Marblehead, MA Internet
Internet Providers in Marblehead, MA
Compare every internet provider in Marblehead, MA: 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 43% of Marblehead. Verizon is the safe fallback where Xfinity’s fastest tier does not reach, offering mostly fiber with an overall footprint of about 96% and common fiber speeds up to 940/880 Mbps reaching about 91% of the city.
In Old Town’s 01945 ZIP, Verizon leads with fiber coverage reaching about 67%, while Xfinity covers about 33% with cable, making the address-level choice especially important. Marblehead Neck, Clifton, and Devereux can see a different provider mix from one street to the next, but Verizon’s broad fiber presence and Xfinity’s wider cable availability remain the main terrestrial choices. T-Mobile is worth a look for budget-minded households needing fixed wireless, with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps reaching about 65% of the city. Astound Broadband appears only in a tiny part of Marblehead, so it is not a city-wide contender. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address, available technology, and filed speed before signing up.
Best Internet Providers in Marblehead, MA
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 91% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload91Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload64Our 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 Marblehead
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan is available to 99.6% of Marblehead, giving most shoppers a strong chance of qualifying for up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload. It is a reliable choice with a Speed Score of 81/100, while Xfinity’s headline Speed Score of 91/100 is above the city average of 42. Exact availability still depends on your address, especially for the faster 2 Gig plan, which reaches about 43% 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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 99.6% of Marblehead, so most shoppers have a strong chance of getting its cable service. With up to 1.2 Gig at $100 per month, up to 1 Gig at $50, and other plans from $40 per month, it offers excellent cable options for streaming, work, and busy households, although the fastest 2 Gig plan is address-dependent and available to about 43% of the city.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload64Our 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 MbpsDownload64Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Marblehead
Fiber is Verizon’s strongest option for day-to-day use, offering low-latency service with up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload on the 1 Gig plan. Its Speed Score of 69/100 is above Marblehead’s city average of 42, making it a competitive choice, though the fiber score remains just below the 70-point good-performance range. Fiber plans are available to about 91% of the city, while Verizon’s 5G Home option reaches only about 26% and offers up to 300/75 Mbps, so your address determines which technology you can actually order.
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 and strong choices for streaming, gaming, work, and multiple users. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 91% of Marblehead for these plans, while the 5G Home fallback reaches about 26% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber first because fixed wireless may be less consistent for demanding households.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Speed Score: Faster than 89% of all internet options in Massachusetts
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 Marblehead
Astound Broadband is a solid option in Marblehead, with its cable plan offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 89/100. That plan is available to 2.0% of the city, so check your address to confirm eligibility, but its performance is well above the average top speed score of 42.
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 an excellent option for most internet needs, but only at the small number of Marblehead addresses it serves. Its cable plan offers up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, yet coverage is limited to about 2% of the city, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our 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 MbpsDownload69Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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 Marblehead
T-Mobile is a practical fit for households that want affordable home internet for streaming, browsing, and everyday use, with the Rely plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month. Its 69/100 Speed Score is above Marblehead’s city average of 42, making it competitive, though fixed wireless generally has more variable performance than wired connections. The 400 Mbps plan is available to about 87% of the city, so check your address carefully, and consider checking other providers first if you need consistently low latency or maximum 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a practical fit for smaller households, casual streamers, and remote workers who want up to 500 Mbps download speeds without a wired connection. Its fixed wireless plans have a Speed Score of 69/100 and are available to about 87% of Marblehead, with prices starting at $35 per month for 12 months before rising to $50, though a qualifying postpaid voice line and bundle are required. Because availability is address-dependent and fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber, check your address for faster wired options first, especially if your home has heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple simultaneous users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 64% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- 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 MbpsDownload64Our 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 Marblehead
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air provides up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 64/100. That score is above Marblehead’s city average of 42, making it a competitive fixed wireless option, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service. Availability is address-dependent, with this plan reaching about 28% of the city, so check your address before choosing it.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About 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, a reasonable value for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, though its 64/100 Speed Score is below average. This fixed wireless plan reaches about 28% of Marblehead, so availability is address-dependent, and you should check for faster cable or fiber options before choosing it, especially for busy households or heavy uploads.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 69% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload47Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload10Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink 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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Marblehead
