FindBetterInternet

FRAMINGHAM, MA

Find internet providers in Framingham, MA

Find internet offered in Framingham, MA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.

Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.

We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.

Austin Shrum, FindBetterInternet

Austin Shrum

Charlotte, NC

Ali Yazdi, FindBetterInternet

Ali Yazdi

Charlotte, NC

Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.

Person using internet

Shop and compare 8 internet providers for Framingham, MA

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated

In Framingham, MA, your best bet is Astound Broadband, covering ~82% of the city with speeds up to 1,500 Mbps. Its fastest filed service reaches up to 1,500 Mbps, with the fiber tier reaching ~2% of the city and the cable tier reaching ~82%. Verizon is nearly as widespread citywide at 98.3%, with fiber reaching 98% and speeds up to 940/880 Mbps. In Saxonville, ZIP 01701, Xfinity leads with 51.8% coverage, just ahead of Verizon at 46.1%, while South Framingham, ZIP 01702, leans more heavily toward Xfinity at 67.4%. ZIP 01703 is almost evenly split between Verizon at 48.7% and Xfinity at 47.4%, while ZIP 01704 favors Xfinity at 69.8%, with Verizon at 27.9%. Nobscot and Framingham Centre deserve an address-level check, especially near student housing around Framingham State University and MassBay Community College, where building options can differ. Students should prioritize reliable connections for Zoom, streaming, and gaming, and ask whether an older building still uses DSL or copper lines. T-Mobile and AT&T are worth checking for budget fixed wireless, but coverage can change street to street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.

Speeds up to 1,500 Mbps

Plans start at $20 /mo *


Coverage ~81.8% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
99

Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in Massachusetts

SPEED SCORE

99

Local data shows excellent speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.

Download 1,500 Mbps
Upload 1,500 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Framingham

Astound Broadband is a top-tier option in Framingham, led by fiber with up to 1500 Mbps download, up to 1500 Mbps upload, and a 99/100 Speed Score. Fiber availability depends on your address, while its cable service is a solid alternative with up to 1500 Mbps download, up to 50 Mbps upload, and an 82/100 Speed Score across 81.8% of the city, so check which technology you can get.

About Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband is a strong option for many Framingham households, especially those that can get its faster service. Its cable plan covers 81.8% of census blocks and offers up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, which is excellent for most everyday uses but less ideal for heavy uploading. The fiber plan offers up to 1500 Mbps in both directions across 2.5% of census blocks, so the best technology is address-dependent and the cable fallback may not be sufficient for households with demanding upload needs.

Available Plans

82
Cable
1500 Mbps Download
50 Mbps Upload
Coverage 81.8% of city
99
Fiber
1500 Mbps Download
1500 Mbps Upload
Coverage 2.5% of city

Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps

Plans range $40–$90 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 4 plans →


Coverage ~99.9% of city
Connection type Fiber/Cable
80

Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 80% of all internet options in Massachusetts

  • 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moFiber/Cable1,200 MbpsDownload80Our score$90Per month
  • 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moFiber/Cable1,000 MbpsDownload80Our score$60Per month
  • 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber/Cable500 MbpsDownload69Our score$50Per month
  • 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moFiber/Cable300 MbpsDownload41Our score$40Per month

Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

80

Local data shows excellent speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.

Download 1,200 Mbps
Upload 35 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Good

Gaming

Good

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Framingham

Xfinity reaches 99.9% of Framingham, giving most households strong odds of finding a plan at their address. Its 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 61. Because the plans are listed as Fiber/Cable, fiber is a top-tier option while cable is a reliable choice, so confirm which technology serves your specific address.

About Xfinity

Xfinity reaches 99.9% of Framingham, giving most residents a strong chance of qualifying. Its fiber and cable lineup includes speeds up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, while the 1.2/2 Gig and 1 Gig plans have Speed Scores of 80/100, making them strong choices for streaming, remote work, and busy households. Because the connection type is address-dependent, check whether your home gets fiber or cable before ordering, although either is generally a capable option for modern internet use.

Available Plans

99
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
300 Mbps Upload
Coverage 63.0% of city
79
Cable
1200 Mbps Download
35 Mbps Upload
Coverage 36.9% of city
80
Fiber
1200 Mbps Download
35 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.6% of city
99
Fiber
2000 Mbps Download
300 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city

Speeds up to 940 Mbps

Plans range $35–$45 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~98.3% of city
Connection type Fiber, 5G Fixed Wireless
70

Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 70% of all internet options in Massachusetts

  • 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload70Our score$45Per month
  • 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload69Our score$35Per month

Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

70

Local data shows average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.

