Leland, NC Internet
Internet Providers in Leland, NC
Compare every internet provider in Leland, NC: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedFOCUS BROADBAND is the best overall, with fiber speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 43% of Leland. Spectrum is the safe fallback where FOCUS does not reach, offering mostly cable with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps across about 66% of the city and an overall footprint of about 77%.
In Brunswick Forest, FOCUS leads with fiber reaching about 43% of the ZIP, while Spectrum’s cable reaches about 12% and AT&T’s fiber about 11%. That makes Brunswick Forest one of the clearer places to check for top-tier fiber, though the address-level split matters. Waterford of the Carolinas and Magnolia Greens still deserve an exact-address check, since provider reach can change from one street to the next. AT&T is another worthwhile fiber option where available, with speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 14% of the city, while fixed wireless from Verizon or T-Mobile may suit households prioritizing flexibility over maximum speed. Coverage and technology can change lot by lot, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Leland, NC
FOCUS BROADBAND
Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 95% of all internet options in North Carolina
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 Leland
Up to 5000 Mbps both ways on fiber can handle large downloads, 4K streaming, gaming, and many connected devices at once. This plan scores 95/100, making it a top-tier option, and is available across about 43% of Leland. Availability depends on your specific address, with Focus also offering up to 1000/1000 Mbps fiber at 79/100, an excellent choice, and up to 1000/35 Mbps cable at 79/100, a solid 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 FOCUS BROADBAND
FOCUS BROADBAND’s headline option is fiber with up to 5000 Mbps both ways, an excellent choice for large households, 4K streaming, gaming, remote work, and many simultaneous devices. The best fiber tier is address-dependent and available in about 43% of census blocks, while the up to 1000 Mbps cable option has only 35 Mbps upload and reaches about 19%, so check your address for fiber first, with the 1000 Mbps symmetrical fiber plan also available in about 11% of blocks.
Available Plans
Fiber
Cable
Fiber
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 Leland
Spectrum’s top plan offers up to 1,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices. Its cable service is a solid, reliable option with a 79/100 Speed Score, above Leland’s city average of 58, though the Internet Gig plan is available to about 66% of the city, so confirm availability at your 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 Spectrum
Spectrum’s fastest option is up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is excellent for households with multiple streamers, gamers, and remote workers. Its cable service is a strong choice where available, but the listed plans reach about 66% of Leland, so check your address first; the 100 Mbps plan may be adequate for basic use but could feel limiting for busier modern households.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed — faster than 95% of all internet options in North Carolina
- AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$90Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber1,000 MbpsDownload79Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward cardFiber500 MbpsDownload76Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300Mbps$35/mo for 12 months (new customers, with AutoPay & paperless bill discount, wired connection to gateway) · $200 AT&T Visa Reward CardFiber300 MbpsDownload71Our score$35Per month
- 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
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 Leland
For $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T’s 5 GIG fiber plan offers up to 5,000 Mbps both ways, making it an excellent choice for demanding households and heavy uploads. Its 95/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 58, but fiber availability depends on the address, with this plan reaching about 14% of Leland. Where 5 GIG is unavailable, check which AT&T technology and plan your address can receive 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 AT&T
AT&T offers strong value in Leland, from $35 per month for up to 300 Mbps to $90 per month for up to 5,000 Mbps, with fiber plans providing excellent, symmetrical speeds for streaming, gaming, and working from home. Fiber availability is address-dependent, with the 1 GIG, 500Mbps, and 300Mbps plans available to about 33% of the city and the 5 GIG plan to about 14%, while Internet Air reaches less than 1% and offers up to 300 Mbps download but only 30 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber before relying on the wireless option.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
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 Leland
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a solid option for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, with a Speed Score of 71/100. That score is above Leland’s city average of 58, but fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired connections, so confirm that the 5G Home plan reaches your address. The plan is available to about 47% of Leland at $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid mobile unlimited plan.
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 online use, though fixed wireless can vary with location and network conditions. This plan is available to about 47% of Leland, so availability is address-dependent, and you should check your address for fiber or cable before choosing it if you need the most consistent performance.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Leland
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want up to 500 Mbps download speeds for streaming, work, and everyday online use, with a 76/100 Speed Score that is above Leland’s city average of 58. Its fixed wireless service is an adequate option, though performance can vary more than with wired connections, and the 500 Mbps plans offer up to 60 Mbps upload speeds. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 48% of Leland, so confirm that the strongest plan reaches your address 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want reasonably fast home internet for streaming, video calls, and everyday use at a competitive introductory price. Its fixed wireless plans offer up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload, with a good 76/100 Speed Score, but the faster plans are available to about 48% of Leland, so check your address first because service quality can vary and fixed wireless may be less consistent than cable or fiber.
