Albemarle, NC Internet
Internet Providers in Albemarle, NC
Compare every internet provider in Albemarle, NC: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Albemarle, NC, the best overall pick is Spectrum: cable at up to 1,000 Mbps reaches about 86% of the city, and the provider’s footprint overall is about 86%. If Kinetic by Windstream reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber up to 2,000 Mbps available to about 13% of the city. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm your exact address before you commit.
Best Internet Providers in Albemarle, NC
Best plan here: Internet Gig 1 Gig — faster than 79% of all internet options in North Carolina
- 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 MbpsDownload79Our 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 MbpsDownload76Our 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 MbpsDownload21Our 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 Albemarle
Spectrum’s top-rated Internet Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for busy households, streaming, gaming, and large downloads, with a Speed Score of 79/100. Its cable service is a solid, reliable choice and scores well above Albemarle’s city average of 42. Availability is address-dependent, with this plan reaching about 86% of the city, so confirm that Gig service is offered at your address before enrolling.
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 fastest plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload over cable, which is well suited for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices. Cable availability is address-dependent, reaching about 86% of Albemarle for this plan, but the other options are also cable, including up to 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps, so checking your address should confirm whether you can get a strong modern connection.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Kinetic by Windstream
Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps
Plans range $24.99–$89.99 /mo *
Best plan here: Fiber Max 2 Gig — faster than 95% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Fiber Max 2 GigFiber2,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$89.99Per month
- Fiber 1 GigFiber1,000 MbpsDownload79Our score$59.99Per month
- Fiber 300 MbpsFiber300 MbpsDownload71Our score$39.99Per month
- Fiber 100 MbpsFiber100 MbpsDownload21Our score$24.99Per month
Source: Kinetic by Windstream 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 Albemarle
At $89.99/mo, Fiber Max 2 Gig offers up to 2000 Mbps both ways and a 95/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier option and strong value for heavy streaming, gaming, and multiple users. It is available to about 13% of Albemarle, so the best fiber technology depends on your specific address. Where available, the $59.99/mo Fiber 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways with a 79/100 Speed Score, still a strong choice for most households.
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 Kinetic by Windstream
At $24.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps both ways, Kinetic by Windstream offers excellent value, with higher-tier fiber options reaching up to 300 Mbps for $39.99/mo, 1,000 Mbps for $59.99/mo, and 2,000 Mbps for $89.99/mo. These are strong choices for streaming, work, and multiple users, but fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 52% of Albemarle for most plans and about 13% for the 2 Gig plan, so check your address before counting on the faster options.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 76% of all internet options in North Carolina
- 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 MbpsDownload76Our 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 MbpsDownload76Our 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 MbpsDownload76Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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 Albemarle
Budget-conscious households with everyday streaming, browsing, and work needs can consider T-Mobile Rely Home Internet, offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month for 12 months, with a Speed Score of 76/100 above the city average of 42. Its fixed wireless connection is adequate but may vary with local conditions, and the plan is available to about 68% of Albemarle, so confirm your address qualifies before relying on the advertised performance.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want solid everyday performance, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 76/100. The plans are available to about 68% of Albemarle, but service is address-dependent, so check eligibility and compare other providers first if your home needs the most consistent connection for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 71% of all internet options in North Carolina
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload71Our 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 Albemarle
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it an adequate option for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, with a Speed Score of 71/100. That score is above Albemarle’s city average of 42, so it is a competitive choice, though fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired connections. The 5G Home plan reaches about 20% of the city, so confirm that this technology is available at 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 Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday household use, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber. This plan is available to about 20% of Albemarle, so its solid speeds are highly address-dependent, and you should check your address for faster fiber or cable options before choosing it. At $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid mobile plan, it is most appealing if you already meet the bundle requirements.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 71% of all internet options in North Carolina
- 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 MbpsDownload71Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T 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 Albemarle
$40/mo buys AT&T Internet Air with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, a good value for a fixed wireless plan with a 71/100 Speed Score, above Albemarle’s city average of 42. Because fixed wireless performance and availability can vary by address and local conditions, confirm that this plan reaches your home before signing up.
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 good value with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, earning a 71/100 speed score, with AutoPay eligible for an additional $5 monthly discount. It uses fixed wireless, which is generally adequate for everyday browsing, streaming, and remote work, but availability reaches only 11.5% of Albemarle, so check your address first and compare faster fiber or cable options if they are available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
RiverStreet
Speeds up to 25 Mbps
Plans start at $49.95 /mo *
Speed Score: Slower than 94% of all internet options in North Carolina
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
Adequate
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Albemarle
RiverStreet’s fixed wireless service may suit households with basic browsing, email, and light streaming needs, offering up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 6/100 across about 8% of Albemarle. Performance is limited compared with stronger alternatives, and the slower up to 10 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up plan scores just 1/100, so check what other providers serve your address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About RiverStreet
RiverStreet may suit a small household with basic browsing, email, and occasional streaming, with fixed wireless speeds up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload available across about 8% of census blocks. Since these are below-average fixed wireless options, they may not be sufficient for busy homes or modern online needs, so check for faster fiber or cable service at your address before choosing RiverStreet, especially where the slower up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload plan is the available fallback.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 76% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload76Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload57Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink 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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Albemarle
Satellite internet offers broad availability and can support streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may feel less responsive than wired connections. Starlink’s Residential Max plan provides up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a Speed Score of 76/100 and availability to 100% of Albemarle, making it a competitive option above the city’s 42 average, though checking other available technologies at your address is worthwhile if low latency matters.
