming, work, and gaming. Fiber is available to about 93% of Columbia, but the 5G Home fallback reaches only about 27% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber first, especially if your household has demanding modern internet needs.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Columbia
T-Mobile fits households seeking affordable internet for streaming, work, and everyday use, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload speeds. Its 70/100 Speed Score is above Columbia’s city average of 41, making it competitive, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Address availability matters because the 500 Mbps plans reach about 71% of the city, so confirm 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want affordable internet with up to 500 Mbps download speeds, especially for streaming, browsing, and everyday connected devices. Its fixed wireless plans have a good 70/100 Speed Score, but availability is address-dependent, with the 500 Mbps options reaching about 71% of Columbia and the 400 Mbps option offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, so check your address before signing up.
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 Columbia
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air gives you up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 66/100. That score is above Columbia’s city average of 41, making it a competitive value for everyday streaming, browsing, and connected devices, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Availability is address-dependent, with this plan reaching about 41% of Columbia, so check your address and compare other available technologies before deciding.
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 gives you up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is a reasonable value for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households. Its fixed wireless technology is adequate rather than exceptional, with a 66/100 Speed Score, and availability is address-dependent, reaching about 41% of Columbia, so check your address first and compare faster wired options if you need consistently strong performance for busy households, gaming, or large uploads.
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 Columbia
Satellite service offers broad reach, but its higher latency can be noticeable for gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan provides up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a Speed Score of 70/100, above Columbia’s city average of 41. It is available to 100.0% of Columbia, though households that can access other connection types should compare them for potentially lower-latency 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 Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad reach and can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with its Residential Max plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month. All three plans are available to 100% of Columbia, but satellite internet can have higher latency than fiber or cable, so check your address for faster wired options first if you need consistently strong performance for gaming, large uploads, or multiple heavy users.
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 Columbia
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with a headline Speed Score of 14/100 versus the Columbia average of 41. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan is available to 100% of the city and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month with a Speed Score of 12/100. Because satellite performance can vary by address and has higher latency, check what other providers are available at 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 a fallback option rather than a first choice, since its satellite plans offer below-average performance and higher latency for modern needs. Viasat Essentials is the better value at up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; both are available to 100% of Columbia, but you should check your address for faster fiber or cable service first.
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 Columbia
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 Speed Score is 14/100, below Columbia’s city average of 41. Satellite service has more limited performance and higher latency than fiber or cable, so shoppers should check what other options reach their specific address, even though Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Columbia.
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 starts at $39.99 per month for up to 25 Mbps, while its $94.99 Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps, so the value is limited compared with faster internet options. Satellite service reaches 100% of Columbia, but its below-average speeds and higher latency may not suit streaming, gaming, or busy households, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Columbia
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~98.9%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~98.9%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~98.9%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~93.3%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~93.3%CoverageFiber
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload66Our score$40Per month~98.9%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~93.3%CoverageFiber
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~58.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload51Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
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 Columbia
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose T-Mobile Rely Home Internet for 400 Mbps at $35/month for 12 months with a qualifying wireless line.
It reaches about 71% of Columbia, including many shared-home addresses needing affordable speed.
Check first: The promotional rate requires qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a new Internet line.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon fiber 1 Gig for 940 Mbps where available, reaching about 93% of Columbia.
Fiber upload speeds reach 880 Mbps, supporting video calls, cloud work, and large-file transfers.
Check first: Confirm fiber availability at your address because Verizon's overall footprint is broader than its fiber reach.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig cable for 2,000 Mbps where available, reaching about 59% of Columbia.
It provides Columbia's fastest widely reaching tier for simultaneous gaming, streaming, and downloads.
Check first: The 2,000 Mbps tier is unavailable at many addresses, so verify service before ordering.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential Max for 400 Mbps when wired providers do not reach your address.
Satellite service is available everywhere, offering a practical option beyond wired footprints.
Check first: Check satellite performance and equipment requirements before replacing a wired connection.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Columbia
Wilde Lake 21044
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fastest cable availability.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 75% of Wilde Lake addresses in ZIP 21044.
Hickory Ridge 21045
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable households.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 66% of Hickory Ridge addresses in ZIP 21045.
Kings Contrivance 21046
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fast cable service.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 58% of Kings Contrivance addresses in ZIP 21046.
Internet providers near Columbia
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Columbia, check the neighboring market directly.
Columbia Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Columbia, MD?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 59% of Columbia. Verizon is the broader backup, with fiber reaching about 93% and offering 940/880 Mbps where available.
What is the fastest internet in Columbia, MD?
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier is the fastest widely available option, reaching about 59% of Columbia. Verify the address because Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps service is not available throughout its approximately 99% overall footprint.
Which internet provider covers the most of Columbia, MD?
Xfinity covers about 99% of Columbia, the largest overall footprint among the six listed providers excluding satellite. Satellite services are available everywhere, while Xfinity offers the broadest wired coverage.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Columbia, MD?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet costs $35/month for 400 Mbps for 12 months with qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a new Internet line; it reaches about 71%. Confirm bundle eligibility before ordering.
Can I get fiber internet in Columbia?
Verizon fiber reaches about 93% of Columbia and offers up to 940/880 Mbps where available. Check your exact address because Verizon's overall footprint is about 97%, broader than its fiber coverage.
What internet speed do I need in Columbia?
A 300 Mbps plan covers common households, while 940 Mbps fiber reaches about 93% through Verizon. Choose 2,000 Mbps Xfinity cable for heavy simultaneous use where that tier reaches about 59%.
Is fast Xfinity internet available in Wilde Lake?
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 75% of Wilde Lake addresses in ZIP 21044. Verify your address because the remaining local coverage includes different Xfinity technologies and Verizon fiber.
How We Analyze Internet in Columbia
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 Columbia report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Columbia
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.