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 Leland
Satellite service can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time use. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 76/100, above Leland’s city average of 58, and is available to 100.0% of the city. Because satellite performance can vary by address and local conditions, check your specific location and compare other available options 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
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad availability across Leland, with up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, though satellite connections can have higher latency that affects gaming and video calls. The Residential Max plan costs $130 per month and has a good 76/100 Speed Score, while the $85 Residential 200 Mbps and $55 Residential 100 Mbps plans are slower, so check for fiber or cable at your address first if low latency and consistently strong performance matter.
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 Leland
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 21/100 Speed Score is below Leland’s city average of 58. Satellite service can have higher latency and more limited real-world performance than wired alternatives, so consider checking other providers at your address before choosing HughesNet, even though Fusion is available to 100.0% 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 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 limited for busy households, streaming, or other modern needs. It reaches 100.0% of Leland, making it a practical fallback where faster internet is unavailable, though you should check your address for fiber, cable, or other faster options first, since the available HughesNet plans are satellite-based.
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 Leland
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Leland, with its best plan offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 19/100. Viasat Essentials reaches 76.1% of the city, but satellite service typically has higher latency, so it is better suited to basic browsing and streaming than demanding real-time activities. Since this score is below Leland’s city average of 58, check what other technologies are available at 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 Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a backup option in Leland, so check for faster internet first. Its satellite plans offer 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, with both available to about 76% of the city and below-average Speed Scores, so they may feel limited for modern households.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Leland
All 20 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 20 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload76Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload57Our score$85Per 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~65.7%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~65.7%CoverageCable
- 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~47.6%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 MbpsDownload76Our score$45$60Per month~47.6%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 MbpsDownload76Our score$55$70Per month~47.6%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload71Our score$60Per month~46.8%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward card1,000 MbpsDownload79Our score$50Per month~33.2%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward card500 MbpsDownload76Our score$50Per month~33.2%CoverageFiber
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 Leland
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose FOCUS BROADBAND fiber up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps where available.
FOCUS fiber reaches about 43% of Leland and offers symmetrical upload and download performance.
Check first: FOCUS fiber availability is address-specific despite its broader overall footprint.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose FOCUS BROADBAND fiber where available, with Spectrum cable as the broader backup.
FOCUS reaches about 43% at 5,000/5,000 Mbps, while Spectrum reaches about 66% at 1,000 Mbps.
Check first: Neither advertised top tier is available throughout its provider's full city footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential 100 Mbps when wired providers do not reach the address.
Starlink is available everywhere in Leland and supplies 100 Mbps on its entry plan.
Check first: Check wired availability first because FOCUS and Spectrum have limited local footprints.
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Start with FOCUS BROADBAND where fiber is available near campus-heavy areas.
Shared apartments need stable upload and download performance for Zoom, streaming, and concurrent device use.
Check first: Confirm your exact building is wired for the advertised plan tier before ordering.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Leland
Brunswick Forest 28451
FOCUS BROADBAND is currently the strongest option for Symmetrical gigabit-plus fiber.
FOCUS fiber reaches about 43% of ZIP 28451, compared with Spectrum cable at about 12%.
Brunswick Forest 28451
FOCUS BROADBAND is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
FOCUS BROADBAND leads this ZIP with 43.3% best-address share.
Internet providers near Leland
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Leland, check the neighboring market directly.
Leland Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Leland, NC?
FOCUS BROADBAND is the best provider, with fiber up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 43% of Leland. Its fastest tier is the fastest where available; Spectrum is the broader wired backup, covering about 77% overall with 1,000 Mbps cable reaching about 66%.
What is the fastest internet in Leland, NC?
FOCUS BROADBAND fiber is fastest, offering up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps across about 43% of Leland. That 5,000 Mbps tier is not citywide, so verify address-level availability before choosing it for demanding uploads, gaming, or streaming.
Which internet provider covers the most of Leland, NC?
Among non-satellite providers, Spectrum covers the most of Leland at about 77% overall, with 1,000 Mbps cable reaching about 66%. Satellite services are available everywhere, but Spectrum is the broadest conventional wired option for addresses it serves.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Leland, NC?
Spectrum Internet 100 is the cheapest plan at $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching about 66% of Leland; it is a promotional starting rate for 12 months for new residential customers. Confirm eligibility because the limited-time offer requires no Spectrum service during the past 30 days.
Can I get fiber internet in Leland?
FOCUS BROADBAND fiber reaches about 43% of Leland, while AT&T fiber reaches about 33% with its 1,000 Mbps tier. Fiber availability varies by address, so check the exact location rather than using either provider's overall footprint.
Is fiber internet available in Brunswick Forest?
FOCUS BROADBAND fiber reaches about 43% of ZIP 28451, while AT&T fiber reaches about 11% there. Brunswick Forest addresses should be checked individually because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee service at every home.
What speed tier is practical for a typical Leland household?
Many households do well starting around 300 Mbps for mixed work, streaming, and gaming. Move higher if you have many concurrent users or frequent large uploads.
How We Analyze Internet in Leland
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 Leland report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Leland
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.