Troy, NY Internet
Internet Providers in Troy, NY
Compare every internet provider in Troy, NY: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedSpectrum is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 97% of Troy. Verizon is the safe fallback where Spectrum does not reach, mostly through fixed wireless with speeds up to 300 Mbps, reaching about 55% of the city.
Lansingburgh and ZIP 12181 are especially straightforward, with Spectrum covering about 76% of each ZIP, while North Central shows Spectrum at about 69% and a smaller fiber presence from Massivemesh Networks. South Troy and the East Side deserve a closer address check, since ZIP 12183 is more dependent on Spectrum’s slower cable tier, reaching about 82% there, with only a small share getting its faster cable tier. Fiber is not a city-wide option, though North Central and ZIP 12181 do show limited Massivemesh Networks coverage, while Verizon fiber appears only in small pockets. T-Mobile, AT&T, and Hudson Valley Wireless are worth checking as fixed-wireless alternatives, particularly for budget-minded households. Students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Russell Sage College, and Hudson Valley Community College should verify apartment-level service for Zoom, streaming, and gaming, especially in buildings with older DSL or copper infrastructure. Coverage can change street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Troy, NY
Best plan here: Internet Gig 1 Gig — faster than 77% of all internet options in New York
- Internet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable500 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month
- Internet 100$30/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable100 MbpsDownload22Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum 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 Troy
Spectrum’s 77/100 headline Speed Score reflects up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for busy households, multiple simultaneous streams, video calls, and online gaming. Its cable service is a solid, reliable option and scores above Troy’s city average of 39. Availability depends on your exact address, although the Internet Gig plan is listed as available to about 97% of Troy.
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 Spectrum
Spectrum’s up to 1,000 Mbps cable plan is a strong choice for streaming, gaming, video calls, and busy households, with a Speed Score of 77/100. It is available to about 97% of Troy, and the same cable network also offers up to 500 Mbps or 100 Mbps plans, though availability is address-dependent, so check your exact address and compare pricing after the introductory period.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 63% of all internet options in New York
Badge = fastest plan reaching at least 5% of the city. 1 Gig scores higher but reaches ~2%.
- 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
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload63Our score$60Per 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 MbpsDownload63Our score$49.99Per 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Troy
5G Home fixed wireless offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it suitable for everyday streaming, browsing, and connected devices, with a 63/100 Speed Score that is above Troy’s city average. It is available to about 57% of Troy, but Verizon’s fiber plans reach only about 2% of the city and offer stronger, symmetrical performance, including up to 500 Mbps both ways or up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload. Check your address carefully, since the faster fiber experience may not be available there, and 5G Home requires a qualifying mobile bundle.
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 offers fiber plans with up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, including a symmetrical 500 Mbps option, but those excellent connections are available to only about 2% of Troy addresses. Its 5G Home service reaches about 57% of the city with up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it an adequate choice for many households, though fiber is worth checking at your address first if you need consistently strong performance.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 69% of all internet options in New York
- 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 Troy
Households seeking affordable internet for streaming, work, and everyday browsing may find T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service a practical fit, with the Rely plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35/mo. T-Mobile’s 69/100 Speed Score is above Troy’s city average of 39, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections, so consider checking other providers first for demanding or latency-sensitive use. The listed plans are available to about 65% of Troy, making address verification essential before choosing the service.
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 reasonable fit for households with moderate internet needs, offering fixed wireless plans with up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload for as little as $35 per month before the promotional period ends, though a qualifying postpaid voice line and bundle are required. Fixed wireless is adequate but can be less consistent than fiber or cable, and the 500 Mbps options are available to about 65% of Troy, so check your address for faster wired service first if your home relies on heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple simultaneous users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Hudson Valley Wireless
Speeds up to 200 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Slower than 54% of all internet options in New York
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 Troy
Up to 200 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload can handle streaming, video calls, and several connected devices for many households. Hudson Valley Wireless’s fastest Lbr Fixed Wireless plan has a Speed Score of 46/100 and reaches about 12% of Troy, making it a competitive fixed wireless option, though fixed wireless can have performance issues compared with stronger wired alternatives; availability and the best speed depend on your specific 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 Hudson Valley Wireless
Hudson Valley Wireless serves about 27.2% of Troy using Lbr Fixed Wireless. Check which technology reaches your exact address, since speeds vary by location.