Starlink’s satellite connection can support everyday browsing, streaming, and remote work, with the Residential Max plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for a 69/100 Speed Score. That score is above Marblehead’s city average of 42, and the plan is available to 100.0% of the city, but satellite latency can affect gaming and interactive video calls, so check what other technologies are available at 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, giving you broad availability and up to 400 Mbps download speeds, but its higher latency can make gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities less consistent than cable or fiber. All three plans reach about 100% of Marblehead, with options from up to 100 Mbps for $55 per month to up to 400 Mbps for $130 per month, so it is worth checking your address for faster fiber or cable service first if those technologies are available.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 90% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload10Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload9Our 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
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 Marblehead
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet Fusion buys you satellite service with up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score is 10/100. That is below Marblehead’s city average of 42, and satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking what else is available at your address. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of the city, though actual service suitability can still depend on 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 HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 to 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service has limited performance and high latency for the price, especially compared with faster internet options. Fusion is the strongest choice at up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, while Select offers up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, and Lite provides up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. HughesNet reaches 100.0% of Marblehead, but check your address for fiber or cable first because satellite may be an inadequate fallback for demanding modern use such as video calls, gaming, and multiple simultaneous streams.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 90% of all internet options in Massachusetts
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload10Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload9Our 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 Marblehead
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with a headline Speed Score of 10/100 versus Marblehead’s city average of 42. Its Viasat Essentials plan 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, and both plans are available to 99.8% of the city. Because these are satellite plans, check what other technologies 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 mainly a basic fallback option in Marblehead, not a top choice for modern heavy internet use. Its satellite service reaches about 100% of the city and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload on Viasat Essentials for $69.99 per month, but its Speed Score is just 10/100, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Marblehead
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~99.6%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~99.6%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload69Our score$45$55Per month~99.6%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload64Our score$40Per month~99.6%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 MbpsDownload69Our score$74.99$84.99Per month~91.4%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 MbpsDownload69Our score$89.99$99.99Per month~91.4%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 MbpsDownload69Our score$35$50Per month~87.4%CoverageFixed Wireless
- 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 MbpsDownload69Our score$45$60Per month~87.4%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 MbpsDownload69Our score$55$70Per month~87.4%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 Marblehead
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 1 Gig for shared streaming, gaming, and video calls where available.
Its 1,000 Mbps tier reaches about 100% of Marblehead, while the 2 Gig tier reaches about 43%.
Check first: Confirm the exact address because Xfinity’s 2 Gig availability is substantially narrower.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon fiber for consistent work calls, uploads, and downloads where its fiber network reaches.
Verizon’s 940/880 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 91% of Marblehead.
Check first: Verify fiber availability at your address; Verizon’s fixed-wireless option reaches only about 26%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available; otherwise, Xfinity 1.2 Gig reaches nearly the entire city.
The 2,000 Mbps tier reaches about 43%, while the 1,200 Mbps tier reaches about 100%.
Check first: The fastest Xfinity tier is not broadly available, so check the service address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink when wired options miss the address, with plans available everywhere.
Starlink offers 100, 200, and 400 Mbps plans available everywhere in Marblehead.
Check first: Compare wired availability first, since Starlink’s plans top out at 400 Mbps.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Marblehead
Old Town 01945
Verizon is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber households.
Verizon fiber reaches about 67% of 01945, compared with Xfinity cable reaching about 33%.
Old Town 01945
Verizon is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Verizon leads this ZIP with 66.9% best-address share.
Internet providers near Marblehead
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Marblehead, check the neighboring market directly.
Marblehead Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Marblehead, MA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 43% of Marblehead. Verizon is the broadest backup, covering about 96% overall, with 940/880 Mbps fiber reaching about 91% where available.
What is the fastest internet in Marblehead, MA?
The fastest widely available internet in Marblehead is Xfinity cable, up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 43% of the city. Faster tiers exist only in small pockets; check your address.
Which internet provider covers the most of Marblehead, MA?
Xfinity has the largest non-satellite footprint, reaching about 100% of Marblehead overall. Satellite service is available everywhere, while Xfinity’s 1,200 Mbps cable tier also reaches about 100%.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Marblehead, MA?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet is the cheapest plan at a promotional $35/mo for 400 Mbps, reaching about 87% of Marblehead. The rate lasts 12 months and requires qualifying credit, a postpaid wireless line, and a new Internet line.
Can I get fiber internet in Marblehead?
Verizon fiber reaches about 91% of Marblehead, with speeds up to 940/880 Mbps where available. Check your address directly, because Verizon’s overall footprint is broader than its fiber coverage.
What internet speed do I need in Marblehead?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point for many Marblehead households, while 1,000 Mbps better fits heavy streaming, gaming, and multiple simultaneous users. Xfinity’s 300 Mbps tier reaches about 100%, and its 1 Gig tier also reaches about 100%.
What internet options are available in Old Town?
In Old Town’s 01945 ZIP, Verizon fiber reaches about 67%, while Xfinity cable reaches about 33%. Check the exact address because these ZIP-level figures indicate availability patterns, not guaranteed service at every household.
How We Analyze Internet in Marblehead
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 Marblehead report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Marblehead
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.