Wilmington, NC Internet
Internet Providers in Wilmington, NC
Compare every internet provider in Wilmington, NC: 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 88% of the city, and an overall footprint of about 90%. AT&T has fiber speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 38% of the city; if it reaches your address, it is the faster choice.
Local results vary considerably: Spectrum leads in ZIP 28409, including much of Mayfaire, at about 65%, while it also leads ZIP 28408 at about 64%. AT&T is stronger in ZIP 28404, covering about 63%, and its 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber is especially prominent in Historic Downtown Wilmington and Forest Hills, while Landfall is more evenly split between AT&T and Spectrum. Students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College should check apartment-specific options, since student housing can differ from nearby residential streets and some addresses may still be limited by older DSL or copper infrastructure. T-Mobile and Verizon are worth a look as fixed-wireless alternatives, particularly where wired service is limited, but they are generally more modest choices for gaming, streaming, and Zoom. Coverage can change street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington
Up to 1,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload on Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan can handle multiple 4K streams, online gaming, video calls, and busy households. As a cable service, it is a solid, reliable choice, with a 79/100 Speed Score that is above Wilmington’s city average of 56. Internet Gig is available to about 88% of the city, so confirm your address, since plan availability and real-world performance can vary by location.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Spectrum
Up to 1000 Mbps over cable is excellent for busy households, supporting multiple 4K streams, gaming, video calls, and large downloads. Spectrum is a strong option where available, with its Gig plan reaching about 88% of Wilmington, though availability is address-dependent and the 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps cable plans may be better suited to lighter needs.
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 Wilmington
At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet 5 GIG offers up to 5000 Mbps both ways on fiber, a top-tier value for heavy streaming, gaming, and large households, with a Speed Score of 95/100 and a $150 reward card. That score is above Wilmington’s city average of 56, making AT&T an excellent choice where this tier is available, though it reaches about 38% of the city. Fiber availability varies by address, so shoppers outside that footprint should check whether AT&T’s other fiber plans are available and compare their performance with Internet Air’s fixed-wireless 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 AT&T
AT&T offers strong value, from $35/mo for up to 300 Mbps to $90/mo for up to 5,000 Mbps, with its fiber plans providing excellent, symmetrical speeds and the fastest option earning a 95/100 Speed Score. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 51% of Wilmington for the 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 GIG plans and about 38% for 5 GIG, while Internet Air reaches about 16% with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber first because the fixed wireless fallback may be less consistent for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
FOCUS BROADBAND
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 79% of all internet options in North Carolina
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Wilmington
Up to 1000 Mbps symmetrical fiber can handle 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices with room to spare. FOCUS BROADBAND’s fiber plan scores 79/100, making it a good, competitive option above Wilmington’s average top speed score of 56. Fiber reaches about 2% of Wilmington, so confirm this plan 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 FOCUS BROADBAND
Up to 1000 Mbps both ways over fiber can easily handle streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. It is an excellent option where available, but coverage is address-dependent and reaches only about 2% of Wilmington, so check your address before counting on FOCUS BROADBAND.
Available Plans
Fiber
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 Wilmington
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a good option for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, though performance can vary more than with wired connections. Its 5G Home plan has a Speed Score of 71/100, above Wilmington’s city average of 56, and is available to about 45% of the city. Check your address to confirm availability, since this 5G coverage may not reach every home.
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 typical household use, though performance can vary. This plan is available to about 45% of Wilmington, so check your address, and compare it with any fiber or cable options nearby before choosing, especially if you need consistently strong speeds for many users or demanding work.
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 Wilmington
For households needing practical home internet for streaming, work, and everyday use, T-Mobile is a competitive fixed wireless choice, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps down and 60 Mbps up and a Speed Score of 76/100, above the city average of 56. Fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, so performance may depend on local network conditions. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 68% of Wilmington addresses and require qualifying credit plus a postpaid voice-line bundle, making address eligibility an important check 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile can suit households that want reasonably fast everyday internet, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 76/100. Availability is address dependent, with these plans reaching about 68% of Wilmington, and because fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable, check for faster wired options at your address first if you work from home, game, or have many users.
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 Wilmington
Satellite service can reach homes that lack wired options, but its higher latency may be noticeable during video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with a Speed Score of 76/100, above Wilmington’s city average of 56, and is available to 100.0% of the city. The 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 57/100 and 21/100 respectively, so check what other connection types are available at your address before choosing the lower tiers.
