Rochester, MI Internet
Internet Providers in Rochester, MI
Compare every internet provider in Rochester, MI: 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 86% of the city, while its overall footprint reaches about 99%. If AT&T’s fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 13% of the city. Where Xfinity does not reach, WOW Internet, Cable & Phone is the broadest backup, mostly cable with speeds up to 1,200 Mbps across about 73% of the city.
In Rochester Heights, Xfinity leads with about 74% of the ZIP, while AT&T fiber reaches about 19%, making that neighborhood one of the better places to check for symmetrical gigabit-plus service. ZIP 48308 is even more Xfinity-heavy at about 86%, with AT&T fiber reaching about 13%. ZIP 48306 and ZIP 48309 also favor Xfinity at about 79%, while WOW reaches about 11% in each and AT&T fiber reaches about 8% in both. Eastside Rochester and Westside Rochester may have different address-level choices despite those ZIP patterns, and budget-minded shoppers can also check fixed wireless options. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Rochester, MI
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 95% of all internet options in Michigan
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload81Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload76Our 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 Rochester
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan is available to about 99% of Rochester, giving most shoppers access to up to 1,200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload for $100 per month, with a Speed Score of 89/100. Its headline Speed Score of 95/100 is above the city average of 66, making Xfinity a solid, reliable cable option for demanding home use. Availability and pricing depend on your address, and the 2 Gig tier with the highest score may not reach every home, so verify the exact plan before ordering.
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 99% of Rochester, so most shoppers have a strong chance of getting service. Its cable plans offer excellent options for modern households, including up to 2 Gig with a top Speed Score of 95/100, while the 1.2 Gig, 1 Gig, 500 Mbps, and 300 Mbps plans are available to about 99% of the city; exact availability and the faster 2 Gig option depend on your address.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: Fiber 300 — faster than 76% of all internet options in Michigan
- Fiber 300Cable300 MbpsDownload76Our score$25Per month
Source: WOW Internet, Cable & Phone 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
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
WOW Internet, Cable & Phone is a solid option in Rochester, with a Speed Score of 76/100 that is above the city average of 66. Its Fiber 300 plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload for $25 per month, with symmetrical performance that suits streaming, gaming, and work from home. Availability is address-dependent, since this plan reaches about 73% of the city, so confirm that fiber service is offered 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 WOW Internet, Cable & Phone
WOW Internet, Cable & Phone is a strong option for most online needs where its Fiber 300 plan is available. It offers up to 300 Mbps download and upload for $25 per month, with good speeds and fiber quality reaching about 73% of Rochester, though availability is address-dependent.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed — faster than 97% of all internet options in Michigan
- AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber5,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$90Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward cardFiber500 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300Mbps$35/mo for 12 months (new customers, with AutoPay & paperless bill discount, wired connection to gateway) · $200 AT&T Visa Reward CardFiber300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T’s 5 GIG Fiber plan offers up to 5,000 Mbps both ways, a Speed Score of 97/100, and a $150 reward card, making it a top-tier option well above Rochester’s city average of 66. That fiber plan is available to about 13% of the city, while the $40/mo Internet Air plan reaches about 61% with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, so the best technology depends on your address. Where fiber is available, AT&T is an excellent choice for heavy streaming, gaming, and multiple users, while fixed wireless merits closer address-specific consideration.
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 $35/mo, AT&T’s 300Mbps fiber plan is a strong value, while $50/mo buys up to 1,000 Mbps both ways and $90/mo buys up to 5,000 Mbps both ways, with promotional pricing and reward cards varying by plan. These excellent fiber options are address dependent, with the 300Mbps through 1 GIG plans available to about 19% of Rochester, so check your address before choosing AT&T. Elsewhere, Internet Air costs $40/mo for up to 300 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up, reaching about 61% of the city, but fixed wireless may be less suitable for heavy uploading or multiple demanding users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 76% of all internet options in Michigan
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is suitable for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, though performance can vary more than with wired connections. Its Speed Score of 76/100 is above Rochester’s city average of 66, making it a competitive option. This plan is available to about 55% of the city, so confirm that 5G Home reaches your specific 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 Verizon
Verizon’s 5G Home uses fixed wireless, offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday household use, though performance can vary with signal and congestion. It is available to about 55% of Rochester, so check your address first, and compare faster fiber or cable options if they are available before choosing this plan.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 81% of all internet options in Michigan
- 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 MbpsDownload81Our 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 MbpsDownload81Our 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 MbpsDownload81Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Households seeking fast everyday service for streaming, remote work, and multiple devices can consider T-Mobile’s fixed wireless plan with up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 81/100, above Rochester’s city average of 66. Because fixed wireless performance can vary more than fiber or cable, confirm availability at your address, since this 500 Mbps plan reaches about 67% of Rochester.
