CARY, NC
Find internet providers in Cary, NC
Find internet offered in Cary, NC – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 10 internet providers for Cary, NC
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Cary, NC, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~94% of the city overall; its top fiber tier reaches speeds up to 5,000 Mbps across ~62% of the city. Spectrum is a close runner-up at 91.1% citywide, mostly via cable covering 90% at speeds up to 1,000/35 Mbps. ZIP 27511 is led by Google Fiber at 76.9%, while AT&T fiber appears at 10.0%. Lochmere in 27518 is more balanced, with AT&T fiber at 33.9%, Google Fiber at 23.9%, and Spectrum cable at 19.5%; Amberly in 27519 favors Google Fiber at 70.3%, and Preston in 27513 does too at 71.9%. ZIP 27512 also favors Google Fiber at 60.0%, while Carpenter Village still merits an address check. Students at Wake Technical Community College Western Wake Campus should check apartment-specific options, since older DSL or copper can complicate Zoom, streaming, and gaming. For a budget-minded alternative, T-Mobile covers 81.7% citywide, with fixed wireless reaching 52% at up to 100/20 Mbps; Verizon covers 64.2%, with fixed wireless reaching 54% at up to 300/20 Mbps. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before signing up.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 98% of all internet options in North Carolina
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T 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 Cary
At $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload, making it a top-tier option with a Speed Score of 95/100. Fiber 1 GIG is available to 80.3% of Cary, so check your address because AT&T’s fiber may not reach every location, and the alternative technology can deliver different real-world performance. AT&T’s headline Speed Score of 98/100 is above Cary’s city average of 71.
About AT&T
AT&T offers strong value in Cary, with up to 1,000 Mbps both ways for $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, and up to 5,000 Mbps both ways for $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo. Fiber is the excellent choice, with plans up to 1,000 Mbps available to 80.3% of the city and 5 GIG available to 62.1%, but availability is address-dependent; where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps for $55/mo, then $60/mo, across 39.2% of the city, so check your address before relying on the fixed-wireless fallback for heavier modern internet use.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 8 Gig — faster than 99% of all internet options in North Carolina
- 8 GigFiber8,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$150Per month
- 3 GigFiber3,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigFiber1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$70Per month
Source: Google Fiber 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 Cary
For large households, remote workers, gamers, and power users, Google Fiber is a top-tier option with fiber service offering up to 8,000 Mbps both ways for $150 per month. Its 99/100 Speed Score is well above Cary’s 71 city average, indicating excellent performance for demanding downloads, uploads, streaming, and low-latency use. The 8 Gig plan is available to 64.0% of Cary, so confirm that this tier reaches your address before choosing it.
About Google Fiber
Households that stream heavily, work from home, game online, or have many connected devices should find Google Fiber an excellent fit, with fiber plans offering up to 8,000 Mbps both ways for $150/mo, up to 3,000 Mbps both ways for $100/mo, or up to 1,000 Mbps both ways for $70/mo. The 1 Gig plan is available to 70.1% of Cary, while the faster 3 Gig and 8 Gig plans reach 64.0%, so this excellent fiber service is address-dependent and worth checking at your home.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload76Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload56Our 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 Cary
Spectrum’s top plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for busy households with 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices. Its cable service is a solid, reliable choice with a Speed Score of 89/100, above Cary’s city average of 71, while Internet Gig is available to 90.4% of the city, so confirm service reaches your specific address.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s cable Internet Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and many connected devices at once. It is a strong option where available, with the plan reaching 90.4% of Cary, but availability is address-dependent, so confirm you can get the faster tier rather than settling for the 100 Mbps plan, which is better for basic use.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Hotwire Communications
Speeds up to 8,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in North Carolina
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 Cary
Fiber is an excellent choice for low-latency gaming, streaming, video calls, and heavy uploads, with Hotwire Communications offering up to 8,000 Mbps in both directions and a 99/100 speed score. Since that top-tier plan reaches 0.2% of Cary, verify your address before counting on this level of performance.
