MISSOULA, MT
Find internet providers in Missoula, MT
Find internet offered in Missoula, MT – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 11 internet providers for Missoula, MT
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Missoula, MT, your best bet is CenturyLink, covering ~80% of the city with FCC-filed speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Spectrum is the close runner-up, reaching 73.8% citywide with cable speeds up to 1000/35 Mbps, though that tier reaches ~74% of the city. Locally, Spectrum leads Rose Park at 64.9%, Northside at 70.3%, and South Hills at 83.8%, making cable the most familiar choice in those neighborhoods. Fiber is more concentrated: Blackfoot Communications, Inc. leads ZIP 59807 at 64.4%, while TDS Telecom reaches 33.8% in ZIP 59808. CenturyLink’s FCC breakdown includes slow copper reaching ~18% of the city and basic copper reaching ~2%, so an older address may not match the headline speed. That matters for University of Montana students, especially in apartment buildings, who need reliable service for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Verizon is worth checking for fixed wireless, with 46.3% citywide coverage and speeds up to 300/20 Mbps where its good tier reaches 42% of the city. Coverage can change street to street in Rattlesnake and around campus, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in Montana
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
CenturyLink is a top-tier option in Missoula when its fiber service is available, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 99, above the city’s average top speed score of 78. That fiber plan covers 0.4% of the city, so the technology available at your address matters. Where fiber is unavailable, CenturyLink’s copper plans range from up to 60/5 Mbps with a score of 55 to up to 10/1 Mbps with a score of 15, which is limited performance compared with alternatives, so consider checking other providers first.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a good choice only for addresses with its limited fiber, but most listed options are slower copper connections, so check for faster service before choosing it. Its best plan offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways with a 99/100 Speed Score, but fiber coverage is just 0.4% of census blocks, while the more widely available copper plans reach up to 60 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up across 9.0% of census blocks, which may be adequate for basic browsing but insufficient for streaming, remote work, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 93% of all internet options in Montana
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload93Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload59Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload59Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
With up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, Internet Gig has the capacity for multiple 4K streams, gaming, and video calls at once, backed by a 93/100 Speed Score. That score is above Missoula’s 78 average, making this cable plan a reliable choice, but availability is address-specific and Internet Gig reaches 73.8% of the city.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s fastest plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is plenty for streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices in a busy household. Its cable service is an excellent option for most uses and is available to 73.8% of Missoula, but availability is address-dependent, so check your address and compare faster alternatives if Spectrum is not available.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 78% of all internet options in Montana
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload78Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload55Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload55Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
Satellite internet offers broad reach and can support everyday streaming, browsing, and work from home, but its higher latency can be noticeable for gaming and some video calls. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 78/100, about the same as Missoula’s city average of 78, and is available to 100.0% of the city. Check which connection types reach your specific address before choosing, since a wired option may provide more consistent low-latency performance.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad availability, but its higher latency can make gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities less consistent than fiber or cable. Its strongest local choice is Residential – Max, with up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo and a good 78/100 Speed Score, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 55/100; all are listed as available to 100.0% of Missoula, so check your address for fiber or cable first if you need the smoothest performance.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: 1Gig Fiber Internet — faster than 99% of all internet options in Montana
- 1Gig Fiber InternetFiber1,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$49.99Per month
Source: TDS Telecom official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
$49.99 per month buys up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with 1Gig Fiber Internet, making it a top-tier option and strong value for demanding home use. Its Speed Score of 99/100 is above Missoula’s city average of 78, but the plan is available to 4.8% of the city, so verify that fiber reaches your address.
About TDS Telecom
At $49.99/mo, TDS Telecom’s 1Gig Fiber Internet offers excellent value, with up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload and a 99/100 Speed Score. The plan is available to 4.8% of Missoula, so it is a terrific option for households at eligible addresses, but check availability before signing up.
Available Plans
Fiber
Blackfoot Communications, Inc.
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 94% of all internet options in Montana
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 94/100 is an excellent choice for 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and households with many connected devices. This fiber plan reaches 19.9% of Missoula, so availability depends on whether fiber reaches your address. Where it is unavailable, Blackfoot’s copper plans offer up to 40 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 52/100, or less, which means limited performance compared with alternatives, so consider checking other providers first.
