Somerset, NJ Internet
Internet Providers in Somerset, NJ
Compare every internet provider in Somerset, NJ: 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 55% of the city, while its overall footprint across all technologies is about 84%. Optimum offers fiber speeds up to 8,000/8,000 Mbps reaching about 22% of the city, and if it reaches your address, it is the faster choice. Verizon is the broadest backup where Xfinity does not reach, mostly fiber, with an overall footprint of about 94% and a fastest common fiber tier of up to 2,048/2,048 Mbps reaching about 19%.
In Somerset Park, Xfinity leads with its 2,000 Mbps cable tier at about 44% of the ZIP, while Verizon fiber reaches about 26%. ZIP 08875 is similarly Xfinity-led at about 48%, but Verizon’s 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaches about 41% there, making it the stronger local fiber pocket. That same address-by-address pattern matters in Society Hill at Somerset and Canal Walk, where availability can shift street by street. T-Mobile and AT&T are worth checking as budget fixed-wireless alternatives, but confirm the exact address before choosing, since the winning technology can change from one block to the next.
Best Internet Providers in Somerset, NJ
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 84% of all internet options in New Jersey
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload84Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload78Our 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 MbpsDownload62Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload56Our 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 Somerset
Xfinity’s cable service reaches 84.3% of Somerset, giving many households a strong chance of qualifying. It is a solid option, with the 2 Gig plan offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 84/100, above the city average of 53. Availability varies by address, since the 2 Gig plan reaches about 55% of the city, while other cable plans may be available more broadly.
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 84% of Somerset, giving many residents a strong chance of getting service. Its cable plans offer excellent options for most households, including up to 2 Gig where availability is about 55%, while the up to 1.2 Gig plan reaches about 84% of the city; check your address because the fastest tier is more limited, and cable upload speeds top out at 35 Mbps.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 62% of all internet options in New Jersey
- 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 MbpsDownload62Our 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 MbpsDownload62Our 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 MbpsDownload56Our 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 MbpsDownload56Our 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 Somerset
Fiber is Verizon’s strongest connection type here, offering low-latency service and up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload on the 1 Gig plan, or up to 500 Mbps both ways on the 500 Mbps plan. Its 62/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 53, making Verizon competitive in Somerset, though the score is below the top tier. Fiber plans are available to about 89% of the city, so your address determines whether you can get this performance or must consider Verizon’s more limited 5G Home option.
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, including symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or 300 Mbps, making them strong choices for streaming, work, gaming, and multiple users. Fiber is available to about 89% of Somerset, while Verizon’s 5G Home option reaches about 20% and offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address to see whether the faster fiber service is available.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Best plan here: 1 Gig Internet — faster than 62% of all internet options in New Jersey
- 1 Gig Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo · $50 Prepaid cardFiber940 MbpsDownload62Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps Internet$40/mo promotional rate, then $50/moFiber500 MbpsDownload62Our score$40Per month
- 300 Mbps Internet$25/mo for 12 monthsFiber300 MbpsDownload56Our score$25Per month
Source: Optimum 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 Somerset
Homes that want fiber for streaming, gaming, and multiple connected devices can consider Optimum’s 1 Gig Internet, with up to 940 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload and a 62/100 Speed Score, which is above the city average of 53. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 22% of Somerset for this plan, so check your address before assuming it is available; where it is not, compare the other options at your 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 Optimum
Optimum is a strong fit for households that want affordable fiber for streaming, gaming, remote work, and multiple connected devices, with plans offering up to 940 Mbps download and up to 50 Mbps upload. Fiber is available to about 22% of Somerset, so the best option is address-dependent, but the 500 Mbps and 1 Gig plans have a below-average 62/100 Speed Score, making it worth comparing other faster choices at your address.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Speed Score: Faster than 77% of all internet options in New Jersey
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Somerset
Brightspeed’s fiber plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload, enough for 4K streaming, online gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. With a Speed Score of 77, this fiber plan is a strong, above-average option compared with Somerset’s average top speed score of 53, though it is available across only about 2% of the city and may not reach your address. Where only Brightspeed’s copper plan is available, speeds are up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 1, so consider checking other providers first.
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 Brightspeed
Up to 1000 Mbps both ways on Brightspeed fiber is excellent for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple users at once. That fiber option reaches about 2% of Somerset’s census blocks, so availability depends heavily on your address, while the fallback copper plan tops out at 10 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up and may not be sufficient for modern households.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 62% of all internet options in New Jersey
- 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 MbpsDownload62Our 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 MbpsDownload62Our 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 MbpsDownload62Our 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 Somerset
Budget-conscious households that mainly need internet for streaming, browsing, and remote work may find T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service a practical fit, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps down and 60 Mbps up. Its Speed Score is 62/100, above Somerset’s 53 average, but fixed wireless can have more variable performance and limited performance compared to wired alternatives. Availability is limited to about 40% of Somerset for these plans, so check your address and what else is available before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a solid fit for smaller households, remote workers, and everyday streamers who want fixed wireless service with up to 500 Mbps downloads and 60 Mbps uploads. Its plans have a Speed Score of 62/100, which is adequate rather than exceptional, and the faster 500 Mbps options are available to about 40% of Somerset, so check your address first because availability is location-dependent.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 56% of all internet options in New Jersey
- 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 MbpsDownload56Our 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 Somerset
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 56/100. That score is above Somerset’s city average of 53, making it a competitive fixed wireless value, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections. The plan is available to about 50% of Somerset, so check your address to confirm eligibility and consider what other technologies are available there.