Download 1,000 Mbps
Upload 75 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Framingham

5G fixed wireless offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home, making it suitable for streaming, work, and multiple connected devices, though wireless conditions can affect consistency. Each plan is available to 11.0% of Framingham, so confirm your address before relying on these speeds. Verizon’s Speed Scores of 70 and 69 are competitive, with the headline score above the city average.

About Verizon

5G fixed wireless can support streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but it is generally less consistent than fiber or cable and is an adequate rather than top-tier choice. Verizon offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo; both plans are available to 11.0% of Framingham, so check your address and compare fiber or cable first if you need the most dependable performance.

Available Plans

90
Fiber
940 Mbps Download
880 Mbps Upload
Coverage 97.8% of city
68
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 9.9% of city
41
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.1% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $50–$70 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~71.0% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
69

Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts

  • All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload69Our score$70Per month
  • Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload69Our score$50Per month

Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

69

Local data shows below average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.

Download 498 Mbps
Upload 55 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Framingham

Households seeking a practical 5G home internet option for streaming, work, and everyday browsing can consider T-Mobile, with All-In offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload and Rely offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload. Both plans have a Speed Score of 69/100, above Framingham’s city average of 61, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Address availability matters because these plans reach 51.0% of the city, so verify your address before choosing.

About T-Mobile

For households that want a reasonably priced connection for streaming, browsing, and remote work, T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service is an adequate option, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional, then $80/mo, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional, then $60/mo. Both plans have a Speed Score of 69/100 and are available to 51.0% of Framingham, so check your address and compare fiber or cable first if available, especially if you need consistently strong performance for a busy household.

Available Plans

47
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 27.0% of city
40
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 24.0% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $55 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 1 plans →


Coverage ~24.7% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
69

Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts

  • AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload69Our score$55Per month

Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

69

Local data shows below average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.

Download 300 Mbps
Upload 300 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Framingham

At $55/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a 69/100 Speed Score, above Framingham’s 61 city average. Because fixed-wireless availability and performance can vary by address, verify service at yours; the plan is available to 24.7% of the city, and it is worth checking other providers first if wired options are available.

About AT&T

At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps down and 300 Mbps up, which is a fair value for symmetrical service, though its 69/100 Speed Score indicates below-average performance compared with other options in the state. Available to 24.7% of Framingham, this fixed wireless plan is an adequate option for many households, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber, so check your address for faster wired service first if you need dependable performance for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple users.

Available Plans

40
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 19.4% of city
47
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 5.3% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
32

Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 68% of all internet options in Massachusetts

  • 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 MbpsDownload1Our score$49.99Per month
  • Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month

Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

32

Local data shows below average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Framingham

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 32/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 61. Because it uses satellite technology, it is a limited, high-latency option compared with wired services, so consider checking what else is available at your address first; Fusion is available to 100.0% of Framingham.

About HughesNet

HughesNet costs $39.99/mo for the first 12 months for up to 25 Mbps, $49.99/mo for the first 12 months for up to 50 Mbps, or $94.99/mo for the first 12 months for up to 100 Mbps, but the lower-tier plans have a Speed Score of 1/100 and even Fusion scores just 32/100. Its satellite plans are available to 100.0% of Framingham, but you should check your address for faster cable or fiber service first, especially for streaming, gaming, video calls, or multiple users.

Available Plans

31
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
1

Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 99% of all internet options in Massachusetts

  • Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload1Our score$69.99Per month
  • Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month

Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

1

Local data shows below average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Framingham

Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Framingham because its satellite service has a headline Speed Score of 1/100, below the city average of 61. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, while Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo. Essentials is available to 100.0% of the city, but satellite’s higher latency can affect video calls and online gaming, so check what else is available at your address first.

About Viasat Inc

Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback rather than a first choice, because its satellite service is limited for modern heavy use and has a Speed Score of 1/100. Viasat Essentials is available to 100.0% of Framingham and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, while Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo, so check for faster cable or fiber options at your address first.