About Hotwire Communications
Fiber service provides excellent performance for streaming, gaming, video calls, and large uploads, with Hotwire plans offering up to 8,000 Mbps both ways. It is a strong choice if your address is eligible, but availability is limited in Cary, so check your exact address before relying on it.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 76% of all internet options in North Carolina
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload76Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload76Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cary
Households seeking above-average everyday performance without a wired connection may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service a competitive fit, with All-In offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload and Rely offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload, both with a Speed Score of 76/100 compared with Cary’s city average of 71. All-In costs $70/mo promotional, while Rely costs $50/mo promotional, and both are available to 72.5% of Cary. Fixed wireless is adequate for many homes but can be more variable than wired service, so confirm availability and expected performance at your address before choosing.
About T-Mobile
Households that want solid everyday speeds for streaming, work, and multiple connected devices may find T-Mobile a good fit, with 5G Fixed Wireless plans offering up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $70/mo or up to 354 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $50/mo. These are good, adequate fixed-wireless options rather than the consistency of fiber or cable, and both have a Speed Score of 76/100 and are available to 72.5% of Cary, so check your address and compare faster wired service first if it is offered.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 71% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload71Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload48Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload48Our 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 Cary
Satellite internet can reach many homes, but its higher latency may be more noticeable for gaming, video calls, and other real-time uses than wired connections. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 71/100, about the same as the city average of 71, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 48/100, so check other technologies available at your address if low latency or consistent performance is important.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing, streaming, and work, but its higher latency may make online gaming and video calls feel less responsive than fiber or cable. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo and is available to 100.0% of Cary, making it a solid option where wired service is unavailable, though it is worth checking your address for fiber or cable first if you need the most consistent performance.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 77% of all internet options in North Carolina
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cary
5G fixed wireless is a practical choice for everyday streaming, video calls, and home use, with plans offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home. Their Speed Scores of 77 and 76 are above Cary’s city average of 71, making Verizon competitive, though fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired connections. Both plans are available to 64.2% of Cary, so check your exact address before choosing.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is an adequate choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and connected devices, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo, and 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Because fixed wireless performance can vary with signal and congestion, check for fiber or cable at your address first if you need especially consistent service, and note that these Verizon plans are available to 64.2% of Cary.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 71% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload6Our 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
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 Cary
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 29/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 71, making this satellite service a limited-performance value compared with alternatives. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Cary, but satellite’s higher latency and the lower-cost Select and Lite plans, with up to 50/5 Mbps and 25/3 Mbps, respectively, make it worth checking which other technologies reach your specific address first.
About HughesNet
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s fastest Fusion plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, while Select costs $49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo, with up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, and Lite costs $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo, with up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. All three satellite plans are available to 100.0% of Cary, but their Speed Scores are 29/100 for Fusion and 6/100 for Select and Lite, so HughesNet is mainly a fallback; check your address for fiber or cable first, since satellite’s higher latency and below-average speeds may not suit gaming, video calls, or heavier modern internet use.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Speed Score: Slower than 51% of all internet options in North Carolina
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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Cary
Up to 90 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but Frontier’s top copper plan has a Speed Score of 49/100. It is listed across just 0.2% of Cary, while the other copper tiers offer up to 45 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload with a 43/100 score, or up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload with a 5/100 score. Copper provides limited performance compared with alternatives, so check what is available at your address before choosing Frontier.
About Frontier
Frontier’s fastest local option is copper internet up to 90 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, enough for everyday browsing, HD streaming, and video calls for a small household, though the limited upload speed may struggle with heavier simultaneous use. That plan reaches just 0.2% of Cary’s census blocks, so your address may instead be limited to copper up to 45 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, making it wise to check for faster fiber or cable options first.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 94% of all internet options in North Carolina
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload6Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload6Our 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 Cary
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Cary, so check what other options are available at your address before choosing it. Both listed plans use satellite and have a Speed Score of 6/100, below Cary’s city average of 71, with speeds of up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for Essentials or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for Unleashed. Each plan is available to 100.0% of the city, but satellite’s higher latency and slower performance can be limiting for video calls, gaming, and heavy household use.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is best treated as a backup option in Cary, not a first choice for demanding modern use: its satellite service has a Speed Score of 6/100, with Viasat Essentials offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload. Essentials costs $69.99/mo and Unleashed costs $99.99/mo, and both plans are available to 100.0% of Cary. Check your address for faster fiber or cable service first, since satellite latency and these speeds may not be enough for busy households, streaming, or frequent video calls.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Cary
All 23 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 23 plans
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60$70Per month~90.4%CoverageCable
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$50$90Per month~80.3%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload71Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload76Our score$40$50Per month~90.4%CoverageCable
- Google Fiber1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$70Per month~70.1%CoverageFiber
- Google Fiber8 Gig8,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$150Per month~64%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/mo500 MbpsDownload77Our score$50$75Per month~80.3%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35$60Per month~80.3%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95$135Per month~62.1%CoverageFiber
- Google Fiber3 Gig3,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$100Per month~64%CoverageFiber
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Cary providers head-to-head
See how Cary’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Cary
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage: 100 Mbps reaches 90.4% of Cary at a $30/mo promotional starting rate.