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, providing broad availability and up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, though satellite connections can have higher latency that affects gaming, video calls, and other real-time uses. Its Residential Max 400 Mbps plan has a good 76/100 Speed Score and is available to 100.0% of Wilmington, but check for fiber or cable at your address first, since Starlink’s lower-speed options may be less suitable for modern heavy 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 Wilmington
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below Wilmington’s city average of 56. As satellite service, it has more limited performance and higher latency than wired alternatives, so consider checking other providers first for demanding activities; Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Wilmington, but confirm suitability 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 HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 to 100 Mbps download and 3 to 5 Mbps upload through satellite service, with prices rising to $49.99 to $119.99 afterward. Its plans reach 100.0% of Wilmington, but satellite latency and below-average speeds can limit video calls, gaming, and other modern needs, so check for faster fiber or cable options at your address first.
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 Wilmington
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Wilmington, 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 with a Speed Score of 19/100, well below the city average of 56. Satellite service is available to about 60% of the city, but its higher latency and slower performance may be less suitable for demanding activities than other technologies.
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 fallback option, so check for faster internet before choosing it. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99, and both are satellite plans available to about 60% of Wilmington, with below-average speed scores of 19/100 and 15/100 respectively.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Wilmington
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
- 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~88.4%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~88.4%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~68.2%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~68.2%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~68.2%CoverageFixed 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~51.3%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~51.3%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&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 card5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$90Per month~38.4%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 Wilmington
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet 100 for straightforward shared browsing and streaming.
Its 100 Mbps cable tier reaches about 88% of Wilmington, including many student-oriented addresses.
Check first: Confirm the address qualifies before relying on Spectrum's promotional starting rate.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG where available for stronger upload performance and work calls.
The 1,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 51% of Wilmington, while AT&T's overall footprint is broader.
Check first: Fiber availability varies by address, even within neighborhoods such as Forest Hills.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Internet 5 GIG where available for the fastest listed connection.
AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 38% of Wilmington, making it the fastest local option.
Check first: Do not assume the 5,000 Mbps tier follows AT&T's broader footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink when wired options do not reach the address.
Starlink satellite service is available everywhere in Wilmington, including harder-to-serve homes.
Check first: Verify installation conditions and plan suitability before choosing satellite service.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Wilmington
Historic Downtown Wilmington 28401
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fastest fiber availability.
AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 53% in 28401, ahead of Spectrum's roughly 30% cable reach.
Forest Hills 28403
AT&T is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber.
AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 51% in 28403, while Spectrum cable reaches about 29%.
Landfall 28405
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Spectrum cable reaches about 40% in 28405, compared with AT&T's roughly 36% 5,000 Mbps fiber reach.
ZIP 28408
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Cable coverage.
Spectrum cable reaches about 64% in 28408, substantially exceeding AT&T's roughly 21% 5,000 Mbps fiber reach.
Internet providers near Wilmington
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Wilmington, check the neighboring market directly.
Wilmington Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Wilmington, NC?
Spectrum is the best overall provider, with cable up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 88% of Wilmington. AT&T is faster where available, offering 5,000 Mbps fiber to about 38% of the city, so check your address before choosing.
What is the fastest internet in Wilmington, NC?
AT&T offers the fastest service: 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 38% of Wilmington. Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 88%, making it the more broadly available high-speed choice.
Which internet provider covers the most of Wilmington, NC?
Spectrum has the largest non-satellite footprint at about 90% overall, with its cable plans reaching about 88% of Wilmington. Satellite service is available everywhere, but Spectrum offers the strongest broad wired coverage.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Wilmington, NC?
Spectrum Internet 100 is the cheapest plan at $30 per month for 100 Mbps, reaching about 88% of Wilmington. This promotional starting rate lasts 12 months for new residential customers without Spectrum service during the past 30 days.
Can I get fiber internet in Wilmington?
Two providers offer fiber: AT&T reaches about 51% with its 1,000 Mbps tier, while Focus Broadband reaches about 2% with 1,000 Mbps fiber. Fiber availability is address-specific, so a neighborhood's coverage does not guarantee service at your home.
What internet speed do I need in Wilmington?
A 100 Mbps plan reaches about 88% through Spectrum and suits basic streaming, browsing, and smaller households. Larger households, remote work, or gaming may benefit from AT&T's 1,000 Mbps fiber, available to about 51% of Wilmington.
Which internet provider is best near Battleship North Carolina?
Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 88% of Wilmington, while AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 38%. At an address near Battleship North Carolina, check availability directly because the fastest technology has a smaller footprint.
How We Analyze Internet in Wilmington
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 Wilmington report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Wilmington
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.