Available Plans
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 63% of all internet options in New York
- 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 MbpsDownload63Our 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 Troy
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 63/100, making it competitive in Troy and above the city average of 39. Because this is fixed wireless, real-world performance can vary by address and conditions, so check availability at your home before signing up. The plan reaches about 40% of Troy, and customers seeking more consistent performance should compare the technologies available at their 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 AT&T
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is a reasonable value for everyday browsing and streaming, though its 63/100 Speed Score is below average. This fixed wireless plan is available to 40.3% of Troy and can be adequate, but households with heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple users should check their address for faster options first.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 69% of all internet options in New York
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload22Our 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 Troy
Satellite service can provide broad availability, but its higher latency may affect video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities compared with wired connections. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a 69/100 Speed Score that is above Troy’s city average of 39, making it a competitive satellite option. The plan is available to 100% of Troy, though address-level conditions can still affect service, so check what 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 Starlink
Starlink uses satellite internet, so it is widely available across Troy and can support everyday browsing, streaming, and remote work, though satellite latency may make gaming and some video calls less smooth. Its fastest plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with slower 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps options also available at 100.0% of the city, but check for fiber or cable at your address first if you need the most reliable performance.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 78% of all internet options in New York
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload22Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload11Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload2Our 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 Troy
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, but its Speed Score of 22/100 is below Troy’s city average of 39. Satellite technology can have higher latency and more limitations than wired alternatives, so consider checking other providers first for demanding streaming, gaming, or work needs. Fusion is available to 100% of Troy, though availability and the best technology option still depend on your specific 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 HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 to 100 Mbps downloads, but its satellite service has below-average performance and may not be the best value for modern streaming, gaming, or multiple users. All three plans are available to about 100% of Troy, so HughesNet can be a practical fallback where faster options are unavailable, but check your address for fiber, cable, or other higher-performing service first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 79% of all internet options in New York
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload21Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload10Our 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 Troy
Viasat is a below-average satellite option in Troy, with a headline Speed Score of 21/100 compared with the city average of 39. Viasat Essentials is the better choice here, offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability to 100% of the city, but satellite has higher latency and more limited performance than other technologies. Availability is address-dependent, so check your exact location and consider what other providers offer 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 a decent last-resort option in Troy, but you should check for faster internet first because its satellite plans are below average for speed. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month with a Speed Score of 21/100, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; both are available to 100% of Troy, but satellite latency and these modest speeds may not be sufficient for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Troy
All 19 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 19 plans
- SpectrumInternet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$60Per month~96.6%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)500 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month~96.6%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- 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~64.6%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~64.6%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~64.6%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload63Our score$60Per month~57.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)300 MbpsDownload63Our score$40Per month~40.3%CoverageFixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload22Our score$55Per 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 Troy
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet 100 at $30/mo for 12 months, reaching about 97% of Troy.
Its 100 Mbps cable tier covers most addresses, including much of Lansingburgh and North Central.
Check first: Promotional pricing requires new residential customers and may not be available at every address.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Spectrum Internet Gig for 1,000 Mbps where its cable service reaches about 97% of Troy.
Spectrum combines Troy's broadest wired footprint with the city's strongest widely available tier.
Check first: Confirm cable availability; Verizon's 940 Mbps fiber reaches only about 2%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Spectrum Internet Gig for 1,000 Mbps cable service reaching about 97% of Troy.
The 1,000 Mbps cable tier is available across nearly all Spectrum-served Troy addresses.
Check first: Availability varies by address, and the plan does not have a listed fiber footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Verizon 5G Home for 300 Mbps where its fixed-wireless tier reaches about 57% of Troy.
Verizon provides the broadest non-cable backup footprint, while Starlink is available everywhere.
Check first: Check the address: Verizon's overall footprint reaches about 59%, not every Troy home.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Troy
North Central 12180
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable service.
Spectrum reaches about 69% of North Central with its 1,000/1,000 Mbps cable listing.
Lansingburgh 12182
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Spectrum reaches about 76% of Lansingburgh with its 1,000/1,000 Mbps cable listing.
ZIP 12181
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable access.
Spectrum reaches about 76% of ZIP 12181 with its 1,000/1,000 Mbps cable listing.
ZIP 12183
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Cable internet.
Spectrum reaches about 82% of ZIP 12183 with its 1,000/35 Mbps cable listing.
Internet providers near Troy
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Troy, check the neighboring market directly.
Troy Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Troy, NY?
Spectrum is the best overall internet provider in Troy, with cable up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 97% of the city. Check your exact address, since availability changes block by block.
What is the fastest internet in Troy, NY?
Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps cable tier is the fastest widely available option, reaching about 97% of Troy. Verizon's 940 Mbps fiber reaches only about 2%, so Spectrum is the practical fastest choice for most eligible addresses.
Which internet provider covers the most of Troy, NY?
Spectrum covers the most of Troy, reaching about 97% 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 Troy, NY?
Spectrum Internet 100 is the cheapest plan at $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching about 97% of Troy. This promotional rate lasts 12 months for new residential customers without Spectrum service in the past 30 days and is not available everywhere.
Can I get fiber internet in Troy?
Verizon's 940 Mbps fiber reaches about 2% of Troy, while Spectrum fiber appears in limited ZIP-level records. Check your exact address, because most reported Spectrum coverage is cable and fiber availability is much narrower.
What internet speed do I need in Troy?
A 100 Mbps plan reaches about 97% of Troy and suits basic streaming, browsing, and smaller households. Choose 500 Mbps or 1,000 Mbps where available for multiple simultaneous streams, remote work, gaming, and larger households.
What internet options are available in Lansingburgh?
Spectrum reaches about 76% of Lansingburgh with 1,000/1,000 Mbps cable, while Verizon fiber reaches about 0.4%. Check the address before choosing, because ZIP-level coverage figures do not guarantee service at every Lansingburgh home.
How We Analyze Internet in Troy
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 Troy report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Troy
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.