Its 100 Mbps plan reaches 90.4% of Cary, while ZIP listings include Spectrum in Downtown Cary and Preston.
Check first: Verify service at your address; the plan does not reach every Cary location.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Google Fiber 1 Gig: 1,000 Mbps reaches 70.1% of Cary where available.
Google Fiber leads listed coverage in Downtown Cary, Amberly, and Preston, at 76.9%, 70.3%, and 71.9%.
Check first: Confirm your address: Google Fiber's 3 Gig and 8 Gig tiers each reach 64% of Cary.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Pick Google Fiber 8 Gig: 8,000 Mbps reaches 64% of Cary where available.
Its 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber is listed in ZIP data for Downtown Cary, Amberly, and Preston.
Check first: The 8 Gig tier is not citywide; verify exact serviceability before ordering.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps: its 100 Mbps plan reaches 100% of Cary at a $55/mo promotional starting rate.
Starlink's basic NGSO satellite footprint reaches roughly 100% of Cary, unlike the listed wired providers' narrower footprints.
Check first: Satellite coverage reaches 100%, but confirm address-level service details before ordering.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Cary
Downtown Cary
Google Fiber is currently the strongest option for Highest listed fiber coverage.
Google Fiber reaches 76.9% of ZIP 27511 in Downtown Cary, with 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber listed.
Lochmere
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Competing fiber options.
AT&T leads ZIP 27518 at 33.9%, ahead of Google Fiber at 23.9%.
Amberly
Google Fiber is currently the strongest option for Strong fiber availability.
Google Fiber reaches 70.3% of ZIP 27519 in Amberly, ahead of AT&T at 14.2%.
ZIP 27512
Google Fiber is currently the strongest option for Broadest listed fiber coverage.
Google Fiber leads ZIP 27512 at 60.0%, followed by Spectrum at 20.0% and Starlink at 10.0%.
Preston
Google Fiber is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber choice.
Google Fiber reaches 71.9% of ZIP 27513 in Preston, ahead of Spectrum at 11.1%.
Internet providers near Cary
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Cary, check the neighboring market directly.
Cary Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Cary, NC?
Google Fiber is Cary's fastest listed provider, offering 8,000 Mbps on its 8 Gig plan, which reaches 64% of the city. Check address-level availability because Google Fiber's overall footprint is 70.1%, while the 8 Gig tier reaches 64%.
Can I get fiber internet in Cary, NC?
Yes—fiber is available through AT&T Fiber 300, Fiber 1 GIG, and Fiber 500, each reaching 80.3% of Cary; Google Fiber 1 Gig reaches 70.1%. Fiber tier availability varies by address, and Google Fiber's 3 Gig and 8 Gig plans each reach 64%.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Cary, NC?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Cary's cheapest listed plan at a $30/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps, reaching 90.4% of the city. Confirm service at your exact address before ordering because this plan does not reach every Cary address.
How much internet speed do I need in Cary for remote work and streaming?
A 300 Mbps plan is a Cary benchmark: AT&T Fiber 300 has a $35/mo promotional starting rate and reaches 80.3% of the city. For heavier simultaneous use, Google Fiber 1 Gig provides 1,000 Mbps and reaches 70.1% where available.
Which internet provider is strongest in Preston, Cary, NC?
Google Fiber reaches 71.9% of ZIP 27513, the highest listed share for Preston, with 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber. Check your exact address because Spectrum reaches 11.1% and AT&T 7.1% there, so options can vary within Preston.
How We Analyze Internet in Cary
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 Cary report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Cary
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.