Available Plans

15
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Every plan available in Framingham

All 17 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 17 plans

  • Xfinity1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload80Our score$60$70Per month~99.9%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • Xfinity1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/mo1,200 MbpsDownload80Our score$90$100Per month~99.9%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • Xfinity500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo500 MbpsDownload69Our score$50$60Per month~99.9%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload64Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload42Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload42Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/mo300 MbpsDownload41Our score$40$45Per month~99.9%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload69Our score$50$60Per month~51%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload69Our score$70$80Per month~51%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • HughesNetFusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo100 MbpsDownload32Our score$94.99$119.99Per 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.

Compare Framingham providers head-to-head

See how Framingham’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.

Best Fit by Household Type in Framingham

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Xfinity's 300 Mbps plan at a $40/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 99.9%.

Xfinity reaches 67.4% in South Framingham's ZIP 01702, supporting broad local availability.

Check first: Confirm the address, because plan availability can vary locally.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Choose Verizon's fiber at 940/880 Mbps where available for demanding remote-work bandwidth.

Its fiber reaches about 98% of Framingham and leads Verizon's listed ZIP shares in 01701 and 01703.

Check first: Verify the address; Verizon 5G Home's 300 Mbps plan reaches only 11%.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose Verizon's 940/880 Mbps fiber where available for high-speed downloads and uploads.

Verizon fiber reaches about 98% of Framingham, versus Astound fiber's roughly 2%.

Check first: Check the address; the highest listed 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 63%.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 100% of Framingham.

Its basic NGSO satellite service also reaches approximately 100% of the city.

Check first: Compare wired options first; their coverage varies from 81.8% to 99.9% citywide.

Top ZIP-Level Insights in Framingham

01701

Saxonville

Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable households.

Xfinity covers 51.8%, while Verizon fiber covers 46.1% and Astound fiber 1.3%.

01702

South Framingham

Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Shared-home cable service.

Xfinity covers 67.4%; Verizon fiber reaches 23.4%, and Astound fiber reaches 6.9%.

01703

ZIP 01703

Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fiber-oriented households.

Verizon fiber leads at 48.7%, narrowly ahead of Xfinity cable at 47.4%.

01704

ZIP 01704

Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.

Xfinity leads at 69.8%, with Verizon fiber at 27.9% and Astound cable at 2.3%.

Internet providers near Framingham

Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Framingham, check the neighboring market directly.

Framingham Internet FAQs

Which internet provider is fastest in Framingham, MA?

Xfinity offers Framingham’s fastest listed download speed, 2,000 Mbps, on great cable reaching about 63% of the city. Astound’s 1,500/1,500 Mbps fiber reaches about 2%, making address-level availability essential for the fastest upload option available.

Can I get fiber internet in Framingham, MA?

Yes—Verizon fiber reaches about 98% of Framingham, while Astound fiber reaches about 2%. ZIP data shows Verizon fiber at 46.1% in 01701, 23.4% in 01702, 48.7% in 01703, and 27.9% in 01704, so verify your address.

What is the cheapest internet plan in Framingham, MA?

Verizon 5G Home is the city’s cheapest plan at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 11.0% of Framingham. Check the address first because this plan’s listed availability is limited to 11.0%.

What internet speed do I need for streaming and working from home in Framingham, MA?

For work and streaming, choose up to 940/880 Mbps with Verizon fiber where available; that fiber reaches about 98% of Framingham. For lighter needs, Xfinity’s 300 Mbps plan reaches 99.9%, while Starlink’s 100 Mbps plan reaches 100%.

Which internet providers cover Saxonville?

In Saxonville's ZIP 01701, Xfinity covers 51.8% and Verizon fiber covers 46.1% of the ZIP. Astound reaches 1.3% with fiber and 0.8% with cable, so Xfinity leads overall while address-level checking remains essential for service.

How We Analyze Internet in Framingham

FCC Broadband Data

We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.

Speed Score

Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.

Coverage Calculation

Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Framingham report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for Framingham

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
01701017020170301704
Census Tracts: 22 tracts
Census Blocks: 1,098 blocks analyzed

How We Calculate Speed Score

Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.

The Formula:

We calculate a raw performance score using:

Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)

Technology Factors:

Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:

  • Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
  • Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
  • Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
  • Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
  • Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
  • Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
  • Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency

Percentile Ranking:

After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.

Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.

How We Calculate Capabilities

Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.

Rating Scale:

  • Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
  • Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
  • Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
  • Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag

How We Rate Each Category:

Streaming

Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.

Multi-device

Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.

Gaming

Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.

Whole Home

Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.

Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.