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 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it a reasonably priced option for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households. It is fixed wireless with a below-average Speed Score of 56/100 and is available to about 50% of Somerset, so performance can vary by address and you should check for faster fiber or cable service before choosing it for heavy work, gaming, or multiple simultaneous users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 62% of all internet options in New Jersey
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload62Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload38Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload13Our 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 Somerset
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and other real-time uses. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a 62/100 Speed Score that is above Somerset’s city average of 53 and availability to 100.0% of the city. Because satellite performance can vary by location and remains more limited than wired alternatives, verify service at your address and check what else is available 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 reach many homes and offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, but its higher latency may affect video calls, online gaming, and other real-time activities. Starlink is a useful option where fiber or cable is unavailable, and all three listed plans are available to 100% of Somerset, but because satellite is a more limited technology, check your address for faster wired options first if you need consistently strong performance for modern households.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 87% of all internet options in New Jersey
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload13Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload12Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 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 Somerset
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 13/100 Speed Score is below Somerset’s city average of 53. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Somerset, yet satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking what other technologies reach your address first. The $49.99/mo introductory Select plan offers up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, with a 12/100 Speed Score.
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 low Speed Scores and is a limited value for demanding modern use. It reaches 100.0% of Somerset, making it broadly available, though you should check your address for faster fiber, cable, or other options first because satellite can have high latency and the lower-speed plans may not be sufficient for busy households.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Somerset
All 22 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 22 plans
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload78Our score$100Per month~84.3%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month~84.3%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload62Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- 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 MbpsDownload62Our score$74.99$84.99Per month~88.8%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 MbpsDownload62Our score$89.99$99.99Per month~88.8%CoverageFiber
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload62Our score$45$55Per month~84.3%CoverageCable
- Verizon300 Mbps$49.99/mo for 12 months (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required, new customers, Fios available in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift Card300 MbpsDownload56Our score$49.99Per month~88.8%CoverageFiber
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload56Our score$40Per month~84.3%CoverageCable
- Xfinity2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)2,000 MbpsDownload84Our score$100Per month~55.2%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload38Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Somerset
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for a broadly available, budget-friendly shared connection.
It reaches about 84% of Somerset and supports streaming, video calls, and multiple users.
Check first: Confirm the address qualifies for the $40 promotional rate for the first 12 months.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon 940/880 Mbps fiber where available for strong upload performance and work calls.
This fiber tier reaches about 89% of Somerset, including substantial coverage in ZIPs 08873 and 08875.
Check first: Verify fiber availability because Verizon's fastest 2,048 Mbps tier reaches only about 19%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Optimum fiber up to 8,000/8,000 Mbps if your address qualifies.
It is Somerset's fastest option, but fiber reaches only about 22% of the city.
Check first: Optimum fiber appears in only about 6% of ZIP 08873 and 1% of ZIP 08875.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential 100 Mbps when wired options do not reach your address.
Starlink's 100 Mbps plan is available everywhere in Somerset at a $55 promotional monthly rate.
Check first: Check wired availability first because satellite may offer different latency and performance.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Somerset
Somerset Park 08873
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 44% of ZIP 08873, while Verizon fiber reaches about 26% at its largest listed tier.
ZIP 08875
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable speed and availability.
Xfinity reaches about 48% of ZIP 08875, and Verizon's 2,048 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 41%.
Somerset Park 08873
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for most households with regular streaming and work-from-home needs.
Xfinity leads this ZIP with 44.2% best-address share.
ZIP 08875
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for most households with regular streaming and work-from-home needs.
Xfinity leads this ZIP with 48.0% best-address share.
Internet providers near Somerset
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Somerset, check the neighboring market directly.
Somerset Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Somerset, NJ?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps across about 55% of Somerset. If available at your address, Optimum fiber is faster at 8,000/8,000 Mbps, but it reaches only about 22% of the city.
What is the fastest internet in Somerset, NJ?
Optimum fiber is fastest at 8,000/8,000 Mbps, reaching about 22% of Somerset where available. Xfinity is the best overall choice, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 55% of the city.
Which internet provider covers the most of Somerset, NJ?
Verizon covers the most of Somerset, reaching about 94% of the city, the widest footprint of any wired or fixed-wireless provider. Satellite from Starlink and HughesNet reaches every address but with higher latency.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Somerset, NJ?
Optimum 300 Mbps Internet is the cheapest plan at $25 per month for 300 Mbps, reaching about 22% of Somerset; that is a promotional rate for the first 12 months. Check your address before choosing it because its availability is limited.
Can I get fiber internet in Somerset?
Verizon's 940/880 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 89% of Somerset, while Optimum's 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 22%. Fiber availability varies by address, so check locally before assuming the faster Optimum tier is offered.
What internet speed do I need in Somerset?
A 300 Mbps plan reaches about 84% of Somerset through Xfinity and suits many households streaming, gaming, and working online. Larger households should check faster tiers, but the 2,000 Mbps Xfinity option reaches only about 55%.
What internet options are available in Somerset Park?
In Somerset Park's ZIP 08873, Xfinity reaches about 44%, Verizon's largest listed fiber tier reaches about 26%, and Optimum fiber reaches about 6%. Compare the exact address because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee service at every home.
How We Analyze Internet in Somerset
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 Somerset report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Somerset
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.