About Blackfoot Communications, Inc.
Blackfoot’s fastest option is fiber with up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload, which is excellent for streaming, video calls, remote work, and many connected devices at once. That strong option is address-dependent, covering 19.9% of census blocks, while the copper fallback reaches only up to 40 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload and may not be sufficient for busy modern households, so check fiber availability first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 86% of all internet options in Montana
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload86Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload86Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
5G fixed wireless is adequate for everyday streaming, work, and video calls, though performance can vary with signal and network congestion. Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload; both have a Speed Score of 86/100, above Missoula’s city average of 78. Availability is address-specific, and these plans are listed for 46.3% of Missoula, so verify your address before choosing Verizon.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is a practical choice for streaming, video calls, and everyday use, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, or 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Availability is address-dependent and covers 46.3% of Missoula, so check your address first, and keep in mind that fixed wireless performance can vary by location; pricing is $45/mo promotional, then $70/mo for 5G Home Plus, or $35/mo promotional, then $60/mo for 5G Home.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 86% of all internet options in Montana
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload86Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload86Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
Homes that want strong wireless performance for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile competitive, with a Speed Score of 86/100, above the city average of 78. Its 5G fixed wireless plans offer up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps for $70/mo or up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps for $50/mo, though fixed wireless performance can be more variable than wired service. Availability is address-specific, and each listed plan reaches 9.5% of Missoula, so check your address before relying on those speeds.
About T-Mobile
Households that want strong speeds for streaming, remote work, and gaming can consider T-Mobile, with 5G fixed wireless plans offering up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps for $70/mo promotional, then $80/mo, or up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps for $50/mo promotional, then $60/mo. Both plans have a Speed Score of 86/100, but each is available to only 9.5% of Missoula, and because fixed wireless is adequate rather than as dependable as fiber or cable, check your address and compare wired options first.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Rocky Mountain Internet Inc
Speeds up to 220 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 81% of all internet options in Montana
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
Fixed wireless offers practical service for streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, with advertised speeds of up to 220 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload. Its 81/100 Speed Score is above Missoula’s 78 average, making it a competitive option, though fixed wireless can be more affected by signal and local conditions than wired connections. This plan is shown across 2.0% of the city, so confirm availability at your address.
About Rocky Mountain Internet Inc
Fixed wireless offers up to 220 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, a strong option for streaming, video calls, work from home, and other everyday internet needs, though performance can vary. This plan reaches 2.0% of Missoula, so availability is highly address-dependent, and you should check your address before choosing it and compare any faster wired options available nearby.
Available Plans
Lbr Fixed Wireless
WesternMontanaCommunityTel
Speeds up to 100 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 80% of all internet options in Montana
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Excellent
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
Fiber is an excellent choice for smooth streaming, video calls, gaming, and everyday use, with up to 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload. With an 80/100 Speed Score, it is a top-tier option, but coverage is shown at 4.8% of Missoula, so confirm that fiber service reaches your specific address.
About WesternMontanaCommunityTel
Fiber from WesternMontanaCommunityTel offers up to 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, providing a strong, symmetrical connection for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use. It is available across 4.8% of Missoula, so check your address, but this plan is an excellent option where the fiber network reaches.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 57% of all internet options in Montana
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload43Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload24Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload10Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score is 43/100, below Missoula’s city average of 78. Its satellite technology has higher latency and limited performance compared with other connection types, so check what else is available at your address before committing, even though Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Missoula.