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 strong fit for households that want fast everyday internet and can use fixed wireless, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 81/100. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 67% of Rochester, but service is address-dependent, so check eligibility and compare wired options first if you need especially consistent performance for heavy streaming, gaming, or work from home.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 81% of all internet options in Michigan
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload81Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload61Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload24Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink 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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Satellite service offers broad access, but its higher latency can be noticeable during 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 81/100, above Rochester’s city average of 66 and available to 100.0% of the city. Because satellite generally has more latency than cable or fiber, check the options available at your specific 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 Starlink
Satellite internet can provide useful speeds for streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may make gaming and other real-time activities less consistent. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with 100.0% availability in Rochester, though you should check for fiber or cable at your address first because those technologies generally provide a better overall experience.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 79% of all internet options in Michigan
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload21Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload15Our 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 Rochester
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Rochester, so consider checking other providers first for demanding activities such as streaming, gaming, or video calls. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan is available to 100% of the city with up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, earning a Speed Score of 21/100, below the city average of 66.
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 backup option in Rochester, so check for faster internet before choosing it. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with coverage reaching 100% of the city, but its Speed Score of 21/100 reflects satellite’s limitations, including higher latency that can affect video calls, gaming, and other modern internet needs. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month, so it is worth checking whether a cable or fiber provider is available at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 76% of all internet options in Michigan
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload24Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload16Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload5Our 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 Rochester
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 over satellite. Its Speed Score is 24/100, below Rochester’s city average of 66, so it offers limited performance compared with alternatives, though this plan is available to 100% of Rochester.
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 per month for up to 25 Mbps, $49.99 for up to 50 Mbps, or $94.99 for up to 100 Mbps during the first 12 months, HughesNet offers Rochester-wide availability but relatively limited value for modern internet use because all of its plans are satellite. Check your address for fiber or cable first, since those technologies are generally better for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple users, while HughesNet is mainly a fallback when faster options are unavailable.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Rochester
All 23 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 23 plans
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~99.3%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$100Per month~86.3%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload81Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload81Our score$45$55Per month~99.3%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~99.3%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload76Our score$40Per month~99.3%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload61Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- WOW Internet, Cable & PhoneFiber 300300 MbpsDownload76Our score$25Per month~72.8%CoverageCable
- 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 MbpsDownload81Our score$35$50Per month~67.4%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 MbpsDownload81Our score$45$60Per month~67.4%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 Rochester
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps, reaching about 99% of Rochester, MI.
Its broad cable footprint supports shared streaming, coursework, and video calls.
Check first: Confirm the address before ordering, because coverage does not guarantee every service tier.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T fiber where available; otherwise, select Xfinity for broad cable coverage.
AT&T fiber reaches about 19% at 1,000 Mbps, while Xfinity reaches about 99% overall.
Check first: AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches only about 13% of Rochester, MI.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, reaching about 86% of Rochester, MI.
Its cable tier provides the city's strongest broadly available high-speed option.
Check first: The 2 Gig tier is less available than Xfinity's lower-speed plans.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose WOW Internet, Cable & Phone where available, or satellite where wired service misses.
WOW reaches about 73%, while satellite service is available everywhere in Rochester, MI.
Check first: Verify the exact address because WOW's footprint does not cover the entire city.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Rochester
Rochester Heights 48307
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 74% of Rochester Heights, ahead of AT&T at about 19%.
ZIP 48308
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 86% of ZIP 48308, while AT&T fiber reaches about 13%.
ZIP 48306
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 79% of ZIP 48306, compared with WOW at about 11%.
ZIP 48309
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 79% of ZIP 48309, while WOW reaches about 11%.
Internet providers near Rochester
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Rochester, check the neighboring market directly.
Rochester Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Rochester, MI?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 86% of Rochester, MI. If AT&T fiber reaches your address, its 5,000 Mbps service reaches about 13% and is the faster choice.
What is the fastest internet in Rochester, MI?
AT&T fiber is fastest where available, offering up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps across about 13% of Rochester, MI. Xfinity remains the best overall option, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 86%.
Which internet provider covers the most of Rochester, MI?
Xfinity has the largest non-satellite footprint, covering about 99% of Rochester, MI. Satellite service is available everywhere, but Xfinity offers the broadest wired coverage and reaches about 99% with its 1,200 Mbps tier.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Rochester, MI?
WOW Internet, Cable & Phone Fiber 300 is the cheapest plan: a promotional starting rate of $25 per month for 300 Mbps, reaching about 73% of Rochester, MI. Check address eligibility before ordering because that plan is not citywide.
Can I get fiber internet in Rochester?
AT&T fiber reaches about 19% of Rochester, MI for its 1,000 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 300 Mbps tiers, while its 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 13%. Check your address directly because fiber availability is substantially smaller than AT&T's overall footprint.
What internet speed do I need in Rochester?
A 300 Mbps plan is available from Xfinity across about 99% of Rochester, MI and from WOW across about 73%. That speed suits many households, while larger shared households should verify whether faster tiers reach their address.
Which provider is strongest in Rochester Heights?
Xfinity reaches about 74% of Rochester Heights in ZIP 48307, compared with AT&T fiber at about 19%. Xfinity is the practical first check there, though address-level availability still determines the exact plan.
How We Analyze Internet in Rochester
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 Rochester report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Rochester
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.