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 can provide broad access where wired service is unavailable, though satellite connections typically have higher latency that can affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Its Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with good speeds and availability to 100% of Albemarle, while the lower-priced 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans offer more modest performance; check for fiber or cable at your address first if they are available, since they are generally better for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 79% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our 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 MbpsDownload6Our 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 Albemarle
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 42. Satellite service can have higher latency and more limited real-world performance, so check what other internet technologies are available at your address before choosing it, even though Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Albemarle.
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 below-average performance and may feel limiting for streaming, gaming, video calls, or multiple users. It reaches 100.0% of Albemarle, making it a practical fallback where faster internet is unavailable, but check your address for fiber, cable, or other faster options before choosing it, especially since the rates increase after the introductory period.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 81% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload19Our 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 Albemarle
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with a Speed Score of 19/100, below Albemarle’s city average of 42, and is shown as available to 100% of the city. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 15/100, although it is also shown as available to 100% of the city.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a backup option rather than a top choice for most modern internet needs, since its satellite plans have below-average Speed Scores and speeds of up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month. Both plans are available to 100% of Albemarle, but satellite service can have higher latency, so check your address for faster fiber, cable, or other options first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Albemarle
All 20 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 20 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload76Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- 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 MbpsDownload79Our score$60Per month~85.7%CoverageCable
- 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 MbpsDownload76Our score$40Per month~85.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload57Our 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 MbpsDownload76Our score$35$50Per month~68%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 MbpsDownload76Our score$45$60Per month~68%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 MbpsDownload76Our score$55$70Per month~68%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Kinetic by WindstreamFiber 1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload79Our score$59.99Per month~51.9%CoverageFiber
- Kinetic by WindstreamFiber 300 Mbps300 MbpsDownload71Our score$39.99Per month~51.9%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload21Our 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 Albemarle
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet 100 for shared browsing, streaming, and video calls where available.
Spectrum’s 100 Mbps cable tier reaches about 86% of Albemarle.
Check first: Confirm service at your address before relying on its citywide footprint.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Kinetic Fiber 1 Gig where available for demanding video calls and large-file transfers.
Kinetic’s 1 Gig fiber reaches about 52% of Albemarle.
Check first: Fiber availability varies sharply by address, including within the same ZIP.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Kinetic Fiber Max 2 Gig if your address is among its limited fiber locations.
Its 2,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 13% of Albemarle.
Check first: The fastest tier is not broadly available, so verify your exact address first.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink Residential 100 where wired service is unavailable.
Starlink is available everywhere and its 100 Mbps plan reaches every Albemarle address.
Check first: Compare address-level wired availability before choosing satellite service.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Albemarle
Forest Hills 28001
Windstream Concord Telephone Company is currently the strongest option for Gigabit fiber households.
Windstream fiber reaches about 50% of ZIP 28001, while Spectrum cable reaches about 38%.
ZIP 28002
Windstream Concord Telephone Company is currently the strongest option for Broad fiber availability.
Windstream fiber reaches about 99% of ZIP 28002, with Spectrum cable at about 1%.
Forest Hills 28001
Windstream Concord Telephone Company is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Windstream Concord Telephone Company leads this ZIP with 50.1% best-address share.
ZIP 28002
Windstream Concord Telephone Company is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Windstream Concord Telephone Company leads this ZIP with 98.8% best-address share.
Internet providers near Albemarle
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Albemarle, check the neighboring market directly.
Albemarle Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Albemarle, NC?
Spectrum is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 1,000 Mbps across about 86% of Albemarle. Kinetic by Windstream is faster where available, with 2,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 13%.
What is the fastest internet in Albemarle, NC?
Kinetic by Windstream Fiber Max 2 Gig is fastest at 2,000 Mbps, reaching about 13% of Albemarle. Spectrum’s 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 86%, making it the broader high-speed option.
Which internet provider covers the most of Albemarle, NC?
Kinetic by Windstream has the largest non-satellite footprint, covering about 89% of Albemarle among nine listed providers. Satellite service from Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat is available everywhere, but Kinetic offers the broadest wired footprint.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Albemarle, NC?
Kinetic by Windstream Fiber 100 Mbps is the cheapest plan at a $24.99/mo promotional starting rate, reaching about 52% of Albemarle. It provides 100 Mbps, so confirm fiber availability and current promotional terms at your address.
Can I get fiber internet in Albemarle?
Kinetic fiber reaches about 52% of Albemarle at 1,000 Mbps and about 13% at 2,000 Mbps. Fiber availability is address-specific, so check eligibility before choosing a tier.
What internet speed do I need in Albemarle?
A 100 Mbps plan supports many households, while 500 Mbps or 1,000 Mbps better suits multiple simultaneous streams, calls, and downloads. Spectrum offers 1,000 Mbps cable across about 86%, while Kinetic offers 2,000 Mbps fiber where available.
Is fast internet available in Forest Hills?
Forest Hills, ZIP 28001, has Windstream fiber reaching about 50% and Spectrum cable reaching about 38%. Check your address because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee service at every home.
How We Analyze Internet in Albemarle
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 Albemarle report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Albemarle
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.