About HughesNet
For the first 12 months, HughesNet’s $39.99/mo Lite plan buys up to 25 Mbps, Select costs $49.99/mo for up to 50 Mbps, and Fusion costs $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps, so the value is broad access rather than standout speed. Satellite is a limited, high-latency option, with Speed Scores of 10/100 to 43/100, making it better for basic browsing than demanding streaming, gaming, or busy households. All three plans are shown as available to 100.0% of Missoula, but check your address for fiber or cable first, since faster service may be available and HughesNet may not meet modern needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 76% of all internet options in Montana
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload24Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload10Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Missoula
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Missoula, so consider checking other providers first. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 24/100, below the city average of 78. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 10/100 for $99.99/mo, and satellite service can bring higher latency for video calls, gaming, and other real-time use.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback choice, not the first place to look, because its satellite service has below-average speeds and higher latency. 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, so check your address for fiber or cable first, especially if you need reliable video calls, streaming, or service for multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Missoula
All 16 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 16 plans
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload78Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload93Our score$60$70Per month~73.8%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload55Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload55Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Advantage100 MbpsDownload59Our score$30Per month~73.8%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload59Our score$40$50Per month~73.8%CoverageCable
- HughesNetFusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo100 MbpsDownload43Our score$94.99$119.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload86Our score$35$60Per month~46.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload86Our score$45$70Per month~46.3%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Viasat IncViasat Essentials55 MbpsDownload24Our score$69.99Per month~101%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 Missoula
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage: 100 Mbps at a $30/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 73.8% of Missoula.
Spectrum leads coverage in Northside, Rose Park, South Hills, and ZIP 59804.
Check first: Confirm the exact address; Spectrum's listed plan reaches 73.8% of Missoula.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Prefer Blackfoot's 1,000/500 Mbps fiber where available; it reaches about 20% of Missoula.
Blackfoot reaches 29.5% in Rose Park and leads ZIP 59807 with 64.4% fiber coverage.
Check first: Fiber coverage is address-specific, and Blackfoot's overall footprint is 23.4%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Spectrum Internet Gig for 1,000 Mbps where its cable network reaches 73.8% of Missoula.
Spectrum leads every listed ZIP except 59807 and 59808, where fiber providers lead.
Check first: Gig service is not citywide; verify the address before choosing a high-speed plan.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 100% of Missoula.
Starlink's basic 220/30 Mbps NGSO service reaches approximately 100% of Missoula.
Check first: Satellite availability is broad, but confirm the specific address and plan before ordering.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Missoula
Rose Park
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Mainstream cable and gigabit service.
Spectrum covers 64.9% of Rose Park, while Blackfoot fiber reaches 29.5% with 1,000/500 Mbps service.
Northside
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Spectrum reaches 70.3% of Northside, while Blackfoot fiber covers 16.4% and TDS fiber 2.5%.
South Hills
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Heavy streaming and gaming.
Spectrum reaches 83.8% of South Hills, while Blackfoot fiber reaches 7.6%.
ZIP 59807
Blackfoot Communications, Inc. is currently the strongest option for Fiber-first households.
Blackfoot fiber covers 64.4% in ZIP 59807, ahead of Spectrum cable at 17.8% and TDS fiber at 13.7%.
ZIP 59808
TDS Telecom is currently the strongest option for Balanced fiber and cable options.
TDS fiber leads ZIP 59808 at 33.8%, followed by Spectrum cable at 24.7% and Blackfoot fiber at 24.5%.
Missoula Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Missoula, MT?
TDS Telecom has the fastest listed technology: 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 5% of Missoula. For broader high-speed availability, Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps cable plan reaches 73.8%, while Blackfoot's 1,000/500 Mbps fiber reaches about 20%, so verify the address.
Can I get fiber internet in Missoula, MT?
Yes—fiber is available, with Blackfoot Communications' 1,000/500 Mbps fiber reaching about 20% of Missoula. TDS Telecom and WesternMontanaCommunityTel each reach about 5% citywide, while ZIP data shows Blackfoot strongest in ZIP 59807 at 64.4%; check your exact address.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Missoula?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Missoula's cheapest plan: $30/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps, reaching 73.8% of the city. Check the address before ordering because its 73.8% reach means some Missoula homes may need another listed provider.
What internet speed should I choose for gaming and streaming in Missoula?
A 1,000 Mbps option is the broadly available listed choice: Spectrum Internet Gig reaches 73.8% of Missoula. TDS lists 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber but reaches about 5%, so choose based on address-level availability rather than headline speed.
What's the best internet option in Northside?
Spectrum leads Northside: it covers 70.3% of ZIP 59802 with cable service up to 1,000/35 Mbps. Blackfoot fiber reaches 16.4% there and TDS fiber 2.5%, so compare both at the exact address if upload performance matters.
How We Analyze Internet in Missoula
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 Missoula report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Missoula
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.